What Are Buzz Residents Reading?: Q&A with Amanda McGee

This week I interviewed Buzz resident Amanda McGee about what she has read recently and loved. She selected Paper Airplanes by Tabitha Forney, who is also a Buzz resident. The book was selected as a Good Morning America September Book Pick: “To honor the 20th anniversary of the attacks on September 11th, 2001, Tabitha Forney paints a vivid, fictitious, heartbreaking picture of what it felt like to lose a loved one on that horrific, historic day. When exec Erin O’Connor’s new husband dies in one of the towers, she has to accept the loss and then find a way to move on, which she does. A look into trauma, this story will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost.”

Houston author Chris Cander raves about the book: “On the twentieth anniversary of the World Trade towers attack comes an unflinching novel that explores the aftermath of the tragedy. Forney, whose own husband survived 9/11, takes us into the heart and mind of a widow whose husband jumped from a tower to escape the terrifying fires. Her life abruptly broken, Erin journeys through hell and back in this fictional account of a loved one left behind. An elegantly written tale that engages a gamut of emotions, this is a powerful debut by a gifted writer.” 

I had the opportunity to speak with Tabitha about Paper Airplanes on my podcast in the fall. To learn more about the book spoiler-free, you can listen here.

Amanda McGee also shared book recommendations in this 2020 article.

Here is what Amanda has to say about it:

What is the best book you have read recently?

The best book that I have read recently is Paper Airplanes by Tabitha Forney. Tabitha is West University resident Tobey Forney’s pen name.

What did you like about it? What made it stand out to you? 

This was an incredible fictional story about 9/11 and its aftereffects. It is the story of the journey of a woman following the loss of a loved one in the World Trade Center bombings. The story allows you to live through the emotions resulting from the tragedy and choices made following the event, through the stages of grief and finally to healing. It stood out to me because it was so real and written in such a beautiful way to honor those who lost loved ones. I also connected with the book because of my personal connection to 9/11. 

How did you learn about the book?

The author is a friend of mine so I was very excited to read her book when it came out.

What are you reading now?

I am reading 2 books currently. The first book is Acid for the Children by Flea which I am reading with my 16 year old son. It was his turn to choose. The second book I am reading is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. 

For more book recommendations and bookish thoughts, see Cindy’s monthly Buzz Reads column, her Thoughts from a Page Podcast or follow @ThoughtsFromaPage on Instagram. Find upcoming Conversations from a Page events here.