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Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust
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Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust

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Faith.  Trust.  Triumph.


"I trust Roselle with my life, every day. She trusts me to direct her. And today is no different, except the stakes are higher." Michael Hingson


First came the boom, the loud, deep, unapologetic bellow that seemed to erupt from the very core of the earth. Eerily, the majestic high-rise slowly leaned to the south. On the seventy-eighth floor of the World Trade Center's north tower, no alarms sounded, and no one had information about what had happened at 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001?what should have been a normal workday for thousands of people. All that was known to the people inside was what they could see out the windows: smoke and fire and millions of pieces of burning paper and other debris falling through the air.


Blind since birth, Michael couldn't see a thing, but he could hear the sounds of shattering glass, falling debris, and terrified people flooding around him and his guide dog, Roselle. However, Roselle sat calmly beside him. In that moment, Michael chose to trust Roselle's judgment and not to panic. They are a team.


Thunder Dog allows you entry into the isolated, fume-filled chamber of stairwell B to experience survival through the eyes of a blind man and his beloved guide dog. Live each moment from the second a Boeing 767 hits the north tower, to the harrowing stairwell escape, to dodging death a second time as both towers fold into the earth.


It's the 9/11 story that will forever change your spirit and your perspective. Thunder Dog illumiates Hingson's lifelong determination to achieve parity in a sighted world, and how the rare trust between a man and his guide dog can inspire an unshakable faith in each one of us.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherThomas Nelson
Release dateAug 2, 2011
ISBN9781400203253
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust
Author

Michael Hingson

Michael Hingson, national ambassador for the Braille Literacy Campaign,  is a miraculous survivor of 9/11. He lives with his wife, Karen, in the San Francisco Bay Area with two guide dogs, Africa and Fantasia, and one cat, Sherlock.

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Reviews for Thunder Dog

Rating: 3.932258064516129 out of 5 stars
4/5

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    When the first plane hit the North Tower on the morning of 9/11, Michael Hingson was at work on the 78th floor, preparing to start a presentation to visiting clients of his employer, Quantum. The building shook, and tilted, and his sighted colleagues, who could see the burning papers and other debris falling, started to panic. It was Hingson, believing what he was told but not able to see it, and influenced by the calmness of his guide dog, Roselle, clearly indicating that they weren't in immediate danger, who took control and led an orderly evacuation of the office.

    Thunder Dog interleaves the story of Hingson, Roselle, and Hingson's colleagues escaping from Tower One, with the story of Michael Hingson growing up blind in a family that refused to follow then-typical medical advice to isolate him in a home for the blind, but instead "mainstreaming" him before the term was invented. We see how his atypical upbringing--both the fact of his blindness, and the fact that his family expected and supported his full integration into everyday, "sighted" life, helped to develop the skills that in turn enabled him to be a leader in the 9/11 evacuation. Courage was necessary to be a steady, calm force in the stairwell of Tower One, but in many ways it took more courage to get to that point, to overcome assumptions, expectations, and bias to be working, productive professional despite the barriers created by not only his blindness but others' attitudes toward it. This is not the story of a dog, but the story of a partnership between dog and man, each supporting the other, putting their talents and strengths together for the benefit of not only themselves, but everyone around them.

    Hingson tells his story with grace and humor, and it's read very effectively by Christopher Prince. As a bonus extra in this audio version, we get a couple of speeches and an interview that Hingson did, delivering even more effectively his wit, humor, and charm.

