Rating: 
Summary: Real American Story
Review: This is such an interesting and truly American story that it is both inspiring and edifying. Moreover, it is well written, easily read, and thoroughly enjoyable. It is truly American because it is the story of an immigrant and his family and their struggle from nothing to prosperity and happiness. As with all such stories it is the personification of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" - the American dream. In the telling and countless re-telling of the same plot with so many different characters and circumstances, we Americans find both inspiration and validation. It is a story of family and family love and family loyalty. Yet it does not hide the ageless jealousy and hate of one brother for another and the many small and large betrayals. It is exceptional in that it accurately relates the all-consuming impact of the small (and not so small) family business on the family members themselves. It is a story of the small business that manages to capture a good deal of the challenge of such an enterprise while also presenting the exhilarating peaks followed by the looming chasms with real clarity. Finally, it is the story of the individual who finds that the circumstances of life are sometimes easy and sometimes very hard and often somewhere in between. What does one do when one's dreams and hopes and ambitions are crushed by forces beyond imagination? Perhaps it is the answer to that question that ties this story to the events of September 11, 2001 more than the obvious relationship of the Koch family to the construction of the Twin Towers.
Rating:
Summary: Real American Story
Review: This is such an interesting and truly American story that it is both inspiring and edifying. Moreover, it is well written, easily read, and thoroughly enjoyable. It is truly American because it is the story of an immigrant and his family and their struggle from nothing to prosperity and happiness. As with all such stories it is the personification of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" - the American dream. In the telling and countless re-telling of the same plot with so many different characters and circumstances, we Americans find both inspiration and validation. It is a story of family and family love and family loyalty. Yet it does not hide the ageless jealousy and hate of one brother for another and the many small and large betrayals. It is exceptional in that it accurately relates the all-consuming impact of the small (and not so small) family business on the family members themselves. It is a story of the small business that manages to capture a good deal of the challenge of such an enterprise while also presenting the exhilarating peaks followed by the looming chasms with real clarity. Finally, it is the story of the individual who finds that the circumstances of life are sometimes easy and sometimes very hard and often somewhere in between. What does one do when one's dreams and hopes and ambitions are crushed by forces beyond imagination? Perhaps it is the answer to that question that ties this story to the events of September 11, 2001 more than the obvious relationship of the Koch family to the construction of the Twin Towers.
Rating:
Summary: The best post-Sept 11 book!
Review: This is THE book to search out regarding the World Trade Center!It reads like a great mystery, and though we all know the ending, I could not put this book down.Anyone who has ever made the statement that "engineers can't write" needs to rid themselves of that notion. Mr. Koch's style is fantastic. I truly felt at times that I was at the job site along with him. The technical details were explained so that anyone could understand. The section regarding the"kangaroo" cranes was amazing.I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and I hope Mr. Koch will provide more for us to read. The only problem I have with this book is that I believe it probably got lost in the maze of post 9-11 books! That is a shame, because this is great writing that should have a wide audience.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent read-Fascinating story of an American icon
Review: Very easy to read, You are easily caught up in a family's struggle to survive a new life in a new world. It is easy to admire their spirit and determination to make it as they build their company from the ground up.
They consistently remain true to the values of hard work and honesty while truly living the American Dream. It makes the World Trade Center even more of an american symbol.
The facts regarding how they built the trade center and how they even received the job are fascinating in of themselves. The author's personal family struggle only make it more amazing that it ever happened at all.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent read-Fascinating story of an American icon
Review: Very easy to read, You are easily caught up in a family's struggle to survive a new life in a new world. It is easy to admire their spirit and determination to make it as they build their company from the ground up.
They consistently remain true to the values of hard work and honesty while truly living the American Dream. It makes the World Trade Center even more of an american symbol.
The facts regarding how they built the trade center and how they even received the job are fascinating in of themselves. The author's personal family struggle only make it more amazing that it ever happened at all.
| 
