5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado

At 5:41 p.m. May 22, 2011, the deadliest single tornado to hit the United States in 50 years tore its way through Joplin, Missouri. By the time it completed its murderous course, 160 lives were lost, and those who survived have stories they can tell for the rest of their lives.

Two veteran southwest Missouri reporters, Randy Turner and John Hacker, share some of those stories in 5:41. The book features photos taken by Hacker within moments of the deadly tornado and details about some of the horrific moments that came to symbolize May 22, 2011, in Joplin, Missouri.

The book includes the following:

-First person stories of the horrors of the tornado

-Photographs taken moments after 5:41

-The obituaries of those who died May 22 or later from injuries received in the tornado

-Details from three hospitals that served the community well, including one that was hit by the tornado

-The nightmarish experiences of those who had just graduated from Joplin High School moments before the tornado destroyed the building.

-The outpouring of volunteering that made Joplin stand for hope in the days after May 22.

-The complete text of the Joplin Tornado Memorial Service held at Missouri Southern State University, including the speeches by President Barack Obama, Gov. Jay Nixon, and Rev. Aaron Brown

-The final National Weather Service report

-The heroes who gave their lives to save others

This book offers a revealing look at the day that changed Joplin, Missouri, forever.