The Day the World Came to Town

By Jim DeFede,

Book cover of The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland

Book description

The True Story Behind the Events on 9/11 that Inspired Broadway's Smash Hit Musical Come from Away, Featuring All New Material from the Author

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…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Day the World Came to Town as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is the sole non-fiction recommendation on the list. However, with its message of hope and optimism, it seems like a fairy tale in these days of partisanship and hatred.

The book details how the small city of Gander in Canada rallied around to provide safe haven to the passengers of 38 airplanes which had been bound for the US on 9/11. The stranded travelers are greeted by a welcoming community, build lifelong friendships, and find solace and peace in a time of grave uncertainty.

The description of the small acts of kindness which positively impacted the lives…

This book covers the fascinating true story of a small town in Newfoundland that inherited thousands of temporary new residents when 9/11 grounded all flights headed for America. I love stories about people who rise to the occasion during a challenge, and the way the people of Gander stepped up to help the passengers—both human and animal—that arrived on their doorsteps unexpectedly really moved me. As I read about all the little ways the people of Gander showed they cared, I couldn’t help but wonder what I would do and how welcoming I would be in such a situation. Would…

From Katie's list on small towns with big hearts.

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