Rating: 
Summary: New York City in the Raw
Review: In the Line of Duty, A Tribute to New York's Finest and Bravest, is a photographic tribute to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Police Commissioner, Bernard Kerik, and Fire Commissioner, Thomas Von Essen, provide the forewords for this volume of over 100 photographs. While there are plenty of shots of the men and women of the two departments in action, there are also photos of the people of New York City, of the towers during and after the attack, and of the memorial services of the fallen. There are also quotes found throughout the book from the likes of JFK, Faulkner, Walt Whitman, as well as from politicians like Governor Pataki and President Bush. However, all of these quotes can be discarded. The photographs are heartbreaking, touching, and some are quite inspiring - and they can stand on their own. Sure, some people may find comfort in these quotes. They may need some help to digest the pictures that may be difficult to look at, but I find them out of place - even inappropriate. These images need no help or assistance in conveying the tragedy and the breadth of destruction that occurred that day. Similarly, they don't need any help in showing the positive force of humanity which rushed to fervently rescue, love, and restore that which others were so quick and determined to cast asunder, hate and diminish. Looking at the images in Line of Duty, you get all of this, and you understand - they are that gripping and that powerful. The photos hold you in the moment and refuse to allow you to think of anything else. They speak loudly and clearly without the need for any Hallmarkian, rose-colored tainted quotes like those from Governor Pataki:
"But clouds always pass. The sun always breaks through." Gee thanks. If the pictures don't move you, some verbal chaser can't help you. There are many photo books out there on the September 11th terrorist attack, and I've seen a number of them. I do recommend In the Line of Duty, A Tribute to New York's Finest and Bravest, which continues to draw me to it over and over again.
Rating: 
Summary: A fitting tribute!
Review: This book in question, i.e., In the Line of Duty: A Tribute to New York's Finest and Bravest is a tribute to the firemen who sacrificed their well being and their safety to save others. The pictures are quite emotionally charged and as I wrote in the my title; I do think that it is a fitting tribute to these brave men. Highly Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: He who saves one life...
Review: This book provides an unvarnished glimpse at the pain of New York City, the blood and guts of September 11. There's nothing artistic or beautiful here--unless one considers the bounteous love delivered by firemen and women, policemen and women and emergency volunteers. The Talmud teaches, "He who saves one life saves an entire world." New York City's Finest and Bravest lost 366 of their ranks on September 11 2001. The miracle: Their legions saved 25,000 worlds before two avalanches of dust and heat and ash cascaded into stories of smoldering twisted steel. No book can fully expose New York City's still gaping wounds. But this one opens the window on that pain, in a manner deeply respectful of those for whom saving 25,000 worlds cost so many of their own. The names of all these fallen heroes are included. Alyssa A. Lappen
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