It isn't just about people's experiences, but a great deal about how they changed. This was a very important book to have compiled and put down on record. It's almost an American obligation to read these personal accounts and ponder the gravity of that day for those who were there. If we were only left with replays of video/media accounts (or with repugnantly self-absorbed documents on the topic such as Barbash's On Top of the World) then I don't think future history would have the documentary material needed to grasp the shock and pain.The strength of character and ingenuity of New Yorkers comes through very powerfully, and they must be proud of that.