Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

Philippe Petit’s illicit 1974 high-wire walk between the World Trade Center towers is the touchstone for stories of the people down below, including an Irish monk living in the Bronx projects, a Park Avenue mother in mourning for her son who died in Vietnam, and a heroin-addicted hooker.

Liz says:

“McCann is a superb writer who has masterfully crafted a unique piece of historical fiction. Using the tightrope walk as the central action, the author spins several stories which are grounded in the world of 1977. While much of the story is gripping and the ending is very satisfying, there are moments when the book feels a bit disjointed -perhaps paralleling the discomfort one might feel at times while walking a tight-rope. You have to steady yourself, focus on the end and finish the job! This was the 2009 National Book Award winner for fiction.”