Book Review:
"Unforgettable True Story: How a Small Town Changed Lives on 9/11 in 'The Day the World Came to Town' by Jim Defede"
"The Day the World Came to Town is a heartwarming and uplifting true story about the small town of Gander, Newfoundland and how it welcomed and cared for thousands of stranded passengers during 9/11. Defede's writing captures the spirit of generosity and kindness that emerged in a time of tragedy."
What Is the Book About?
The Day the World Came to Town is a heartwarming and inspiring true story about the small town of Gander, Newfoundland and how they welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers on September 11th, 2001. When airspace was closed after the terrorist attacks in New York City, 38 planes were diverted to Gander's airport, doubling their population overnight. Despite being strangers from different countries and cultures, the residents of Gander opened their homes, schools, and hearts to these stranded passengers.
Through acts of kindness and generosity, the people of Gander showed that even in times of tragedy and fear, humanity can come together to support one another. The book highlights the incredible hospitality and compassion shown by this small community during a time when the world was in chaos. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is still goodness and hope to be found through human connection.
What Makes This Book Different?
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede stands out among other books in its category due to its unique and heartwarming story. Unlike many non-fiction books that focus on tragedy, this book highlights the incredible acts of kindness and compassion shown by a small town in Newfoundland during the aftermath of 9/11. It sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of this tragic event and offers a refreshing perspective that sets it apart from others in its genre.
Another factor that makes The Day the World Came to Town stand out is its rich storytelling. Author Jim Defede masterfully weaves together personal anecdotes, interviews, and historical context into a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. He brings the characters to life through vivid descriptions and captures their emotions with great sensitivity. This attention to detail not only adds depth to the story but also sets it apart as a well-crafted piece of literature.
Furthermore, The Day the World Came to Town explores themes of humanity, community, and resilience in an authentic and thought-provoking way. It goes beyond just recounting events; instead, it delves deeper into how individuals can come together during times of crisis and make a positive impact on each other's lives. This powerful message resonates with readers long after finishing the book, making it stand out as more than just another true story or memoir but rather an inspiring testament to human goodness.
Writing Style & Pacing
The Day the World Came to Town is written in a journalistic style, with a neutral and informative tone. The author, Jim Defede, presents the events of September 11th, 2001 in an objective manner and allows the stories of the individuals involved to speak for themselves. The structure of the book follows a chronological timeline, starting from the morning of September 11th and ending with its aftermath. Each chapter focuses on different aspects of this tragic event such as air traffic control, military response, and individual experiences. This structure allows readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of how this day unfolded.
Despite its heavy subject matter, The Day the World Came to Town is surprisingly easy to read due to its fast-paced nature. Defede's writing style keeps readers engaged as he seamlessly weaves together different perspectives and accounts from various sources. While it may be emotionally challenging at times due to its topic, it is ultimately a quick read that will leave readers feeling inspired by acts of kindness and humanity during one of America's darkest moments.
About the Author
Jim Defede is an American author and journalist who has written several books, including The Day the World Came to Town. He was born in 1962 in New York City and grew up in Miami, Florida. Defede attended the University of Miami where he studied journalism and began his career as a reporter for the Miami Herald.
Defede's experience as a journalist covering major events such as Hurricane Andrew and the Elian Gonzalez saga gives him credibility to write about significant moments in history. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including an Emmy for investigative reporting. This background demonstrates Defede's ability to thoroughly research and accurately report on important events.
In addition to his journalistic achievements, Defede brings a personal connection to this book. As a native New Yorker living in Florida during 9/11, he witnessed firsthand how people from all over the world came together to support those affected by the tragedy. This unique perspective allows him to tell a compelling story that goes beyond just facts and figures but also captures the human side of this global event.
Overall, Jim Defede is a highly respected author with extensive experience reporting on major news stories. His personal connection and expertise make him well-suited to write The Day the World Came to Town, which tells an inspiring story of compassion, strength, and unity during one of America's darkest days.
Historical or Topical Context
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede is set in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001. On this day, the world was shaken by a series of terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C., resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread fear and chaos. In response to these attacks, all flights across North America were grounded for safety reasons. As a result, 38 planes carrying over 6,500 passengers were diverted to Gander's airport.
Gander is an isolated town located on the eastern coast of Canada with a population of only about 10,000 people. It was once a bustling hub for transatlantic air travel but had seen a decline in recent years due to technological advancements that allowed for longer non-stop flights. However, on September 11th it became one of the busiest airports in North America as it welcomed stranded travelers from around the world. The sudden influx of so many people into such a small community created an unprecedented situation that would have lasting effects on both the residents and visitors alike. This unique setting serves as the backdrop for an extraordinary story about kindness, compassion and humanity during one of history's darkest days.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
1. The opening scene, where the small town of Gander, Newfoundland suddenly becomes a bustling hub as 38 international flights are diverted there following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
2. Chapter 6, "An Island in Shock," which describes how the residents of Gander immediately sprang into action to provide food and shelter for the thousands of stranded passengers on their island.
3. The story of Diane Gray and Nick Marson, two strangers who meet and fall in love while stuck in Gander during those five days.
4. The section about Bonnie Harris, an American woman whose son was a firefighter killed in the World Trade Center attacks, finding comfort and healing through her interactions with the people of Gander.
5. The final chapter, "A Gift from Strangers," where many years later some of the passengers return to Gander to thank their hosts and repay them for their kindness during such a difficult time.
