This Is Their Story
Train 112, Car 1079
Eli Saslow (thanks, Mara): He heard the familiar whine of a Metro train approaching the platform, and Tom Baker decided to run for it. The next train was scheduled to arrive at Takoma Station in two minutes, another in six minutes and yet another in 10. But it was the first Monday of summer, and Baker had left work early with a weightlifting routine to complete and an overgrown garden to tend. A doctor at Walter Reed with an emergency pager affixed to his waist, Baker had learned to schedule and protect every minute of his free time. This was his train.
Posted by
ben on 06/29/09 at
13:38
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Re: This Is Their Story
This was incredibly well done. Extraordinary detail, beautiful structure. I especially liked the opening setting up one passenger's race to get on the ill-fated train, then his decision to move toward the back of the car. As he walks toward the back, he passes the other passengers who will be the key characters in the drama. Ingenious. Reminded me of David Maraniss' narrative retellings of 9/11 and the Virginia Tech shooting. I can't think of any other paper that does these so quickly and so well.
Posted by:
Mark Johnson
at June 29,2009 16:31
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