First published 2022
Jack Grandcolas met Lauren in college at a U2 concert. Her blue eyes captivated him. They married and built careers in San Francisco's business world. After ten years of trying, Lauren became pregnant at thirty-eight. She flew to New Jersey when her grandmother died. At the funeral, she shared news of her pregnancy to comfort her grieving family. On September 11th, Lauren arrived early at Newark airport and boarded United Flight 93. During the hijacking, she left Jack a calm voicemail that revealed her courage in those final moments. Jack spirals into despair after losing both Lauren and their unborn child. He battles depression and drinks heavily. The memoir follows his eighteen-year journey toward healing. He meets President Bush at the White House and visits the crash site in Shanksville. Jack eventually remarries. His new wife honors Lauren's memory by incorporating stones from Lauren's ring into her own wedding band. The book reconstructs United 93's final minutes when passengers fought the hijackers and prevented them from reaching their target.
Genres: american, non-fiction, biography-memoir, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, second-chance
Setting: Newark, San Francisco, Shanksville
Period: September 11th, United Flight 93
108 pages · Hardcover · Rare Bird Books
Content warnings: death, pregnancy-loss