Mitch Landrieu: “I have a book which is a poignant and wonderful account of life in Louisiana after the storms. It is called ``1 Dead in…”

“I have a book which is a poignant and wonderful account of life in Louisiana after the storms. It is called ``1 Dead in Attic,'' written by Chris Rose, a reporter for the Times Picayune. The title refers to the unique system for identifying what happened in people's homes during the storm. The notation, sprayed on the wall for everyone to see, would explain whether there were pets or people or, in this case, someone no longer living. This symbol--this information--remains spray painted on the sides of many houses to this day. In this book, Mr. Rose describes 2005: This was the year that defines our city, our lives, our destiny. Nothing comparable has ever happened in modem times in America, and there is no blueprint for how we do this. We just wing it. Do good works. Save someone or something. If there was no New Orleans, America would just be a bunch of free people dying of boredom. A photographer for from England noted: I witnessed the destruction of one of the finest cities in America, her soul bared and exposed, her inequality and inefficiency laid out for all to see. And through it all I saw the grace, courage and dignity of her citizens, forced to flee their homes, their lives, their history. I trust her soul will be repaired.”