Brace For Impact: "Miracle on the Hudson” - What Passengers of Flight 1549 Want Others to Know About Second Chances

Book provided for review/feature consideration

On January 15, 2009, the world was mesmerized by "the miracle on the Hudson.” Against all odds, Captain Chesley B. "Sully” Sullenberger safely landed a plane plunging toward disaster on the river. More amazingly, all 150 passengers survived—and, for the most part, with nothing worse (physically) than a few bruises and soggy clothes. At the time, many of us tried to imagine how we would have those three chilling words—"Brace for impact”—and then, amazingly, been spared from certain death?

A year later, it's time for a different, perhaps more meaningful story. What happened to these extremely fortunate passengers when they went home? What was it like to return to their families, their jobs, their neighborhoods—everything familiar, but somehow changed? How did they celebrate coming back from the brink of near-death trauma? How did their loved ones respond to the living proof of a miracle? What has been the real impact they braced for, not of the disaster and death they expected, but of the gift of a "new” life?

Intrigued by these and other questions, authors Dorothy Firman and Kevin Quirk set out to find answers—by asking the survivors themselves. The result is an inspiring collection of first-person accounts: Brace For Impact: "Miracle on the Hudson” Survivors Share Their Stories of Near Death and Hope for New Life (HCI Books). Along with the personal stories of 25 men and women profoundly affected by Flight 1549—survivors and first-responders—this volume offers lessons about faith, gratitude, wisdom, healing, love, and transformation for everyone in today's world of upheaval and challenges.

Readers will hear from parents who believed they would never see their teenagers, toddlers, or a child on the way; an ex-Marine officer, a swimming pool serviceman, a nurse, a TV executive, and a boat pilot; survivors who have publicly spoken about their experiences at churches, schools, businesses, and organizations as large as the American Red Cross, as well as those who have remained private. Through their heartfelt, stirring words, their courageous admissions of fear, their humor and their hope, the contributors reinforce the importance of family, knowing what really matters, and discovering our purpose. Throughout and above all, Brace For Impact stands as a testament to how something good—even something wonderful—can emerge out of crisis and tragedy. And that's a timely, welcome lesson to inspire and comfort everyone.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Dorothy Firman is the New York Times bestselling co-author of Chicken Soup for the Mother and Daughter Soul, among numerous books. She has worked in the field of psychology and counseling for over thirty years. Kevin Quirk is a former journalist with The Charlotte Observer, among other newspapers, and a prolific ghostwriter and editor.

Until next time...