Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} After the Fire A True Story of Friendship and Survival by Robin Gaby Fisher Robin Gaby Fisher. Robin Gaby Fisher's newest book, "Fields of Grace" is available Oct. 22. Robin is the New York Times bestselling author of "After the Fire; A True Story of Friendship and Survival", "The Woman Who Wasn't There" and "The Boys of the Dark; A Story of Betrayal and Redemption in the Deep South." She is a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Feature Writing and a member of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team at The Star-Ledger. She teaches Journalism at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. What others are saying about "Fields of Grace" A tender, Christian-based memoir of love and friendship. - Kirkus. "Gripping. a calamitous, fascinating memoir, written with surprising spiritual sophistication. Luce's story serves as a tragic microcosm for an entire generation finding a faith of their own." (Publishers Weekly (Starred)) “This riveting personal account is not for sissies, yet it deftly conveys the beauty and depth of love and faith among friends.” (Booklist) “A soulful reflection addressing the hard questions about life--questions that often go unanswered because there really are no answers. I am astounded by Hannah's will to live…her transparency about her continuing life journey displays courage of another kind, inspiring and giving others the strength to question, listen, and endure.” (Jessica Buchanan, author of Impossible Odds) After the Fire. On January 19, 2000, a fire raged through Seton Hall University's freshman dormitory, killing three students and injuring 58 others. Among the victims were Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos, roommates from poor neighborhoods who made their families proud by getting into college. They managed to escape, but both were burned terribly. AFTER THE FIRE is the story of these young men and their courageous fight to recover from the worst damage the burn unit at Saint Barnabas hospital had ever seen. It is the story of the extraordinary doctors and nurses who work with the burned. It is the story of mothers and fathers, of faith and family and the invisible ties that bind us to each other. It is the story of the search for the arsonists--and the elaborate cover-up that nearly obscured the truth. And it is the story of the women who came to love these men, who knew that real beauty is a thing not seen in mirrors. See the "After the Fire" Facebook page for the latest news and reviews. Review in USA TODAY ". you almost certainly will put this book down after every chapter or two, if only briefly, to sigh over the unimaginable pain and suffering, to dry your eyes and steady your emotions. Then you'll read on, hoping against odds for a triumphant ending." Review in Minneapolis Star Tribune "The book is a riveting and intimate read. That these two men survived is almost a miracle. That Fisher was there to document it is our good fortune. " Review in Rocky Mountain News "Final word: In 2001, Fisher was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for this series but didn't win. She was robbed." STARRED REVIEW- Publisher’s Weekly . June 30, 2008 After the Fire: A True Story of Love and Survival Robin Gaby Fisher. Little, Brown, $24.99 (224p) ISBN 978-0-316-06621-1 Three students died and 58 were injured in the January 2000 fire that arsonists set in the student lounge of Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Newark Star Ledger reporter Fisher tells the story of the two “most badly burned” survivors (roommates Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos), proceeding from the devastating fire through the grueling medical treatment into their life-affirming future. A medical education and a detective story unfold within this consistently dramatic account, as Fisher joins a reporter's curiosity and objectivity to a near-familial access to the principals. Unsparing in her description of the hard path to recovery (“The gruesome nature of the work meant that few ever became old-timers in the occupation of treating burns”), Fisher takes the reader inside Saint Barnabas Burn Center, where the charismatic director of the burn unit, Hani Mansour; the nurses; the physical and occupational therapists work miracles, celebrating victories and agonizing over setbacks. Honest and intimate in her account of the stress of “distraught parents,” the intense strain upon marriages and relationships, the prolonged suffering and multiple surgeries of the survivors and the evolving friendship of the accidental roommates, Fisher conveys a deep respect and compassion for all involved—except the arsonists. She succeeds in making what might have been yesterday's news into today's inspiration. (Aug.) Book Nook Club review "After the Fire is definitely a winner." After the Fire: A True Story of Friendship and Survival. Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. On January 19, 2000, a fire set by two inebriated students broke out in the freshman dormitory at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, killing three and injuring 58 others. This is the story of two of the most severely injured students, Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos. They had been roommates before the fire, and became each other’s lifeline afterward. Shawn and Alvaro were lucky to be taken to the Saint Barnabas Burn Center, recognized to be one of the top burn treatment centers on the East Coast and run by the driven and dedicated burn specialist Hani Mansour. The doctor thought that Shawn had a chance to live if he made it through the night, but Alvaro would need a miracle to pull through. But what Dr. Mansour and his burn unit team found over the ensuing months was that Shawn and Alvaro each had superhuman will, faith, caring family and friends, and perhaps most importantly, each other. The two boys suffered greatly, and Fisher does not shrink from telling you in detail all that they had to endure. They each worked hard at rehabilitation, showing their strength in the face of the pain and the tears. They learned to cope with the stares and the insecurities and the anger, each bolstering the others' spirits during the down times. And they overcame the horrific tragedy, as much as anyone could who had been through what they had. Alvaro said to Shawn, “Sometimes I think I am one of God’s angels, sent down to do good. Maybe to help people who are not as strong as I am.” The story of their trials is not an easy one, but it is perhaps one of the most inspirational you will ever read. ( ) This is a quick read, but it is very powerful! I was instantly drawn into Shawn and Alvaro's story. Some might find the description of the burn treatment a bit much, but I thought the detail was necessary. It wasn't overly graphic, but was honest in showing the amount of pain the boys went through on a daily basis. My only complaint with the book is that the ending seemed to be a little abrupt. The story focuses mostly on the burn treatment and rehabilitation with less attention being paid to how Shawn and Alvaro get along in their daily lives now. Maybe this isn't as exciting of a story lines, but it seemed to warrant a little more attention then it received. Shawn and Alvaro's strength of character is wonderful and uplifting. The support they received from each other and their friends and family made their amazing recoveries possible. Although their lives haven't gone back to exactly what they were before the fire I think both young men learned valuable lessons about what they can achieve. ( ) I don't generally read this type of book, the "tragedy turned inspiration" story, but I am so glad I read this one. The story of Shawn and Alvaro's struggle to recover from their burns is powerfully touching, and the strength of their friendship is truly inspirational. After the Fire: A True Story of Friendship and Survival is based on true events. It is under sad and unfortunate events that this story comes about. The day was January 19th, 2000, a day that no one will ever forget. On this fateful day a fire spread throughout the freshman dormitory halls of Seton Hall University. The fire claimed young three lives and injured many more. Robin Gaby Fisher tells the story of two room mates Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos and the angels of Saint Barnabas Hospital, who helped saved these two friends. After the Fire: A True Story of Friendship and Survival makes you feel raw, heart-wrenching emotions of sadness, joy and triumphant. After the Fire: A True Story of Friendship and Survival is such a powerful book that it is beyond words on how to explain it. I credit this fact dooly to Robin Gaby Fisher's talent as not only an author and writer but as an amazing story teller. I was blown away from the first moment I picked this book up to read it. If Mrs. Fisher's goal was to show how with lots of strength, determination as well as setting a goal for yourself you can achieve anything; then Mrs. Fisher accomplished that with After the Fire: A True Story of Friendship and Survival. If there is ever one book you must read in your life then it has got to be After the Fire: A True Story of Friendship and Survival by Robin Gaby Fisher. ( ) After the Fire: A True Story of Friendship and Survival. On January 19, 2000, a fire raged through Seton Hall University's freshman dormitory, killing three students and injuring 58 others. Among the victims were Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos, roommates from poor neighborhoods who made their families proud by getting into college. They managed to escape, but both were burned terribly. After the Fire is the story of these young m On January 19, 2000, a fire raged through Seton Hall University's freshman dormitory, killing three students and injuring 58 others. Among the victims were Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos, roommates from poor neighborhoods who made their families proud by getting into college. They managed to escape, but both were burned terribly. After the Fire is the story of these young men and their courageous fight to recover from the worst damage the burn unit at Saint Barnabas hospital had ever seen. It is the story of the extraordinary doctors and nurses who work with the burned. It is the story of mothers and fathers, of faith and family and the invisible ties that bind us to each other. It is the story of the search for the arsonists - and the elaborate cover-up that nearly obscured the truth. And it is the story of the women who came to love these men, who knew that real beauty is a thing not seen in mirrors. . more. Get A Copy. Friend Reviews. Reader Q&A. Be the first to ask a question about After the