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

 

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!