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9/11. A Survivor’s Story.
After an upheaval, you must face what seems impossible: continuing your life. Artie Van Why found himself in that situation after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and he recalls his experiences as a survivor and witness of that day in this memoir. Van Why also looks back at what brought him to New York, including his struggle with his sexuality and spirituality. He shares these personal details because as you read about him standing in front of the burning towers, it�s important to understand the person he was on that day, what he�d been through, what he�d endured, and what he�d overcome. Finally, in what were originally Huffington Post blogs, Van Why shares what his life has been like since 9/11, including how he�s coped with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and all the other manifestations of grief, mourning, and sadness that can be applied to any life-altering experience.
- GenresNonfiction
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
About the author
Artie Van Why
6 books14 followersOriginally from Maryland, Artie Van Why moved to New York City in November of 1977 to pursue an acting career; albeit a slightly successful one.
Artie left show business in 1988 to enter the corporate world; as a word processor. He worked for the same law firm in midtown Manhattan for thirteen years. In June of 2001, his firm moved to other quarters downtown, across from the World Trade Center. Artie was at work the morning of September 11th, and witnessed the horror of that day from the streets.
He quit his job after three weeks of being back at his office's building near what was now called Ground Zero. He began writing about his experience of that day and the days and weeks following, giving a vivid accounting of what it was like to be in New York City on that day in September, and afterwards. He sent some of his writings to friends and family via emails, and they, in turn, forwarded them to their friends and family. In a short period of time people across the country were reading Artie's emails. He began receiving emails from people expressing their gratitude in being given a glimpse of what it was like to be in New York City during that time. He was encouraged to keep writing, and he did. Led by a personal conviction to tell his story of 9/11, Artie returned to his theatrical beginnings and began adapting his writings into a script. Laboring over draft after draft, Artie wanted to create a work he could share with people across the country.
During this time, he met famed actor, Richard Masur, through a mutual friend. Richard had done weeks of volunteer work at Ground Zero during the weeks of rescue and recovery. With Richard's help, Artie put the final touches on the script and produced a staged reading of what was now a one man play called “That Day in September” in New York City. The reading was a success, a sold out evening. With Richard now involved as director, the first mounted production of “That Day In September” premiered on the campus of California Lutheran University, in Thousand Oaks, California, shortly after the one year anniversary of September 11th. The play then moved to the Celebration Theater in Los Angeles, where it opened to critical acclaim.
Back in New York, Artie mounted a workshop production of “That Day In September,” in preparation for a New York run. In August of 2003 “That Day in September” opened Off Broadway for a limited run.
After the New York production, in September of 2003, Artie moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he now resides.
Still compelled to tell his story of 9/11, Artie shared his experience of that day for churches, civic groups and as the key speaker in a series of conferences on PTSD for Drexel University.
The response garnered from those speaking opportunities encouraged Artie to do whatever he could to preserve the memory of 9/11 in people’s minds. To that end he self-published “That Day In September” as a book adaptation in 2006.
Artie left show business in 1988 to enter the corporate world; as a word processor. He worked for the same law firm in midtown Manhattan for thirteen years. In June of 2001, his firm moved to other quarters downtown, across from the World Trade Center. Artie was at work the morning of September 11th, and witnessed the horror of that day from the streets.
He quit his job after three weeks of being back at his office's building near what was now called Ground Zero. He began writing about his experience of that day and the days and weeks following, giving a vivid accounting of what it was like to be in New York City on that day in September, and afterwards. He sent some of his writings to friends and family via emails, and they, in turn, forwarded them to their friends and family. In a short period of time people across the country were reading Artie's emails. He began receiving emails from people expressing their gratitude in being given a glimpse of what it was like to be in New York City during that time. He was encouraged to keep writing, and he did. Led by a personal conviction to tell his story of 9/11, Artie returned to his theatrical beginnings and began adapting his writings into a script. Laboring over draft after draft, Artie wanted to create a work he could share with people across the country.
