Larger Than Life: the All Too Short Life of My Buddy Jon Vandevander

In the days prior to the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, Jeff bets his friend Jon that Barry Bonds will break Mark McGwire's record of seventy home runs. The loser will treat the winner to cheeseburgers, beer, and cigars at a favorite restaurant. On October 6, 2001, Barry Bonds breaks McGwire's record. Jeff has never wanted to collect a debt so badly. Jon Vandevander and Jeff Logan became fast friends. From their chance meeting in 1986 during a real estate transaction, the two men discover their mutual passions for the San Francisco Giants, Bruce Springsteen, Mountain Dew, the Allman Brothers Band, self-created top ten lists, and most importantly-family. Their lives are changed forever when Jon's workplace on the ninety-second floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower is attacked. From his own office across the Hudson River, Jeff witnesses the rescue attempt and eventual collapse of the towers and experiences subsequent days of waiting and praying to no avail. Larger Than Life reads like a letter from Jeff to his departed friend, filled with flashbacks to happier days and Jeff's dreams for how things could have been different. Larger Than Life shares the joys of having a best friend and the horror of losing that friend in the tragedy of September 11, 2001.