What is the last
inspiring book you read that restored your faith in humanity?
The Day the World
Came to Town is the story of what happened to the planes that were forced to
land elsewhere when the United States closed its airspace on 9/11. Thirty-eight planes were diverted to Gander,
Newfoundland which had an extra-long landing from its early days in aviation. 6,595 passengers were deposited on a town of
barely 10,000 people. The community came
together to help out these passengers from all over the world.
The Day the World
came to town is the stories of individuals that were flying to the United States
for various reasons. It is also the
story of the individuals in Gander and how they helped. I was amazed at how the town was able to
mobilize and help out the people including stripping their beds of sheets and beddings
and bringing all of their towels. I loved
the individuals and the pictures included.
Some of the individuals including the parents of a NYC firefighter, a
couple trying to fly home with their adopted daughter, a US general trying to
get back to her command, etc. I was
riveted. This was a truly human story of
perseverance. It reminded me that just
like Mr. Rogers said, you should focus on the helpers on not on those that are evil
in the world. When you get down to it,
most people are good people that just want to help each other out. I think this story applies to today more than
ever.
Favorite Quotes:
“We realized we
are part of a global village, as my children used to say: What is happening in
one part of the globe is affecting us all.”
“Their willingness
to help others is arguably the single most important trait that defines them as
Newfoundlanders.”
“They affirmed the
basic goodness of man at a time when it was easy to doubt such humanity still
existed. If the terrorists had hoped
their attacks would reveal the weaknesses in western society, the events in
Gander proved its strength.”
“We’re all
Americans tonight.”
“There was no
hatred. No anger. No fear in Gander. Only the spirit of community. Here, everyone was equal, everyone was
treated the same. Here, the basic humanity of man wasn’t just surviving, but
thriving.”
“Nevertheless,
given all of those human frailties, what happened in Gander is still
remarkable. And perhaps the lesson
learned isn’t that these acts of kindness occurred because Gander is a magical
place, but rather these people came together in a time of crisis regardless of
their own personal shortcoming. And if
that’s the case, then it offers us hope that all of us have that ability within
us.”
Overall, The Day
the World Came to Town is a truly inspiring story that will restore your faith
in humanity.
Book Source: Review Copy from William Morrow. Thank-you!
This is one of my all-time favorite books! I've read it at least four times, and it always makes me smile...and cry.
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