During this time, he met famed actor, Richard Masur, through a mutual friend. Richard had done weeks of volunteer work at Ground Zero during the weeks of rescue and recovery. With Richard's help, Artie put the final touches on the script and produced a staged reading of what was now a one man play called “That Day in September” in New York City. The reading was a success, a sold out evening. With Richard now involved as director, the first mounted production of “That Day In September” premiered on the campus of California Lutheran University, in Thousand Oaks, California, shortly after the one year anniversary of September 11th. The play then moved to the Celebration Theater in Los Angeles, where it opened to critical acclaim.
Back in New York, Artie mounted a workshop production of “That Day In September,” in preparation for a New York run. In August of 2003 “That Day in September” opened Off Broadway for a limited run.
After the New York production, in September of 2003, Artie moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he now resides.
Still compelled to tell his story of 9/11, Artie shared his experience of that day for churches, civic groups and as the key speaker in a series of conferences on PTSD for Drexel University.
The response garnered from those speaking opportunities encouraged Artie to do whatever he could to preserve the memory of 9/11 in people’s minds. To that end he self-published “That Day In September” as a book adaptation in 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 21, 2018
In 2011, Artie Van Why wrote a memoir of the horrific day in 2001 that changed him, his fellow New Yorkers, his fellow Americans, and the world forever. I was honored when he contacted me through My Reader's Block and asked if I would care to read it and post a review. And when I did this is how I summed up his work: "An absolutely beautiful book. With the ten-year anniversary of that awful day approaching, I highly recommend finding yourself a copy and reading for yourself about Artie and his memory of those events. You won't be sorry."
Artie has now taken that memoir and expanded it. He gives us a more extensive recollection of the events of that day, but he also gives us much more than that. He takes us into his confidence--sharing his backstory. He tells us how he came to New York and trusts us with all his vulnerabilities--from his struggles with his spirituality and sexuality to his long-time desire to work onstage. Having been welcomed into his psyche, we are better able to understand what it was like for him and all the survivors who were not in those buildings to watch the destruction and then come to grips with why they were spared when so many were not.
He uses that story to reach all of us--by showing what he went through and how he dealt with and continues to deal with it he teaches the rest of us important lessons on how we can work our way through the traumatic events in our lives that can be just as life-altering. This is another beautiful and very brave book from just one of the many witnesses to tragedy on September 11, 2001. Again--I highly recommend it.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
Artie has now taken that memoir and expanded it. He gives us a more extensive recollection of the events of that day, but he also gives us much more than that. He takes us into his confidence--sharing his backstory. He tells us how he came to New York and trusts us with all his vulnerabilities--from his struggles with his spirituality and sexuality to his long-time desire to work onstage. Having been welcomed into his psyche, we are better able to understand what it was like for him and all the survivors who were not in those buildings to watch the destruction and then come to grips with why they were spared when so many were not.
He uses that story to reach all of us--by showing what he went through and how he dealt with and continues to deal with it he teaches the rest of us important lessons on how we can work our way through the traumatic events in our lives that can be just as life-altering. This is another beautiful and very brave book from just one of the many witnesses to tragedy on September 11, 2001. Again--I highly recommend it.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
January 3, 2020
Powerfully written. Van Why has given me a lot to think about.
December 4, 2018
Reviewed by Robert Leon Davis for Reader Views (11/18)
I, and many millions of Americans still clearly remember the events of 9/11/2001. It will be a historic date for decades to come. Just about everyone remembers where or what they were doing at the exact moment on that sad day. Even though it was a sad day, it later brought the country together. It didn't matter what race, sex, creed, or your heritage, we were all Americans first! That historic and unforgettable day is on par with D-Day, World War 1 and 2, and all the important dates that has affected America.
“9/11. A Survivor's Story” written by Artie Van Why, is a book based on the events of 9/11. In addition, he speaks of his personal observations and struggles since that day. The central theme of the book is what he calls the "Forgotten Majority." These were the store owners, the delivery personnel, the visiting tourists, and the common citizen who observed that horrific event. He speaks of the "after effects" on those people, including himself. Essentially, the emotional toil that he and others experienced after the dust, building materials and bodies were removed. He speaks of actually observing people jumping from the towers, with some so close that he could see their faces just before they hit the ground.
Many Americans do indeed think about the thousands of people killed by the airplanes crashing into the towers, along with the subsequent fire and smoke inhalation, but rarely do we think of the "observers." To actually witness human bodies jumping from such heights is mind boggling. The author speaks eloquently of his personal struggles with not only 9/11, but the personal struggles in his life before and after the events.
