Reflections on Resilience: Gae Polisner Remembers 9/11 and Its Legacy

Gae Polisner, a dedicated writer based in New York, has penned seven novels aimed at young readers. Her latest work, The Memory of Things (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2016), seeks to articulate her ongoing process of grief and healing following the events of September 11, 2001. While steeped in tragedy, the novel emerges as a coming-of-age narrative that centers around hope, human connection, and defining one's identity within a family context. In light of the book's tenth anniversary and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Polisner reflects on the resilience and kindness that surfaced during that painful time.

The repercussions of historical events often inform personal narratives. Polisner shares a memory from April 5, 1968, when she and her sister wore yellow armbands to advocate against racial violence following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Although she doesn't have specific recollections of that day, its significance profoundly influenced her sense of identity and place in the world. Her upbringing was shaped by her father's experiences as a surgeon in Vietnam, an environment rife with discussions about the futility of war and the consequences of conflict.

Despite growing up amidst such iconic struggles, Polisner feels she came of age during a time when the nation seemed to be on a progressive path. By the time her children were born, there was a prevailing sense of safety and hope that blanketed the country. That shift was starkly challenged on September 11, 2001, when everything changed in a matter of moments.

On that fateful day, just after dropping off her young sons at school, Polisner witnessed the onset of chaos as the first plane struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Reflecting on the harrowing day, she feels a generational weight, contemplating both the violence and the resilience that coexist in human experience. The chaos of flocks of people running from the aftermath was coupled with deep acts of kindness, illustrating the stark duality of the event.

As she drove home, uncertainty engulfed her thoughts—questions raced in her mind about possible further attacks. Her primary concern was the emotional safety of her children. In a moment of solace amid fear, they played wiffle ball in their front yard, the vibrant yellow bat and white ball contrasting against a brilliant blue sky. This specific image has remained etched in her memory, a testimony to the ordinary that persists even amid the extraordinary.

Polisner's goal in writing The Memory of Things was to encapsulate both the smaller, poignant moments and expansive themes of humanity. The novel centers on the character Kyle, a seventeen-year-old grappling with his identity, alongside the “bird girl,” a young woman without memory or home yet rich in compassion for others. Their stories weave together in the fabric of a community that collectively endured tragedy.

Post-publication, Polisner has received heartfelt responses from readers of all ages, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in sharing experiences like those witnessed on 9/11. In many ways, the novel serves as a division of shared grief; by understanding these stories, younger generations may better comprehend the impacts of such tragedies.

Two and a half decades have passed since that tragic day, a time that saw the loss of nearly 3,000 lives. The world has undeniably shifted since then, and Polisner reflects on the fleeting nature of the goodwill that was initially extended to the U.S. in the aftermath of the attacks. Her hope is that her work, along with that of her peers in literature for young adults and middle-grade readers, serves as a perpetual reminder of the need for unity and resilience in the face of violence.

As our world continues to evolve, it's essential to remember that through collective understanding and compassion, we can foster a safer environment for everyone.