Too Many Good Men

On September 11, 2001, the world watched history unfold. Michael Donovan lived it.

Too Many Good Men is a powerful firsthand account of the World Trade Center attacks as experienced by a New York City firefighter who answered the call on one of America's darkest days.

Through deeply personal recollections, Donovan takes readers beyond the headlines to reveal the courage, sacrifice, heartbreak, and resilience of the firefighters, first responders, and families whose lives were forever changed. He shares not only what happened that day but also the lasting emotional impact of the tragedy, the bonds forged in service, and the enduring legacy of those who never came home.

More than a memoir, Too Many Good Men is a tribute to the men and women who risked everything in service to others. It is a story of duty, brotherhood, loss, and hope that preserves the memory of extraordinary individuals while offering future generations an intimate perspective on one of the defining moments in American history.

Written with honesty and humility, this unforgettable account reminds us that behind every headline are real people whose courage deserves never to be forgotten.

Michael Donovan served as an active member of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) from 1979 to 2003, dedicating his career to protecting the people of New York City. On September 11, 2001, he witnessed firsthand the devastation of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the extraordinary courage displayed by the firefighters, first responders, and ordinary citizens who answered the call that day. Cited for bravery on numerous occasions, Donovan later served as captain of Squad Company 18 in Manhattan following 9/11.

From 2005 to 2021, Donovan continued serving the FDNY community as a civilian retiree liaison for the Uniformed Fire Officers Association. In Too Many Good Men, he offers a deeply personal account of the events of September 11 and their lasting impact on those who lived through them. All names and events are drawn from his personal experience. His memoir honors the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the men and women whose lives were forever changed by one of the darkest days in American history.