Fire. Lists with This Book. Community Reviews. After the Fire: A True Story of Friendship and Survival. In January of 2000, a fire spread throughout the freshman dorm at Seton Hall, killing three and burning scores of others. This book follows the recovery and turmoil caused to two roommates that were burned in that fire. The Boland Hall fire was set by two students for reasons still unknown and unclear. Yet, the book focuses on the recovery and friendship of Shaw and Alvaro, two roommates caught in the blaze. The story is sad, yet uplifting After the Fire: A True Story of Friendship and Survival. In January of 2000, a fire spread throughout the freshman dorm at Seton Hall, killing three and burning scores of others. This book follows the recovery and turmoil caused to two roommates that were burned in that fire. The Boland Hall fire was set by two students for reasons still unknown and unclear. Yet, the book focuses on the recovery and friendship of Shaw and Alvaro, two roommates caught in the blaze. The story is sad, yet uplifting and eventually happy. To get there you have to endure the struggles in the burn center and the investigation into the fire that pits police against soulless monsters that inhabit our youth. The accomplishments of Shawn and Alvaro are truly uplifting and the angelic work of the Doctors and nurses at Saint Barnabas make this book a real pleasure to read. The author chose the perfect voice for her work, she could have turned this story into a dark tale of evil, but the goodness of the people really stand out. . more. There are times in each of our lives that we'll never forget. The moment you found out about planes crashing into the World Trade Center, the day Princess Diana died, etc. The moments that you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing. After the Fire is about one of those moments for students at Seton Hall University in 2000 when a fire started in the middle of the night, killing three students and injuring a dozen others. After the Fire follows the true story of the struggles and There are times in each of our lives that we'll never forget. The moment you found out about planes crashing into the World Trade Center, the day Princess Diana died, etc. The moments that you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing. After the Fire is about one of those moments for students at Seton Hall University in 2000 when a fire started in the middle of the night, killing three students and injuring a dozen others. After the Fire follows the true story of the struggles and triumphs of two of those students, Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons, as they recovered from the tragedy. A book written by Gaby Fisher, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, this book is extremely well written and gives you an insight into an event that many of us probably didn't even know happened. It's a somewhat difficult read, similar to Columbine, as you read through the true accounts of the boys' tough recovery, but if you're up for it, the value and message of finding hope and beauty when it seems like there is none, is worth the time it takes to get through the 200 pages. . more. This drew me in from the first pages and kept me reading compulsively. A horrifying dorm fire leaves two roommates burned, but not broken. Their friendship is strong and helps them both to heal. Amazing details about surviving horrible burns, working in the burn unit of a hospital, and how a tragedy like this affects so many people. You will want to buy an escape ladder and a fire extinguisher (or several) for your house after reading. This was an excellent book and easy 5-star rating. It is a touching story of friends and family being there for each other during adversity, but it is more than that. I knew the story of the fire somewhat from the news, but this book is equal parts inspirational story of survival and recovery, arson investigation, adjustment to changed lives, relationships strengthened and relationships ended, and best of all, what doctors and nurses in burn units experience. In fact, that last aspect was what I This was an excellent book and easy 5-star rating. It is a touching story of friends and family being there for each other during adversity, but it is more than that. I knew the story of the fire somewhat from the news, but this book is equal parts inspirational story of survival and recovery, arson investigation, adjustment to changed lives, relationships strengthened and relationships ended, and best of all, what doctors and nurses in burn units experience. In fact, that last aspect was what I liked most about the book. Burns are tremendously serious and possible the most difficult type of injury to suffer and try to heal. Burn unit doctors and nurses often can do little to comfort burn victims, and this book explains why and the toll it takes on medical professionals, who have to be a special breed to see what they see every day and not quit or move to a different specialty. I found the burn unit personnel were my favorite people in the book. Patient and loving angels who don’t hold back the truth and help burn victims through the shock and sorrow when they see themselves in the mirror for the first time and realize they will never look like they did before the fire. Whether right or wrong, most people base a lot of their self-confidence and feelings of self-worth