Wake-Up Call

Breitweiser's childhood as the daughter of a mayor made her avoid politics from an early age. Her law career ended when she married her husband. She accepted his political viewpoints . . . until he was killed in the World Trade Center. The beginning of Breitweiser's book is written passionately and is read by the author in a rush. Then she settles in. Her voice strengthens and calms, and her passion and urgency unite as she describes how a group of young widows takes on the most powerful politicians in America to find justice, achieve an unbiased 9/11 Commission Report, and continue to fight for our country's security. Breitweiser's reading is as unpolished as her strategies; both work in this candid audio. S.W. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine


Kristen Breitweiser's story is as compelling as she is controversial for failing to accept at face value the loss of her husband on 9/11. In WAKE-UP CALL, Breitweiser explains the motivation that compelled her and other 9/11 widows, sometimes called "The Jersey Girls," to become politically active and to criticize the Bush Administration for its alleged failings before and after the attacks. Breitweiser reads with intensity and a sense of purpose that translates superbly to audio. Oddly, at times Breitweister's voice makes her sound too plaintive, distracting from an otherwise strong performance for a narrator clearly new to audiobooks. D.J.S. 2007 Audies Award Finalist (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

September 4, 2006
Breitweiser delivers her personal account as a 9/11 victim's widow-turned-activist in overdramatic prose blended with touching musical segues that invoke the ambience of Oprah. She recounts the first time she met her husband, Ron, and continues through until the last of his known remains had been at ground zero. Paralleling her private life, Breitweiser explains how she and three other widows fought to establish the 9/11 Commission and how they continued to pursue our country's leaders to determine and fix what went wrong. Five years later, she still has more questions than answers. Her narration is endearing, particularly the slight chuckles as she relates a particularly fond memory of her husband or daughter. She occasionally rushes her words ("more Ron" becomes "moron"), but her accent adds a personal touch. The bonus interview brings listeners up to date about her most recent events and adds to the overall production value of the audiobook.

November 20, 2006
Breitweiser delivers her personal account as a 9/11 victim's widow-turned-activist in overdramatic prose blended with touching musical segues that invoke the ambience of Oprah. She recounts the first time she met her husband, Ron, and continues through until the last of his known remains had been at ground zero. Paralleling her private life, Breitweiser explains how she and three other widows fought to establish the 9/11 Commission and how they continued to pursue our country's leaders to determine and fix what went wrong. Five years later, she still has more questions than answers. Her narration is endearing, particularly the slight chuckles as she relates a particularly fond memory of her husband or daughter. She occasionally rushes her words ("more Ron" becomes "moron"), but her accent adds a personal touch. The bonus interview brings listeners up to date about her most recent events and adds to the overall production value of the audiobook.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.