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

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland is a work of nonfiction by journalist Jim DeFede documenting six days in the eponymous town and the bonds that formed between locals and the passengers they cared for. The story begins on September 11 with the arrival of 38 diverted planes. An oral history narrating the experiences of pilots, air traffic controllers, passengers from around the world, and scores of volunteers, the book explores how unexpected events can bring diverse people together, forging communal bonds of comfort and security while creating a legacy of goodwill and hospitality.

Originally published in September 2002, the book was rereleased in 2021 ahead of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The book inspired the musical Come From Away. This guide refers to the 2021 Barnes & Nobel e-book.

Summary

In the Preface to the 2021 rerelease, DeFede notes how the story of Gander, Newfoundland, on and immediate after September 11 exemplifies how to engage meaningfully in an interconnected world. The Introduction acquaints readers with Newfoundland, a region with its own time zone, language, and traditions, the most striking of which is its exceptional hospitality. The harsh climate necessitated interdependence, shaping the character of the people.