The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland in Around the World in 80 Books

Jan 01, 2025 Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nonfiction, inspiration, challenge, community, disaster, relationships, must-read, mood-boosting-books, post-apocalypse, redemption

Nine-eleven happened, and the airspace in the US shut down, and airplanes were diverted to Newfoundland. It was a traumatic event, and people were in shock, but the folks in Newfoundland embraced those who arrived, and hope in the goodness of mankind was restored.

The school bus drivers had been on strike, but when they realized they would be needed in this crisis, they reported back to work. Passengers had to leave their prescriptions on the plane and the pharmacists went to work, calling homet ...more

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Jul 06, 2023 Stacey rated it really liked it

A feel good book, if that’s possible, about 9/11. When all air traffic was grounded, with the US airspace closed, over 230 jets landed on Newfoundland, a teeny Canadian island. This is the story of how the locals came together to support the stranded travelers, and their stories, and the development of long last friendships. It was great on audio.

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Feb 21, 2021 Traci rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is an amazing non fiction book that shows an entirely different side to the events of 9/11. It is easy to forget that so many people's lives were impacted on that day outside of those on the 4 planes and in the Towers and Pentagon. DeFede writes an amazing compilation of the stories of some of the passengers and the local residents of Gander, Newfoundland.

The different unique stories he was able to identify and relay are amazing. It is interesting to see how many different compelling stori ...more

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Feb 24, 2018 Kay Green rated it liked it

Interesting perspective on what happened when 37 jets had to land in a small town in Newfoundland on 9/11 when our airspace was closed. Lots of heartwarming stories about people helping other people despite cultural differences and languages. The musical Come From Away is based on this book.

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