Tom Rinaldi's The Red Bandanna is about a fearless choice, about a crucible of terror and the indomitable spirit to answer it. Examining one decision in the gravest situation, it celebrates the difference one life can make.
Tom Rinaldihas been a national correspondent at ESPN since 2002.
Among other honors, he has won fifteen national Sports Emmy Awards
and six national Edward R. Murrow Awards. Born in Brooklyn, New
York, he is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the
Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He lives in New
Jersey, with his wife, Dianne, their son, Jack, and daughter,
Tessa.
From the Hardcover edition.
“[A] lovely book...People see the fallen, beat-up world around them
and ask: What can I do? Maybe: Be like Welles Crowther. Take your
bandanna, change the world.”
—Peggy Noonan, The Wall Street Journal
“Amid the myriad stories of Sept. 11, there are many moments of
heroism. This…book tells one of the most memorable….Rinaldi’s
reconstruction of that final morning is gripping. His
recounting of how Crowther’s family slowly learned of his valor…and
of how many now honor him, is deeply moving….The payoff comes when
President Obama tells Crowther’s mother after the death of Osama
bin Laden, “I know about your son.” For her, he autographs a
red bandanna and adds the message, ‘We won’t forget Welles.’”
—The New York Times Book Review
“A beautiful book…Through one hero of that day, Rinaldi really
tells the story of all of them, all those who saved others and
couldn't save themselves. I tell you about a lot of books.
Buy this one. In the spirit of all the ones who kept going
back up the stairs.”
—Mike Lupica, NY Daily News
“How often does a book make you feel so deeply you need to just
stop and breathe?... Rinaldi is a masterful storyteller….
Sure, the obvious time to have reviewed this gem of a book about a
gem of a man would have been on Sept. 11. Yet the obvious time to
donate to food pantries is Thanksgiving. The need for both,
however, is all year…. a must read.”
—Newark Star Ledger
“Rinaldi writes a memorable and compelling account of the classic
American hero….For those looking for an inspiring modern-day
narrative, herein a young man goes beyond himself to help
others—and makes the ultimate sacrifice.”
—Library Journal
“A meticulous and vivid portrait”
—Publishers Weekly
“The inspirational story of a modern-day hero who escorted dozens
to safety during the 9/11 attacks… Rinaldi captures the compelling
urgency of the indelible event and fondly tips his hat to Crowther,
an exemplary embodiment of human compassion and selflessness. A
moving, deeply felt tribute to a courageous individual who
sacrificed his life to save others.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Tom Rinaldi’s The Red Bandanna could very well become one of those
classic books that are handed down through generations, for more
than any book I have read in a very long time it convincingly tells
the story of how great men and women become great – how cultural,
community, and spiritual drives can develop that inner character
that will make the world a better place. It is all found here in
these pages - the intellectual and moral strength of a close and
loving family, determination, guts, and the sense of service that
brings alive this memorable and beautifully written story of the
9/11 death of Welles Crowther. This book will always be set aside
in my house to illustrate the art of writing, but mostly to honor
the life of this courageous man – a volunteer firefighter, champion
athlete, well positioned stock trader – a true friend and loyal son
whose inner inspiration was to become a New York City firefighter.
Every first responder will want to read this book, every high
school and college English teacher will want to assign it, and
every thoughtful reader will give it to someone they
love.”
—Dennis Smith, retired FDNY firefighter and author of Report from
Engine Co. 82
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