Book Review: The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede

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Non-fiction Thirty-eight jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, due to the closing of U.S. airspace, the citizens of the small community and surrounding towns were called upon to care for thousands of distraught travelers. Their response to this challenge was truly extraordinary. Oz Fudge, the town constable, searched all over Gander for a flight-crew member so that he could give her a hug as a favor to her sister who managed to reach him by phone. Eithne Smith, an elementary school teacher, helped the passengers sheltered at the school contact loved ones all over the world. And members of a local animal protection agency crawled into the cargo holds of the jets to feed and care for all the animals on the flights. The Day The World Came to Town is the remarkable true story, beautifully told, of a community that exemplified love, kindness, and generosity during one of the darkest chapters in American history. ~~~~ Author Jim DeFede contacted people who were on the planes and in Gander about what they experienced during this time. Their stories are followed throughout the entire week, and then Jim DeFede gave an update as to where these people are today, how they have stayed in contact with people from other countries who they met, and people of Gander who opened their houses to them. Stores donated food, toys, and clothes. We read about the pilots, air traffic controllers, volunteers, travellers from countries some who spoke no English. The people of Gander who opened their homes to people brought me to tears. How friendly they all are is heartwarming. Their reasons for doing what they did is how the world should be. Would you see a person walking down the street and offer them the use of your car? Welcome them in to have a shower? Show them around town? This kind of stuff doesn't just happen anywhere in the world. The story should be called "Only in Gander". A musical stage show called "Come From Away" was produced as a result of this story. Certain members of Gander were flown to see the show which opened around the world. This angered the citizens of Gander. They didn't help these people for the notoriety, for fame, or even for the money that was later donated to a school for new computers and other financial donations. And of course they weren't happy that the people who produced the show made money off their hospitality, generosity, caring, friendship and love. The people of Gander did what needed to be done. They helped people who were put in an unfortunate situation due to no doings of their own. This true story touched my heart so much that I cannot recommend it enough. It's a must read for people around the world. This was a quick read. I'm a bit behind in my reviews. I came up with a jar of book prompts (which I will post separately) and this was the first book I chose.