Many people after 9/11, and some still until this day, have received counseling for the myriad of mental issues, PTSD, depression, suicidal thoughts, and personal fears. “9/11. A Survivor's Story” by Artie Van Why, is a personal, eye witness account of the events on that day that concentrates on the "forgotten." A well-written revealing story to those of us that weren’t actually there.
I, and many millions of Americans still clearly remember the events of 9/11/2001. It will be a historic date for decades to come. Just about everyone remembers where or what they were doing at the exact moment on that sad day. Even though it was a sad day, it later brought the country together. It didn't matter what race, sex, creed, or your heritage, we were all Americans first! That historic and unforgettable day is on par with D-Day, World War 1 and 2, and all the important dates that has affected America.
“9/11. A Survivor's Story” written by Artie Van Why, is a book based on the events of 9/11. In addition, he speaks of his personal observations and struggles since that day. The central theme of the book is what he calls the "Forgotten Majority." These were the store owners, the delivery personnel, the visiting tourists, and the common citizen who observed that horrific event. He speaks of the "after effects" on those people, including himself. Essentially, the emotional toil that he and others experienced after the dust, building materials and bodies were removed. He speaks of actually observing people jumping from the towers, with some so close that he could see their faces just before they hit the ground.
Many Americans do indeed think about the thousands of people killed by the airplanes crashing into the towers, along with the subsequent fire and smoke inhalation, but rarely do we think of the "observers." To actually witness human bodies jumping from such heights is mind boggling. The author speaks eloquently of his personal struggles with not only 9/11, but the personal struggles in his life before and after the events.
Many people after 9/11, and some still until this day, have received counseling for the myriad of mental issues, PTSD, depression, suicidal thoughts, and personal fears. “9/11. A Survivor's Story” by Artie Van Why, is a personal, eye witness account of the events on that day that concentrates on the "forgotten." A well-written revealing story to those of us that weren’t actually there.
November 4, 2018
A "reboot" of his previous story
I was asked to read the "reboot" or remake of Van Why's previous story "That Day in September." Of course, I was honored to read what he added to the story. The story was still powerful and amazing, and when I read this reboot it was very close to the 17th anniversary of 9/11. Van Why shares his story, and not just that day, but his life. I am extremely touched by his words and am not giving this a 5 star because of the day but because of the words of Van Why. He survived, as a worker in building 5. I felt this one brought some new light and essential information. He adds to the story, as well as including a magnificent section on living with and dealing with PTSD, something that a lot of survivors of that day have to deal with. That day may have taken a lot of lives but it didn't take away the spirit of the survivors, nor the memories of those lost.
I was asked to read the "reboot" or remake of Van Why's previous story "That Day in September." Of course, I was honored to read what he added to the story. The story was still powerful and amazing, and when I read this reboot it was very close to the 17th anniversary of 9/11. Van Why shares his story, and not just that day, but his life. I am extremely touched by his words and am not giving this a 5 star because of the day but because of the words of Van Why. He survived, as a worker in building 5. I felt this one brought some new light and essential information. He adds to the story, as well as including a magnificent section on living with and dealing with PTSD, something that a lot of survivors of that day have to deal with. That day may have taken a lot of lives but it didn't take away the spirit of the survivors, nor the memories of those lost.
March 13, 2019
There are so few reviews, I don't want to spend mine tearing this book apart. So I'll just talk about what I did like.
The few chapters where he actually talks about 9/11 presented a unique perspective and were written in a vivid yet respectful way.
The poem that served as an epilogue was great--the best part of the whole book, and actually summed up most of what the author was trying to say, I think.
I appreciated the pacing-very small, bite-sized chapters made it easy to read.
The cover is beautiful, though misleading, and I think in the end did the content of the book a dis-service.
The few chapters where he actually talks about 9/11 presented a unique perspective and were written in a vivid yet respectful way.
The poem that served as an epilogue was great--the best part of the whole book, and actually summed up most of what the author was trying to say, I think.
I appreciated the pacing-very small, bite-sized chapters made it easy to read.
The cover is beautiful, though misleading, and I think in the end did the content of the book a dis-service.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews