THUNDER DOG
By Michael Hingson - To be discussed on Wed. Jan 9, 2013 at Geneseo Public Library at 6:30 pm
Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory is an
autobiography of the author and his service guide dog and companion, Roselle.
This touching and heartwarming story is different in scope than most books
about September 11, 2001 and will forever change your spirit and perspective of
this tragic day.
Roselle is afraid of thunderstorms. The author had been up with his dog throughout the previous night during the thunder and lightning, but woke and went to work, September 11, 2001. When one of the hijacked planes flew into the World Trade Center's north tower, Roselle was fearless.
Michael Hingson's description of their descent to the ground level is more detailed than any sighted account I've read to this date. His senses are so alert that he vividly describes smells, sounds, and reactions from Roselle that paint pictures for the reader.
This book is not only about 9/11, but about his life as a blind man growing up in America. Throughout his journey down the stairs of the World Trade Center, he reflects on his lifetime of learning, and relates how he used that stored knowledge to his advantage in this situation.
Roselle is afraid of thunderstorms. The author had been up with his dog throughout the previous night during the thunder and lightning, but woke and went to work, September 11, 2001. When one of the hijacked planes flew into the World Trade Center's north tower, Roselle was fearless.
Michael Hingson's description of their descent to the ground level is more detailed than any sighted account I've read to this date. His senses are so alert that he vividly describes smells, sounds, and reactions from Roselle that paint pictures for the reader.
This book is not only about 9/11, but about his life as a blind man growing up in America. Throughout his journey down the stairs of the World Trade Center, he reflects on his lifetime of learning, and relates how he used that stored knowledge to his advantage in this situation.
Questions:
1 Would you have
liked this story to have more focus on the dog?
2 What do you feel about Roselle as a character? Do you think she was particularly brave or just doing her job as a good Guide Dog?
3 Do you think Michael’s ‘essays on being blind’/his religious musings add or detract from the book? What about the method of interspersing his life story with the events of the disaster?
4 Where were you on September 11th 2001? Has having read this story given you extra insight into the events of that day?
5 If you and your dog(s) were in a similar situation, how would you react?
2 What do you feel about Roselle as a character? Do you think she was particularly brave or just doing her job as a good Guide Dog?
3 Do you think Michael’s ‘essays on being blind’/his religious musings add or detract from the book? What about the method of interspersing his life story with the events of the disaster?
4 Where were you on September 11th 2001? Has having read this story given you extra insight into the events of that day?
5 If you and your dog(s) were in a similar situation, how would you react?
6 What did you learn
about life as a blind person?
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