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62 pages 2 hours read

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

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002

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Book Brief

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Jim DeFede

The Day the World Came to Town

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Gander, Newfoundland • 2000s

Publication Year

2002

Publisher

William Morrow Paperbacks

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede tells the true story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed thousands of passengers stranded after flights were diverted on September 11, 2001. The book highlights the town's extraordinary hospitality, as residents opened their homes and hearts to people from around the world during a global crisis.

Heartwarming

Inspirational

Informative

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede is widely praised for its heartwarming depiction of human kindness following the 9/11 attacks, capturing the generosity of Gander, Newfoundland's residents. Critics appreciate its emotional narrative but note a lack of in-depth individual characterization. The book offers an uplifting perspective on community solidarity during crises.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Day the World Came to Town?

A reader interested in human resilience and community spirit, as explored in The Day the World Came to Town, may also enjoy Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Those fascinated by real-life stories of hope and kindness amid tragedy will find this book compelling and heartwarming.

Character List

Jim DeFede

An award-winning journalist working for CBS New Miami, known for hosting the show Facing South Florida, and for his descriptive, ethnographic journalism approach in his book, which documents the events and storytellers surrounding 9/11.

A veteran pilot who, on 9/11, navigates his flight to Gander with a deep sense of responsibility for his passengers, forming close bonds with them and the local community during their unexpected stay.

The chairman of Hugo Boss, who experiences a profound shift in priorities after being rerouted to Gander on 9/11, choosing to remain with his fellow passengers to share in the camaraderie and kindness of the local volunteers.

A Gander town constable formerly with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, known for his community-focused duty and warmth, providing personal support and cross-community connections during the 9/11 events.

An air traffic control officer transferred to Gander, who becomes instrumental in providing support and comfort to stranded passengers, including offering hospitality and personal aid to those in need.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Gander, Newfoundland • 2000s

Publication Year

2002

Publisher

William Morrow Paperbacks

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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