    Highly recommended.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A fantastic book about what it's like to be blind in the modern world and unique view of what it was like to be there at 9/11.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is really an incredible story about several incredible people. Reading about Michael's history as well as the details of his trip down the stairwell on 9/11 were both very enlightening. His friend and colleague David was with him on that day and was a big part of what Michael and Roselle went through. And Michael's wife Karen had her own experience to share, being at home and knowing her husband was trying to get out of the tower without really knowing what was going on.I expected a great story about Michael and Roselle, and this is definitely that. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed the chapter in which Michael describes his personal experience with God that day as the South Tower fell, and his association to Psalm 23. I also appreciated Michael's words about his relationship with Karen, and the moments that were told from her perspective. I really love this story, and heartily agree with Larry King in the foreword about it being a page-turning.It is truly an engrossing story, so much more so because it is a true story, and a true story about some of the good things that happened despite the horrific tragedy that happened on September 11, 2001.I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers via Booksneeze. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    5590. Thunder Dog The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust a Groound Zero, by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (read 29 Oct 2018) This book, published in 2011, tells the story of the author, who was on the 78th loor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, with hsis guide dog on 11 Sept 2001 when the plane hit. It tells of descent down the stairss and how his dog peformed--flawlessly, though the do earlier that day was terified by a thnder storm. The book also talks a lot about blindness, the suthor being blind from birth but how he was mainstreamed and obtained a college education and held responsible jobs, and got about incredibly well, having ridden a bicycle as a boy and doing well much of his life. It is a inspiring and amazing story. When the plane hits the building one has to remind oneself that he does survive.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Finished this in one sitting. It was a quicker read, and I liked how the book also talks about how Michael Hingson grew up blind and dealt with different things - how he got to the World Trade Center. If you aren't a fan of two storylines at once, this wouldn't be for you. Also, if someone is still really sensitive about things that happened on 9/11, it might not be for you, but it could also be a gentle bridge into a more receptive mode to discuss what happened on 9/11.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    What a great testimony of faith and survival by Michael Hingson in Thunder Dog: the true story of a blind man, his guide dog, and the triumph of trust at ground zero. Michael was on the 78th floor of the North Tower on September 11, 2001 and this is his tale of survival. I was thoroughly engaged in his story as he related his sensory experiences as a blind man, dependent on smells, sounds, and the guidance of his guide dog, Roselle. His harrowing tale details his trip down 78 flights of stairs, escaping the debris from the collapsing South Tower, gasping for air during the ensuing dust cloud, and the relief of safety he felt upon hearing the voice of his wife. Interspersed throughout, are his childhood experiences in which he found ways to overcome the challenges he faced as a blind person and how these experiences shaped him into the man his is today. This novel is a definite must read for those who enjoy tales of survival, heroic pets/service animals, and those who are encouraged by a testimony of a man overcoming obstacles by trusting in God's plan. Thanks to booksneeze.com for providing a copy of this book for my honest review.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Although I do find Roselle's story tremendous and fascinating, I must say I am much more amazed by Michael's story. I can't begin to understand how he has taught himself to do so many amazing things while having a disability. He is a very able bodied individual. He had wonderful parents who treated him just like he was a sighted child and never let his blindness stop him from doing, or trying to do, anything he wanted. An amazing story of triumph over odds and obstacles!
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I found this book repetitive and had a lack of focus. I wasn't into the God spoke to me segments either.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    If all Michael Hingson did was walk down 78 floors at the World Trade Center, Thunder Dog, would not have garnered my interest. But because Michael took to the stairs on 9/11, with Roselle, his dog makes this book more compelling. And because Roselle is a guide dog, and Michael is blind, and a uniquely resourceful and capable individual makes it a "you-should-definitely-read-this" book. Michael intersperses his escape from the North Tower with descriptions of his life. Blind due to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) because born premature he was incubated and oxygenated to promote lung development. But like approx. 10,000 other premies born between 1941-1953, the intensive oxygen treatment caused blood vessels in his eyes to constrict and rupture causing irrreversible blindness. His parents could have sent him to a Home for the Blind but chose to raise him at home, treating him as they did his older, sighted brother. Because of their progressive wisdom he never thought of himself as disabled!I believe that he thrived and survived because of all that he learned from his family, many teachers and mentors, what he taught himself, and because of his amazing guide dogs. This book honors guide dogs, Guide Dogs for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and those like Ray Kurzweil, whose genius developed technology to aid the blind (and the general public) in living fuller lives. Thunderdog includes resources for the blind, and a useful glossary, but most outstanding is an essay by Kenneth Jernigan, Blindness: A Left-Handed Dissertation which on its own merits getting this book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Reviewed by Samantha (Class of 2012)It is a very inspirational story about a blind guide dog that helps his owner out of the Twin Towers during 9/11.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Although this book brought back a lot of sad memories of the events of September 11, the emphasis on the love and companionship of Mr. Hingson and his dog Roselle is profound. It proves that goodness prevails in even the darkest times.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    All of us that watched the Twin Towers come down on 911 will never forget the horror and helplessness we felt. Imagine being on the 78th floor when the first airplane hit the tower, you feel and hear it above you, but you have no idea what has happened; all communication between the floors is out, now imagine you are blind. Being blind is the reality that Michael Hingson faced with his guide dog Roselle. They, along with his office partner David, had to walk down the 78 floors to get out alive. Michael describes sounds and smells as terrifying as the sights we watched unfold. I read his book during the 10th anniversary of 911, after watching many TV programs of replays from that day and the aftermath—even so, his memoir affected me on such a deep level that I felt like I was taking each step with him and Roselle. It is so amazing the way Roselle, a dog that was afraid of thunder, responded to all that was happening around her. There should be many thanks to Guide Dogs for the Blind for training these wonderful service dogs, and to Michael for detailing not only his escape, but in sharing his wisdom with us. “We can’t let fear paralyze us” is one of many great quotes in this book which is full of wisdom, good information and resources for the blind.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is a good book with insight into the life of a blind man and the life of guide dogs. The successful escape from Tower 1 on 9/11 was also interesting.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A 9/11 story that will change your spirit and perspective as you follow the relationship between a blind man and his faithful companion. Amazing.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    What ages would I recommend it too? – Thirteen and up.

