Wake-Up Call: The Political Education of a 9/11 Widow

by Kristen Breitweiser

Book Overview

The widow of a victim of the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center chronicles her odyssey from suburban family life to her role as an outspoken activist, critic of the Bush administration, and campaigner for justice and national security.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446579327
• ISBN13: 9780446579322
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Warner Books (NY)
• Length: 287 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Truly a Political Education for us ALL!

The title of this book suggests a political education of a 9/11 widow, but since Kristen Breitweiser has written this eloquent and amazing book, it truly has become a political education for us all! Breitweiser became widowed on 9/11 when her soulmate, best friend, husband, and daughter's father was tragically murdered by terrorist as he was working on the 94th floor of the World Trade Center. Ron Breitweiser was only 39 years old and neither him or his wife expected that he would no longer be around for his "Sweets" (the term of endearment he affectionately used for his wife) and his beautiful baby daughter, Caroline. But 9/11 happened and Kristen's life was transformed in ways she never would have fathomed. Breitweiser banded with three other widows and they became known as the "Jersey Girls" during their journey in lobbying the government to establish an independent commission to investigate 9/11. Each of the four women brought unique skills to the team, and they balanced each other out beautifully. The Jersey Girls became incredibly close friends and America's strongest lobbyist for the 9/11 Commission. Without them, there would probably have not ever been a 9/11 Commission established. Most people might look at this book and think it is a biography about a 9/11 widow. It is that, but it is not only that. It is much, much, much more! The bulk of the book's contents are really a narrative of the journey in establishing the 9/11 Commission more than it is a biography of Breitweiser's life. I feel as though I learned more from reading Breitweiser's book than I have from all the variety of sources of information over the past five years. Truly - it is remarkable! I strongly urge all people to read this book. If you truly care about America, you will need to read this book. If you want to gain a better understanding and insight to how our system operates, you will need to read this book. Breitweiser is a true trooper. America would be at a different place today if she and the other Jersey Girls never became the strong activists they did. Kudos to them for working so hard in an effort to keep America safe for our children and future generations!

Kristen is not a harpy making money off her dead husband, just a concerned citizen!

Ann Coulter and her vile comments about the 9-11 harpy widows who were enjoying and making mpney off their dead husbands piqued my interest in this book. What a heartbreaking story and a fantastic writing job..my hat is off to Kristen. Here is a woman who lost her husband, fought to hold her sanity and her life together while trying to make sense of a seemingly senseless tragedy. In the process, she saw and learned many things about the Bush administration and the "secret" government that remains hidden from Americans. The worst disaster ever on American soil and yet the Bush administration fought the investigation each and every step of the way. This book leaves more questions unanswered than it could ever answer and will hopefully make all Americans think and question what our government is doing in our name and with our money. I hope that the writing of this book has brought some closure to Kristen and her family. God bless.

I read this in one night

Kristen is bluntly honest about her experiences as a 9/11 widow who got more insight into the workings of our government than she ever wanted. She is an incredible writer and her experience is vividly recounted to the readers. Her honestly is haunting at some points. Kristen does not mince words, and the reader senses that she respects them and their ability to handle the truth. She is just so real and seems like someone who could be a friend if you had ever met her. The only criticism I have is that Kristen should not have wasted time commenting on Ann Coulter. Ann Coulter is a publicity hungry shew and Kristen is leagues above her in class, knowledge and experience. I felt that Kristen should not have lowered herself to Ann's level. Ann just wants attention, Kristen wants change.

Could not put it down . . .

The author begins by describing her ideal pre-9/11 world, which sets the reader up to really feel the gut-wrenching personal impact of the tragic day and it's aftermath. She then describes how her grief and anger were transformed, with the help of other 9/11 widows, into the successful effort to form the 9/11 Commission. As the book progresses, the reader see's how Kristen's efforts to uncover the truth are stalled by various individuals and agencies, leading her to campaign for a change of administration in the 2004 elections. She does this all while raising her daughter and grieving the loss of her beloved husband. The author details some interesting questions that remain unanswered about the government's failures on 9/11. I also loved the amusing description of the meeting with Henry Kissinger, and her letter to Ann Coulter at the end of the book hits the nail on the head--touche'! But my favorite thing about the book was sharing the author's feelings of hope and frustration as she courageously moved forward after 9/11, simply trying to find the truth. Nice work, Kristen!

This book will wake up a lot of people.

Kristen Breitweiser's husband, Ron, worked on the 94th floor of the World Trade Center. After his death, she felt that it was important to learn how such tragedies might be avoided in the future. And she also felt that an independent investigation was called for. Along with three other 9/11 widows, she traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with her Representatives and see what could be done. This book details her political awakening. Mrs. Breitweiser and her husband both voted for George W. Bush in 2000. When the subject of an independent investigation of 9/11 was suggested, however, it was Bush's administration that blocked it at every step. Not only did they attempt to block a commission, they actively fought against it. And when pressure came to bear, and the White House finally had to agree to cooperate, they fought against the Commission gaining access to many documents and witnesses. They even insisted that the Chairman of the Commission would be none other than Henry Kissinger. The author led a somewhat naive and privileged life before 9/11. It wasn't long before she was holding her own opposite some of the most powerful people and institutions in the Country. She found herself testifying before a Joint Inquiry of Congress. Quite a transformation. Many of the hard questions she asked have still not been sufficiently answered. An interesting book by a very admirable woman.