Angel in the Rubble

The Miraculous Rescue of 9-11's Last Survivor

By: Genelle Guzman-McMillan

Narrated by: Heather Alicia Simms

The miraculous gift of a second chance....

"Am I dead? But I was in too much pain to be dead, right? I put my left hand right up to my face, but I couldn’t see even a hint of it. As I lay on my right side, my right arm and leg were pinned underneath me. A huge slab of concrete pressed against my head. Mustering all my strength, I pushed against it. Nothing. With my left hand, I could feel that an immense steel beam encased the rest of my body.

I was sealed in a coffin of concrete and steel. I screamed for help, but my voice went nowhere. I was alone. Completely alone."

For 27 hours, Genelle remained below the surface of Tower One’s rubble. During that time, she couldn’t help but reflect on the life she’d lived and how she’d drifted from the faith she once knew. One of her most painful regrets was that she’d left her daughter behind in Trinidad while she pursued her dream of singing and dancing in America. As death now seemed certain, she feared where it would take her. And then she remembered witnessing the miraculous recovery of her aunt when she was a child in Trinidad. Maybe, just maybe, God had a miracle for her as well.

For hours she prayed, remembering each detail of her walk away from the faith she’d known as a child. She begged God to forgive her - accepting that she may soon die, but praying for the miracle of life and a chance to live that life with a new purpose and direction.

God answered her prayer by sending an angel to sustain her. Now living in the light, Genelle is making good on the promises she made in the dark while buried in the rubble.

©2011 Genelle Guzman-McMillan (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"This isn't just Genelle's incredible story. This is a story that does honor to the innocent victims of 9/11 whom we will never forget." (Gary Tuchman, CNN national correspondent)

"I simply devoured Angel in the Rubble; I read it from cover to cover and found it impossible to put down! Genelle’s life is undeniable proof that miracles still happen." (Crystal Woodman Miller, survivor of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and author of Marked for Life)

Heads up wake-up call!

Would you listen to Angel in the Rubble again? Why?

This was totally amazing and I felt right there with the person as she finds herself trapped.

What does Heather Alicia Simms bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great reading!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This was an easy book to keep listening to.

Inspiring, indeed

This is an inspiring read – and a must read for anyone who wants to listen to a 9/11 survival story. I haven’t read one in all of these years and now I have read two in two weeks. I want to remember to see life as she now does and look at each day as an ‘extra day’. You can be either a believer or a non believer to get a boost from this book.
The narrator is excellent as well – one could imagine that it was Genelle narrating herself.
The audio is 6 hours long and there seemed to be a bit of a redundancy in the content, but you know, it wasn't a bad thing because it was a worthwhile discussion!

Awesome and Truly Amazing!!!

This story, as well as the narrator were awesome and kept me engaged. Genelle’s story and faith was so uplifting. Some parts brought me to tears and other parts made me smile. I truly enjoyed this audible book.

Way to stand up for truth.

I’m so proud of this woman who not only came through being trapped in the north tower of the World Trade Center for 27 hours, but for standing up for the truths she came to realize while she was entombed in darkness and distress. She is a real ‘woke’ person.

Grateful for this testimony of God's grace.

Wonderful! Grateful for this testimony of God's grace. You will be glad you read it.

This story proves God is real

Awesome story about how God steps in to save us even when we don't heed his warnings. Thank God for grace and mercy.

Good Book For A Long Weekend Prior to Sept 11

I read this book in a matter of two days, it held my interest and I couldn't put it down. This book answered a question I have always had, why didn't everyone evacuate the buildings after the first plane hit? And it drove home how important it is to act quickly and follow your instincts. I got lost on the second to last chapter, I think, where she talked about things that didn't flow with the book.
As to the reader, she irritated me with her mispronunciation of the last name Guzman! It is not pronounced "GOOSE-man" it is "gooz-MAWN" with the stress on the last syllable and the z pronounced like zebra. I would like to see a little more sensitivity shown in the area of Hispanic names from some of these readers. It may seem a small thing, but think of the commercial where the guy at the interview repeatedly says "Mr. Dumb-ass" instead of " Mr. Dumas".
However, if you like human interest stories, this is a good one. Not as good as My Life On the Other Side of the Sky, but a good book for a long weekend.

A Powerful & Moving Testimony - Proverbs 3:5-6 !!!

An Honor to listen to Genelle’s Memoir as one of her Surviving Friends - Joe Roque

beautiful story

I really enjoyed this book, it was written beautifully by including the Bible verses and her unique story. The part about Paul changed my outlook, I will always think of that when I need to lend a helping hand.

Reminded Me of Kindergarten

I enjoyed this book and probably would have done better with a print edition. The reader totally ruined it for me. She has the inflection and delivery of a kindergarten teacher speaking slowly and with great drama and it made me insane. I shall avoid her in the future.