The Day the World Came to Town

9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland

By: Jim DeFede

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Perfect for fans of the musical Come From Away!

When 38 jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada by the closing of U.S. airspace on September 11, the population of this small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. The citizens of Gander met the stranded passengers with an overwhelming display of friendship and goodwill. As the passengers stepped from the airplanes, exhausted, hungry and distraught after being held on board for nearly 24 hours while security checked all of the baggage, they were greeted with a feast prepared by the townspeople. Local bus drivers who had been on strike came off the picket lines to transport the passengers to the various shelters set up in local schools and churches. Linens and toiletries were bought and donated. A middle school provided showers, as well as access to computers, email, and televisions, allowing the passengers to stay in touch with family and follow the news.

©2002 Jim DeFede (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

A look back at one of the worst days in US history

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When the terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, there were many air crafts headed for the U.S. Understandably, President George W. Bush closed air space and threatened to shoot anyone down attempting to fly in the U.S. As a result, many travelers were stranded all over the world. And hundreds of them ended up in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland in Canada. The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede is the non-fiction account of how the citizens, affectionately referred to as Newfies, cared for not only Americans, but people from all over the world during those tenuous three days after the attacks.

It was nice listening to this audiobook so many years after the attacks. I write this because we are far enough removed from them to be able to reminisce without all of the emotion from the events of the day as well as the aftermath. That is not to say this book was not emotional. It was touching. It made me smile. It made me tear up. It made me think. Our neighbors to the north took care of us, without reservation. And no matter what the 2018 Administration thinks, the people from Canada are our strong allies.

Throughout the book, we learn about many different people: a couple who was bringing their newly adopted daughter from abroad, a mother who was on her way home but very stressed to learn that her son, a firefighter, had last been seen entering one of the Twin Towers, and an executive from the Hugo Boss company. In this audiobook version, I also listened to the stories of people who were not only new to Gander but their culture was as well. An orthodox Jew and a Nigerian princess were among the passengers who took refuge in this town. What was so amazing to me about this true story is that no matter the differences, the town came together and built on what united them - humanity - and in the midst of extreme tragedy, they took care of these people like extended family members. Because we are in such contentious political times in the United States today, it was nice to listen to this book and be reminded that people do care for one another and we are stronger together.

Recommendation: I absolutely enjoyed this perspective of such a horrific time in U.S. history. I think everyone can benefit from reading this book. Fair warning, grab a box of tissues before you do!

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or am gifted one, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime

Touching, great narrator, wonderfully kind story!

I’ve got nothing, absolutely nothing negative to say about this book. I enjoyed all the details of the plane passengers and the Newfi locals interacting. I loved the kindness of the Newfoundlanders during such a tragic time for Americans. They are wonderful people and I’m so glad we are neighbors! I love you Canada! Thank you! I enjoyed this book so much!

excellent story!

I was hardly able to focus on anything else until this story was completed! The story was heartwarming indeed and was well read!

I wish it was longer

Easily the best audiobook I have in my library. Finished in under 24 hours really wish it kept going.

Outstanding!

One of my all time favorite books! Truly restores your faith in humankind! Loved every second!

was so good I cried when it was over

9/11 may have been almost 20 years ago... But this book brought back the Glorious Humanity of people in a most wonderful way. As a professor of social work I plan to incorporate it in my trauma and Crisis Intervention class... As a model for how you intervene when people are scared struggling with ambiguity and need kindness of others to restore hope

So worthwhile

Great story about the wonderful people
of Gander Newfoundland When thousands of people from across the world were diverted there due to the events of September 11. Cars forth all the emotions that we felt on September 11 but also beautifully and warmly recognizes all the great actions performed by the people of Newfoundland To help those stranded there by the tragic events. You will be glad you listened

heartwarming

True story of how the human spirit can provide comfort in the face of tragedy.

Heartwarming Story

So nice to read something about the best in people. Makes me want to visit Gander, Newfoundland.

wonderful version of a true story.

riveting recitation of a real story and real people. not too maudline though the subject matter would have been so easy to fall into emotions.