If you are in search of a great book or film for the weekend, you are sure to find inspiration in the story of Philippe Petit. Committing "the most elegant crime of the century," Petit orchestrated a tight rope walk in 1974 between the top of the World Trade Center towers, taunting security officers as he danced back and forth between the two buildings at 1,350 feet above ground for 45 minutes. We love yoga as much as the next girl, but this gentleman possesses superhuman balance to combat the winds at that height! All charges were dropped against him in exchange for a free performance for children in Central Park.
Colum McCann's novel, "Let the Great World Spin," uses Petit's coup to weave together the lives of a diverse range of New Yorkers against the backdrop of the 1970s. If you love New York City, character studies, and historical novels, this is the read for you.
Inject a little passion into your weekend adventures...
In 2008, a fascinating documentary film was released, giving an inside peek at his process and execution alongside interviews with Petit himself.
A modern day Petit is pictured below accepting an award at the 2009 Oscars.
Follow your dreams this weekend, wherever they may take you!
xxA20
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