I read this book on the heels of Chris Rose's "1 Dead in Attic: After Katrina." Chris Rose mentions this book toward the end of his, and I thought reading a positive story would be a good balance after reading the details of post-Katrina New Orleans. The story of 9/11 and the people of Gander, Newfoundland is fascinating and uplifting, but the book itself is poorly written. Perhaps it is because the author is a reporter, but the emotional impact that should have been there just wasn't. The sentence structure and word choices made me think I was reading an elementary school student's report on what happened rather than a professional's rendition. Had the content of the tale not been so wonderful, I'd have given this book even a lower star rating. I rarely think a movie is better than a book, but in this case, I kept wishing for a movie version.

Over 6,000 diverted passengers disembarked in Gander, Newfoundland on Sept. 11, 2001. Various newspaper accounts (most notably the Wall Street Journal) have told the tale of the Newfies' unsurpassed hospitality in the week that followed. Here, Jim DeFede does a nice job collecting the personal experiences of 180 individuals involved in events in Gander that week. We hear from passengers, pilots, Gander air traffic controllers, town mayors, school principals and the townsfolk who put their lives on hold to help out.

As a slice of life story, this is nice reading. As a historical accounting, this is not the place to come. This book cries out for a map. I just finished Peter Robb's A Death in Brazil: A Book of Omissions. A big part of what made that book work was a Alex Snellgrove's excellent hand-drawn maps in which all places mentioned in Robb's text are noted on the maps. See a place mentioned...flip to the map...flip back to the text. Works great. Would have worked here. Also, I'd have liked an appendix with some stats - a list of the flights by carrier, flight number, number of passengers, origination and intended destination. That would have been a very useful addition to the narrative.

Most amazing book I've read. Most Americans were unaware that all of incomming flights at the time of the bombings were diverted to the nearest airports not within USA borders. This story is wonderful and shows how the human race really cares about one another. It was hard to put down.

So many reviews have been written about this book, I'm not sure I can add anything that hasn't already been said. But I'd like to try! This is a very heartwarming book, in the best (almost unbelieveable) way. People didn't just go out of their way to help stranded travellers on 9/11 and in the days following, they gave up their linens, their food, their homes...and this is in a depressed area with a 16% unemployment rate. Each and every resident jumped in to give their all, staying up all night to cook (and, in one case, just sitting up to watch over people while they slept, in case they felt insecure). Businesses gave up inventory. Drivers turned over their cars to complete strangers. School bus drivers, who were on strike, poured in to drive anyone and everyone. No effort was too large or too small for these generous people. When someone was disappointed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police didn't actually wear the uniforms that are so well known, a local RCMP officer got permission from his superiors to don the duds and had his picture taken with thrilled travellers. Although written in a plain, straight-forward style, this book holds up well. I read it when it was first published, and just re-read it today. It feels just as good now as it did then! It's all about the people - they're simply the best!

This book tells a memorable story of how people cope and reach out to others in a time of crisis. It also makes you want to discover Newfoundland for yourself. If you need a uplifting view of the world, this book is a must read.

It was great to read a book about 9/11 that had a positive spin. The description of the town and characters makes me want to visit Gander Newfoundland someday.

This is an absolutely fascinating true story of how the residents of Gander, Newfoundland, rallied around when many aircraft were diverted there on 9/11 when US airspace was closed. How the town coped with more planes and people than it had ever seen before at once is a legendary story of human kindness and support for others. Very hard to put down once started. Will bring tears (mainly of joy) to many eyes.

My son and daughter-in-law were part of the mass of passengers stranded in Newfoundland after 9-11 and I will always be grateful to the Newfies for the loving way that they cared for them. I am also grateful to Jim Defede for writing this book to thank them for all of us.

This book clearly shows how people the world over should be living their lives. Thank you Newfies.

My son and daughter-in-law were part of the mass of passengers stranded in Newfoundland after 9-11 and I will always be grateful to the Newfies for the loving way that they cared for them. I am also grateful to Jim Defede for writing this book to thank them for all of us.

This book clearly shows how people the world over should be living their lives. Thank you Newfies.

I found this book to be extremely interesting. It tells of a true story unknown to many. However, while the subject was excellent, the quality of the writing was poor. I would not conider this book a final product. It is similar to a draft, with words spelled incorrectly and improper grammar. The publishers should be ashamed for printing such a poor quality manuscript that had not been proof read.

How often did we think of the people and animals stranded in the air during the 9/11 attacks? When did the media report on their lives? This is an inspirational story, one that needs to be told over and over again. It is easily written and, therefore, it is easily read. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the lives of people affected by today's politics and terrorism.

