The Only Plane in the Sky

An Oral History of 9/11

by Garrett M. Graff

4.8(5,340 ratings)

15 min read

Brief overview

This book provides a vivid oral history of the September 11th attacks, capturing personal accounts from survivors, rescue workers, and officials across the country. Through first-person recollections, readers witness the confusion, bravery, and heartbreak of that day. By immersing yourself in these recollections, you gain a deeper understanding of the collective trauma, resilience, and unity that emerged in the wake of 9/11.

Introduction

September 11, 2001, began under crystal-clear skies in the United States, giving no hint of the tragedy to unfold. By mid-morning, four airliners had been hijacked, and two of them would strike the World Trade Center towers, another the Pentagon, and the last crash in Pennsylvania.

This oral history captures the voices of hundreds of individuals, from office workers in the Twin Towers to military officials at the Pentagon, from local first responders racing to the scene to educators helping students cope with frightening news. Each person’s account forms part of the collective memory of 9/11.

Their stories reflect shock and disbelief, but also a determined spirit of cooperation and sacrifice. Firefighters, paramedics, and citizens put their own lives aside to help, while government staff worked frantically to grasp the magnitude of the crisis.

In the chapters that follow, you’ll find a unique tapestry of experiences woven together. While each voice is distinct, all share a common day—a day that redefined how Americans see security, community, and collective responsibility.

When the unthinkable happens, a single moment unites strangers into a community of support.

A Morning Like Any Other

Before 8:46 a.m., September 11th felt ordinary for millions going about their routines: commuting on the subway, starting new jobs, or preparing simple breakfast meetings. Flight attendants boarded planes unaware they would soon be caught in history’s unraveling. Government offices in Washington, D.C., assumed a typical day as the country’s political machinery began its work.

At approximately 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. News stations rushed to cover what initially seemed a bizarre accident. Many tuned in just in time to see United Flight 175 strike the South Tower. The first crash shattered normalcy; the second made it clear this was no accident.

Around the nation, families and friends frantically tried to reach loved ones. Offices in Lower Manhattan evacuated, though some were unsure why they were leaving or where the danger lurked. Confusion gripped the country as a sense of dread grew.

In city halls, TV anchors, and airport towers, people uttered the same questions: Who is doing this—and what is next? Uncertainty, fear, and shock spread quickly. Yet amid the alarms and panic, many also felt the first stirrings of an instinct to help.

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What is The Only Plane in the Sky about?

The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff provides a captivating and deeply personal recounting of the September 11th terrorist attacks through firsthand accounts. This narrative assembles voices across America, from survivors in the Twin Towers to the courageous first responders, painting a harrowing yet poignant picture of that fateful day. Graff weaves a detailed tapestry of events, allowing readers to sense the confusion, heroism, and resilience that unfolded amidst unprecedented chaos.

Immersing the audience into a moment-by-moment reliving of 9/11, this book offers valuable insights into the emotional and physical toll on individuals involved. It underscores the strength derived from community and shared purpose during one of America's darkest hours. With its collection of stark and honest narratives, Graff's work reminds us of the immense capacity for empathy, solidarity, and hope.

Review of The Only Plane in the Sky

The Only Plane in the Sky uniquely captures the multilayered drama of September 11th through over 500 voices contributing to this oral history. The book's strength lies in its expertly interwoven individual stories, creating a vivid picture of the collective experience. Readers gain a visceral understanding of the day from different perspectives, adding depth to the historical event.

Garrett M. Graff's writing style balances accessibility with depth, making complex emotions understandable for a broad audience. The book showcases raw emotional power, highlighting unsung heroes and the everyday courage manifested in the face of chaos. His attention to chronological detail anchors readers while providing a steady progression through the day's events.

Who should read The Only Plane in the Sky?

History enthusiasts eager to explore untold personal stories behind renowned events.
First responders and community leaders seeking inspiration and lessons in unified action during crises.
Educators and students exploring diverse narratives to understand the profound impacts of September 11th on American society.
Therapists and mental health professionals studying collective trauma and its long-term emotional effects.
Anyone wishing to honor and remember the shared human experience of courage, loss, and resilience.

About the author

Garrett M. Graff is a distinguished magazine journalist, internationally bestselling historian, and regular TV commentator and producer. He has spent nearly two decades covering politics, technology, and national security, and is recognized as one of the nation’s most prolific and wide-ranging journalists and historians. A Harvard University graduate (2003) with a background in American History, Graff has written multiple award-winning books, including "The Only Plane in the Sky," which compiles the voices of 500 Americans as they experienced 9/11, and was named the industry’s 2020 Audiobook of the Year. He has also served as editor of Washingtonian and POLITICO Magazine, and has written for publications such as WIRED, Esquire, and the New York Times.