    Length? – Most of a day’s read.

    Characters? – Memorable, several characters.

    Setting? – Real world 1950 - 2009.

    Written approximately? – 2011.

    Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Ready to read more.

    Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No.

    Short storyline: This is a biography with scenes shifting from the tragedy of September 11, 2001 to earlier events in the main author's life that prepared him for that event.

    Notes for the reader: Large print version. Many places within that contain valuable background, help, and hope for those living with blindness. As a low vision reader, I had hoped to find a few points that would help me as my vision decreases. There is a list of resources in the back that I will research.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is a story of a blind man and his dog Roselle. I enjoyed the story while trying to escape the building and the trust put into Roselle. It's always interesting to hear it from the people themselves that were directly involved with 9/11.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book is Michael Hingson's story. It is the story of how he and his guide dog Roselle survived and escaped from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 after it had been hit by a hijacked airplane. It is also his story of growing up blind in a world designed for sighted people. When I got this book and began reading it, I realized that it is the first book that I have read about the events of 911. Ten years after those events, I finally opened up myself to a book about the events, because it was also about a dog. I realize that I have avoided watching tv coverage of all of the memorial events surrounding 911 for the past ten years. I just found it too unpleasant and traumatic and I preferred not to think about it. Michael's story not only taught me a lot about blindness and guide dogs, but also helped me to examine and come to terms with some of my own feelings about 911. People are often more open to a dog or, in this case, a dog story. The book is well written and insightful and educational and I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I really enjoyed his descriptions of working with the guide dogs he's had. It's a good dog lovers' book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    All of us alive on that horrific day of September 11, 2001 remember watching in horror as two planes struck the World Trade Center and then the crumbling of both massive towers. I think it was a defining moment for the 21st century. But imagine how it feels for those people actually in the WTC on that day. This is the story that Michael Hingson tells us in this book. Michael is blind and he was on the 78th floor of Tower One. He, his guide dog, Rozelle, and a friend went down the stairs and got out minutes before Tower Two crumbled. They survived and Hingson tells us what it was like. He also tells us how he came to be in the WTC with his guide dog by telling us quite a bit of his life story.I'm glad I listened to this book rather than read it. It seemed like I was descending the stairs with Michael and Rozelle, smelling the airplane fuel, feeling the heat and then running from the building. I think I could have done without the last part of the audiobook which was a speech Michael made to announce the book and an interview when the book was released. They just seemed like filler.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
     Great story until the proselytizing at the end. It was almost 2 books: 1) a really good story of his life as a blind person and his escape from the tower, interwoven nicely and 2) this proselytizing end piece straight from a church pulpit. It's one thing to believe in god and explain how your life is driven and/or guided by belief... but quite another to start expounding on how your view is correct and true and everyone should feel the same well. Fortunately, this piece is at the end so you get to hear the good story up front. Yah for service dogs too!!!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Thunder Dog is the story of one visually impaired man and his guide dog. On September 11, 2001, the brave duo made it down 78 flights of stairs as the World Trade Center collapsed all around them. The rest of the book is about that man, Michael Hingson, and how he lives with blindness in a “light-dependent” world. It’s a little padded, and the prose is rather flat, but I found the narrative compelling nonetheless.

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Thunder Dog - Michael Hingson

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