Author Name:
Ann Van Hine
Book Title:
Pieces Falling: Navigating 9/11 with Faith, Family and the FDNY
Website URL:
Social Media Links:
Ann Van Hine – author on FB
annvanhine_author on Instagram,
Ann Van Hine on Linkedin
Link to book page on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Falling-Navigating-Faith-Family/dp/1955043221
What is your book about?
Pieces Falling is Ann’s story of navigating the very personal loss of her husband, Bruce, a New York City firefighter who died on 9/11- amid the very public tragedy that shocked the world.
Her poignant reflections help answer the questions:
- How do you cope when life lies in pieces around you?
- How do you begin to rebuild in the face of all that has been lost?
- How do you commemorate the past while creating space for your future?
Ann’s journey parallels the evolution of Ground Zero from a place of death and destruction to the moving Memorial Plaza today – and is a beautiful testament to the resilience of a woman, a family, and a nation.
What inspired you to write your book?
Since 2006, I had been volunteering as a docent at the 9/11 Tribute Center Museum and realized the importance of humanizing history.
If you have a business related to your book, tell us about it:
I speak to various groups. The first question I ask when invited to speak somewhere is, “what do you hope your group (class, club, or organization) gained from hearing me speak?” There is no correct answer. I can tell an inspirational story, teach a history lesson, do a virtual tour of the 9/11 Memorial, or a combination.
What is a typical day like for you?
Monday and Tuesdays I supply childcare for the littles as I call them – my grandkids. I put the 7- and 9-year-old on the bus, and then the 5-year-old and I set out on adventures. Other days of the week may include a trip to NYC to lead a tour, volunteering at my local library, or writing my next book.
What do you most enjoy about what you do?
The variety and flexibility. I am retired after being a small business owner for 35 years.
What are some favorite books you’d recommend to our readers?
I recently read James by Percival Everett. Excellent. I also enjoy Matt Haig’s books. When driving I am usually listening to a Jenny Colgan story about Scotland and bookstores.
What advice do you have to offer our readers?
Go for it. There are three parts to getting a book out into the world – writing, publishing, and marketing. Continue to learn.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am a huge fan of The West Wing. I recently went to a West Wing exhibit at the Paley Center in NYC, I own the DVDs, and I think it is time to watch them again. Also loved the podcast West Wing Weekly.
What’s next for you?
I am writing my second book, which will include other people’s stories of 9/11 and the community we built through volunteering together.
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