Lessons or Takeaways
After reading The Day the World Came to Town, readers can learn about the power of compassion and kindness in a time of crisis. This book tells the story of how a small town in Newfoundland opened their hearts and homes to thousands of stranded passengers after 9/11. Readers will feel inspired by the selfless acts of ordinary people who went above and beyond to help those in need during such a devastating event. They will also reflect on the importance of coming together as a community, regardless of differences, to support one another during difficult times.
Additionally, readers may also gain a deeper understanding of the impact that tragedies have on individuals and communities. Through this book, they will see how something as horrific as 9/11 brought out both the worst and best in humanity. It highlights how even amidst chaos and fear, there is still room for hope and love. This heartwarming story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always light if we choose to look for it. Overall, readers will be left with feelings of gratitude towards those who showed kindness during this tragedy and perhaps be motivated to spread more compassion themselves.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
is a heartwarming and uplifting account of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland and how it welcomed thousands of stranded passengers on September 11, 2001. Readers praise the book for its moving storytelling and heartwarming portrayal of humanity in the face of tragedy. Many describe it as a must-read, with one reviewer stating that "this book will restore your faith in humanity."
The Day the World Came to Town has received numerous awards and accolades since its publication in 2002. It was named a New York Times bestseller and won the Christopher Award for books that “affirm the highest values of human spirit.” The American Library Association also recognized it as an Outstanding Book for Young Adults. Additionally, the book has been adapted into a musical titled Come From Away which has received critical acclaim and multiple Tony nominations. Overall, readers are deeply moved by this true story about compassion, kindness, and resilience during one of America's darkest days.
Who Is This Book For?
1. History enthusiasts: This book would be perfect for readers who are interested in learning about lesser-known events and stories from history. The Day the World Came to Town tells the incredible true story of how a small town in Newfoundland, Canada welcomed and took care of thousands of stranded airline passengers on September 11th, 2001.
2. Humanitarians: The heartwarming and uplifting tale of strangers coming together to help one another during a crisis is sure to resonate with those who have a strong sense of empathy and compassion towards others.
3. Travelers: Readers who love exploring new places and cultures will enjoy reading about the unique customs, traditions, and people of Gander, Newfoundland. The book provides an intimate look into this remote Canadian town that played such a significant role during one of the most tragic days in modern history.
4. Non-fiction fans: This book is written as a narrative non-fiction account, combining real-life events with storytelling techniques to create an engaging read that reads like fiction but is based on true events.
5. Inspirational seekers: The Day the World Came to Town is full of inspiring moments that showcase humanity's goodness and resilience even amidst tragedy. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and kindness can prevail over fear.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
1. Heartwarming and uplifting story: The Day the World Came to Town tells the true account of how a small town in Newfoundland, Canada came together to welcome and care for thousands of stranded passengers on September 11th, 2001. The book is full of heartwarming stories of kindness, generosity, and humanity during a time of great tragedy.
2. Unique perspective on 9/11: While there are numerous books written about the events of September 11th, this one offers a unique perspective from the people who were affected by the attacks in an unexpected way – those who were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland due to airspace closures.
3. Well-researched and detailed: Author Jim Defede spent months conducting interviews with residents and visitors in Gander to gather firsthand accounts of what happened during those five days when their town doubled in population. His dedication to research is evident throughout the book as he shares specific details that bring this remarkable story to life.
4. Insight into Canadian culture: For readers outside of Canada, this book provides insight into Canadian culture through its portrayal of small-town hospitality and warmth towards strangers. It also explores themes such as community spirit, resilience, and compassion – all values that are deeply ingrained in Canadian society.
5. Timely message: In today's world where there seems to be so much division and conflict between different nations and cultures, The Day the World Came to Town serves as a reminder that even amidst tragedy we can come together as humans regardless of our differences.
Cons:
1. Limited Perspective: The book primarily focuses on the experiences of people in Gander, Newfoundland during the aftermath of 9/11. While this is a unique and interesting perspective, it also means that the reader only gets one side of the story.
2. Lack of Personal Connection: As a result of its limited perspective, readers may find it difficult to emotionally connect with the characters in the book. Since there are so many different individuals mentioned, it can be hard to form deep attachments to any one person or their story.
3. Overwhelming Amount of Information: With so many different stories and perspectives included in the book, some readers may feel overwhelmed by all of the information presented. It can be difficult to keep track of all the different names and events mentioned throughout.
4. Slow Pacing: Due to its focus on individual stories rather than an overarching narrative, some readers may find that this book moves at a slower pace than they would like.
5. Lack of In-Depth Analysis: While this book provides a detailed account of what happened in Gander after 9/11, it does not delve deeply into any larger themes or issues related to these events. This may leave some readers wanting more depth and analysis from this otherwise fascinating topic.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
I would highly recommend reading The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede. This book is a powerful and heartwarming story that showcases the kindness and generosity of humanity in times of crisis. It also sheds light on an often overlooked event, where a small town in Newfoundland opened their hearts and homes to thousands of stranded passengers on 9/11.
Defede's writing style makes this book easy to read and engaging, while still conveying important messages about compassion, community, and resilience. Through personal accounts from both locals and passengers, readers are able to experience the impact this unexpected influx of people had on Gander and how it forever changed the lives of those involved. Overall, The Day the World Came to Town is a must-read for anyone looking for an uplifting true story that will restore your faith in humanity.
Where to Buy?
Buy "The Day the World Came to Town" on Amazon
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