Marina Kushner
Author
The Truth About Caffeine: How Companies That Promote It Deceive Us and What We Can Do about It

If you ever wanted to read a book that took the best part of human nature, you've found it. The people behind 9/11 were expecting the worst of humanity to come about, instead the result was the best humanity. The people of Gander captured my heart and I would love to meet those wonderful people who took strangers in from around the world. This book will move you to tears and astound you in ways you never thought possible. The spirit of kindness is alive and well in Gander, Newfoundland. I love the United States, but we could learn a thing or two from these wonderful in what to do in the event of a tragedy.

If you ever wanted to read a book that took the best part of human nature, you've found it. The people behind 9/11 were expecting the worst of humanity to come about, instead the result was the best humanity. The people of Gander captured my heart and I would love to meet those wonderful people who took strangers in from around the world. This book will move you to tears and astound you in ways you never thought possible. The spirit of kindness is alive and well in Gander, Newfoundland. I love the United States, but we could learn a thing or two from these wonderful in what to do in the event of a tragedy.

If there could be a "feel good" book about the events of Sept. 11th,this is it. I was so moved by the wonderful people of Newfoundland I had to go here and meet some of them in person. This book proves that good does win over evil and how people from all over the world can come together and overcome adversity.

It's 2006 and I read this book as soon as it came out. I've read all the 9/11 books that have come out. I'm still trying to get my head around the hate, the fear, the legacy. And when I've plowed through a 9/11 book and can't stop the heartache and anger, I go and re-read this. It is so easy to live a life of anger and revenge. It's much harder to understand the Ann Frank comment of "still believeing in the basic goodness of people". The people in Gander help put me in the frame of mind where basic decency and goodness do still exist.

It's 2006 and I read this book as soon as it came out. I've read all the 9/11 books that have come out. I'm still trying to get my head around the hate, the fear, the legacy. And when I've plowed through a 9/11 book and can't stop the heartache and anger, I go and re-read this. It is so easy to live a life of anger and revenge. It's much harder to understand the Ann Frank comment of "still believeing in the basic goodness of people". The people in Gander help put me in the frame of mind where basic decency and goodness do still exist.

This is absolutely the most heart-warming book I have read in a very long time! I bought this book before taking a vacation to Newfoundland; the title intrigued me, although I had never heard of Gander.

I assumed this might be a heart-WRENCHING book, considering the subject matter. Instead, it is a collection of short stories about 9/11/2001 and the following days, when the small town of Gander was inundated with thousands of foreigners from all over the world as all flights were forced to land. It tells how the town took care of its unexpected "guests"; it shows us that GOOD does indeed still exist, despite the ongoing confrontations with evil.

If you want to feel renewed faith in the kindness of people, READ THIS BOOK.

Having traveled to Canada many times and Newfie once I am not surprised at their compassion. They were always warm and welcoming on my trips. But the extent of their help during the events of 9/11 is quite remarkable. I really enjoyed reading this book and sharing it with my 86 year old Newfie mother. I particularly enjoyed the two members of the Beatles tribute band (being a girl of the '60's) and felt hearing "Imagine" in those circumstances must have been overwhelming. The poignant story of the Jew who "came out of the closet" (so to speak) was also wonderful. I also loved the description of the Screeching-In ceremony. That was a real hoot! Those were my very favorite parts of the book but others were memorable as well. The entire book is great and you will be awestruck by the generosity of the people of Gander and surrounding areas. It proves, once again, that good will always overcomes evil. To those folks in Newfoundland who think what they did was no big deal I say a heartfelt "Thank you for looking after my fellow Americans and the other people of the world at such a horrific time." You're the best!

I anticipated that this book would be about the typical reactions people experience during a crisis. I read the book from a disaster planner's perspective as I was interested how people react after a disaster. The entire book proves again that a crisis brings out the best in people. The people of Newfoundland extended their hospitality more than I would have anticipated. Having visited the island and traveled from Argentia to St. Anthony to Port Aux Basques Newfoundland is a paradise. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in how a community reacts to the challenge of a crisis.

I am a first order Canaphile (a person fascinated with anything Canadian) so naturally I devoured this book. I learned a lot about Newfoundland (and how it's actually quite separate from the rest of the maple leaf.) But most importantly, I learned about how a whole province can come together and lend a hand without being asked. It's the story of how people from all walks of life that ended up in the same place during a tragic time, and the people that took care of them. Stories that may seem unreal to some people, like that of George, who just offered a ride to the nearest tavern (and later opened his home) to a group of Texans who were just walking down the road. Countless people opening their homes for a shower or just a few minutes peace. About the mother that invited a US National Security Advisor to her child's birthday party. It also talks about how other passengers dealt with their stranding. Like the chairman of Hugo Boss, the mayor of Frankfort, adoptive parents returning from abroad, and a very colorful prodigal Newfie. Some cried, all ate, and plenty drank enough to "embalm a herd of moose" as the author states. My favorite part of the book in fact was about the Screech-In ceremony which sounds like as much fun as you can have legally.

