"Thunder Dog" by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory is one of the most inspiring and uplifting books I have read in quite awhile. I see it as actually two stories in one. Not only does Michael tell of his extraordinary and terrifying experience of living through and escaping the North Tower of The World Trade Center on 9/11 guided by his faithful seeing-eye dog, Roselle, but he tells his life story of being blinded at birth and how he has lived a successful life as a blind person. He attributes much of his ability to his parents who helped and encouraged him to be the best he could be in a world designed for the majority of people who are sighted.
One particular section of the book really touched me and that was when he heard the cries for help from a woman trapped trying to escape the tower. Though she wasn't blind, her eyes were filled with dust from the debri of the blast so she couldn't see. Michael, guided by his ever faithful Roselle, made their way to her. He told her he was blind and he took her arm and together, with Roselle in the lead, they would be okay-she would lead them to safety. In the book, after relating that story he added, "This time the blind really is leading the blind, but why should that be unusual? After all, helping this lady is what teamwork is all about."
Reading his book taught me that the blind are much more capable than many of us with sight realize. Michael not only decended 1,463 steps of the North Tower with his guide dog, Roselle, which would have been quite a feat for those who can see, he learned how to ride a bicycle. drive a car and even fly a plane. He is one amazing man who doesn't let obsticals stand in his way of doing what he wants to!
I enjoyed reading "Thunder Dog" very much. It's one of the ones that leave you feeling really good inside and inspired, thinking, maybe I can do it to.
I was given this book by the publishers review program in return for posting a review. I was not required to give a favorable review. I was only asked to give an honest one.
