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Terry's
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Book Reviews: | ||
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By
Gina
Russo with Paul Lonardo
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What's most impressive about the way the first chapter "Anatomy Of A Disaster" was written is that it's not about Gina Russo or her boyfriend, but rather a detailed account of what took place. Later Russo tells what her and her boyfriend experienced and by that time, you've got to know her, which really makes the emotional sting much more powerful. Gina Russo was not even planning to attend the Great White show that night. Her boyfriend Fred Crisostomi persisted to get her to go to the show at the club just down fro the street from where he lived. It's crazy to think that they didn't leave his house until 10:30pm, and about 40 minutes later they would be fighting for their lives inside a raging inferno. The thing that I found just about as frightening as the fire that took 100 lives was learning there was a person who could have saved both of their lives. A bouncer could of allowed the couple to escape through the side door but he refused to let them, standing firm that it was for the band's use only. It's hard to fathom anyone blocking a retreat for another human being. After the fire started, very quickly into Great White's first song, Crisostomi lead Russo to the closest exit, but the moronic bouncer on duty insisted the door was only to be used for the band not realizing or caring about the deadly fire already spreading not far away. Crisostomi decided to not waste any precious time and go back through the club to the front doors. This choice would eventually take his life and nearly take Russo's too. In my opinion, the bouncer should have been held partially accountable for the boyfriend's death, not to much mention the other lives he could have saved by helping people escape out the side entryway. To me his response was stupid and inhuman. To make matters worse, you will have to read the book to believe this man's (the bouncer) reaction when he sees Russo again. I was shocked that someone could be so unsympathetic and not care for the well being of another human being. Disgraceful is not a powerful enough word to describe the man's attitude and approach. The biggest part of this book is the devastating injuries Gina Russo sustained and the agonizing period she had to endure to get herself back to health. It was and probably still is an emotional rollercoaster of emotions but the woman was surrounded by excellent medical care, as well as the support of her family. Her story is uplifting and incredibly interesting and worthy of your time. So far FROM THE ASHES is the most interesting book I've read this year.
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