The Day the World Came to Town 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim Defede

 

"The bond with the passengers was rivaled only by his attachment to the townspeople whose compassion was so overwhelming. They took their visitors on driving tours of the countryside. They took them to their homes. The passengers weren't treated like refugees, but like long-lost relatives, and the more he thought about it, the more it moved Balessarini."

        -Thoughts of Werner Baldessarini, German fashion magnate

This book was recommended by at least a couple of our Page Turners group. I am SO glad because it was fascinating! It is one of the rare nonfiction books that reads like fiction; a page-turner to be sure.

This book chronicles what happened to air travelers on 9/11/2001 when U.S. airspace was closed due to the horrendous terrorist attacks. Thirty-eight jetliners were forced to land in Canada, many in the small town of Gander on Newfoundland Island. Hundreds of passengers from all over the world were welcomed with open arms by the "Newfies." The travelers were given temporary housing in schools, churches, and clubhouses. The local people donated food, linens, toiletries, clothing and transportation. Many even opened their homes for showers and computer usage. In the process, they offered their friendship in beautiful ways. 

In the several days that followed 9/11 the Newfies epitomized generosity and goodwill. And the recipients of their kindnesses were SO grateful. 

Apparently, there is a Broadway musical based on this story, "Come from Away." I missed seeing it when it was presented in our city, but I will definitely try to see it when I can. 

I am amazed this book was published in 2002, the year after the disastrous events of 9/11! It seems to me a huge undertaking of research, interviews, etc. was required. As a confessed grammar geek, I found several errors overlooked in the editing, but I still rate the book a 5. I found it so inspiring to know there are such compassionate people capable of boundless hospitality. 

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Page Turners met today and had a wonderful discussion centered on this book. A good part of our time was spent reminiscing about where we were on this fateful day. One participant was in Paris at the time, and another was in Ireland. One member had grown up in New York and shared how profoundly she was affected. A former pilot among us had delved into the history to find that on 9/11 Canada as a country received between 225 and 250 planes with between 30,000 and 4500 passengers. Seventeen airports are listed. So possibly there were many other communities who reacted in the same way as the Newfies. 

The average rating was 4.2, our highest so far this year. Ratings were mostly 4's and 5's but, I believe, all were glad they had read the book.

I am attaching a YouTube video of Alan Jackson's "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?" You may need tissues handy.

https://youtu.be/gPHnadJ-0hE