on their appearance, and burns disfigure faces and limbs and body parts that make people intensely self-conscious of how they look to others. This can be especially true of teens and young adults, who wonder if anyone will ever find them attractive enough to love. Burns are also a type of injury that is hard to conceal and evokes stares from strangers, an aspect the victims describe extensively in this book. This book was more than I thought it would be from its description, and the “more” made it even better than expected. The reader gets to experience the fire and its aftermath from the perspectives of victims, first responders, burn unit personnel, family members, arson and criminal investigators, school officials, dorm residents, the fire perpetrators, and more. There are characters you will really like, and some you will loathe, some you’ll pity, and most you will relate to as doing the best they can in a situation we all hope we never experience. It’s a relatively quick read too, in part because it’s hard to stop reading once you start. This was a story that grabbed me from the first page. Read in a single sitting, it pulled me into the narrative and didn't let go until the final page. Simply and cleanly written, the personalities of the main characters are evident. Although this is a tale of physical, mental, and emotional misery it is also a tribute to the human spirit. Details of what is required to survive being burned alive are present but not in a way that gave me nightmares. The humanity of those who could only helplessl This was a story that grabbed me from the first page. Read in a single sitting, it pulled me into the narrative and didn't let go until the final page. Simply and cleanly written, the personalities of the main characters are evident. Although this is a tale of physical, mental, and emotional misery it is also a tribute to the human spirit. Details of what is required to survive being burned alive are present but not in a way that gave me nightmares. The humanity of those who could only helplessly look on is shown without judgement or spin. Alvaro's girlfriend is allowed to be who she is, in that moment, without castigating her actions. The unraveling of Alvaro's parents emotions show their disoriented anguish and protective love. The book does not go into significant detail about the perpetrators of the fire that impacted these two men's lives, except through investigative facts, and how these victims dealt with the results of the plea bargain. This story gives us the opportunity to be part of the courage of these two men and their families. It is presented in a positive light. Some may think this is an injustice, for certainly there must have been dark days and weeks, anger and pity and fear, and the book does not dwell there. Life isn't fair. It is full of suffering and injustice and unanswered prayers. And sometimes, there is healing. . more. It has been more than 18 years since a fire swept through a dormitory at Seton Hall University, killing three and injuring scores more. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on after the attention-deficit media has packed up and moved on to the next horror, you can find examples of that in this touching book about two roommates who became close friends after the crisis. Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos were a couple of guys from not-so-great neighborhoods who wanted to pursue degrees and make their fa It has been more than 18 years since a fire swept through a dormitory at Seton Hall University, killing three and injuring scores more. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on after the attention-deficit media has packed up and moved on to the next horror, you can find examples of that in this touching book about two roommates who became close friends after the crisis. Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos were a couple of guys from not-so-great neighborhoods who wanted to pursue degrees and make their families proud of their accomplishments. Early on a January morning, the two were victimized by a fire that swept through their dorm and caused their burns to be the most severe ever treated at Saint Barnabas hospital. Essentially, this is the story of second chances and friendships that survive the worst adversities. . more. This book was assigned reading for one of my graduate school courses, however, I couldn't put it down! I plowed through it in a single day. While the topics were heavy, the writing was light and engaging. It dug deep to the core of how a single incident can heavily impact a number of lives. For students studying occupational therapy, this book provides a client-centered look at burn care (however, the role of OT is not heavily discussed). Additionally, it presents a plethora of information that c This book was assigned reading for one of my graduate school courses, however, I couldn't put it down! I plowed through it in a single day. While the topics were heavy, the writing was light and engaging. It dug deep to the core of how a single incident can heavily impact a number of lives. For students studying occupational therapy, this book provides a client-centered look at burn care (however, the role of OT is not heavily discussed). Additionally, it presents a plethora of information that could be beneficial when learning how to fill out occupational profiles. . more.