The author does an excellent job blending all these elements together, and really capturing the feel of a historic moment in time. You can sure bet I'm going to Newfoundland someday.

Newfoundland is a grand place. It's mountains, it's shore, its unindustrialized heartland, its exploited sea -- all enormous. But the mighty beauty of its people has rarely been captured -- and never so well -- as in this depiction of the events, on the ground in Gander, Newfoundland -- that immediately followed the catacylsmic calamity of 9/11/01.

Newfoundland is usually portrayed in aerial shots, showing contours and outlines but little detail. Jim Defede's brilliant portrayal of the people of this place masterfully focuses attention on the small detail of those rich souls who give Gander and its surrounding towns their meaning and weight. He does so simply and in plain tones, never overburdening the reader with overwrought rhetorical distractions, but telling the story and revealing the characters plainly. In so doing he captures the essence of their heroism --good people rising fully to the enormous challenge of this historic occasion.

Teachers take note! This is a must read for all future leaders. Jim DeFede tells the reality of people coming together to be "in the moment" during a very difficult moment.
Clergy, this is a must read for religious studies!This is a how to book for adults -- how to turn evil into good, how to step across politics, religion, take down the borders that separate us and take charge, how to work for peace.
Parents, a family read! Young and old, children, women, men and animals, every one is counted and made to be accountable for making life go on!
A fine gift book --Heart warming sincerity at its best!

Having only recently been given this book it brought back to me those few days I spent in a remote but truly wonderful town. I was on American Airlines flight 101 from Heathrow to JFK and was diverted to Gander that morning. To say I met some of the most amazing people ever would be an understatement. My friend and I were looked after so well. A woman took us to her home so I could call my parents, another took us to her home to shower. Those I remember most fondly are Doug Brittain & his wife who took us into their home to sleep. Amazing people.

I just finished reading _Plainsong_ and told my wife how I enjoyed this story of community and grace. Then my wife recommended _The Day the World Came to Town_ as another non-fictional demonstration of the same themes. I started it and couldn't quit reading it ... finished it in less than 24 hours.

This is a great and reassuring story how a group of people reach out and embrace others in a time of need. While I love reading, I don't find myself often emotionally touched by books ... DeFede succeeded in finding the right words, images and stories that touched my emotions time and time again.

There is another book that I would recommend as well. It's a similar story of how a community reaches out to those affected by world events and provides a touch of humanity when it's needed. Bob Greene's _Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen_ tells about how North Platte NE (and surrounding towns) greeted WWII servicemen and servicewomen on their journeys across America. The shift in time and story is an interesting counterpoint to a common theme in both books: how people reach out in times of uncertainty and pain to make strangers' lives a bit more comfortable and how grace is defined in human terms.

A friend told me about The Day the World Came to Town a while back. I knew it was about September 11th and I was feeling a bit overloaded on the sad stories that resulted from that tragic day so I put it off.

Of course, I knew there had been some amazing demonstrations of community, heroism, and other stories of the unexpected graces that resulted from that horrible dayâ??s events and yet this story was probably the one that made me fully appreciate the paradox of grace in the midst of tragedy all the more.

Gander, New Foundland has never been a major tourist spot on anyoneâ??s map in its history. However, many have touched down in Gander over the years as it served as a refueling station for prop planes and jetliners before they had better capacity for transcontinental travel without a fuel stop.

Gander is a small town of 10,000 and when 38 jets were ordered out of the skies on September 11th to Gander, some 6500 â??new citizens suddenly arrived without notice.

What followed the arrival of those jets and the frightened human beings aboard makes for the incredible story of a community that stopped everything it was doing and welcomed their guests as if they were relatives. And, this wasnâ??t just a quick stop. Gander provided for the â??plane peopleâ?? for three days without any master plan and advance preparation.

The Day the World Came to Town is an inspiring story about the strength and goodness to be found in ordinary human beings when they come together in tough times. Author, Jim DeFead does a great job of making this story a personal one. He focuses on the experience of several individuals and families among the local people and the visitors. He tells this amazing story of community through their eyes and hearts.

While I recognize so many have had their fill of stories about September 11th, The Day the World Came to Town is a story to be read again and again to remind us all that this world can still be a hopeful place of incredible grace!

A compelling story of goodness. Highly recommended!

Daniel J. Maloney
Saint Paul, Minnesota USA

Read this book! It will make you feel happy to be a member of the human race. All the reviews are spot-on (including the ones that complain about the lack of maps). I was lucky enough to teach school with several Newfoundlanders in the seventies, and they are indeed a marvelous breed.

Recognize that this story is more about them, and their wonderful generosity, than it is about the major events of 9/11. You may fell a little like the passengers themselves the first twenty-four to thirty-six hours: removed from precise knowledge of what was going on in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. But that's all right, because what was going on in Gander was so so special. There had to be a million ways to tell this story, yet DeFede expertly concentrates on a couple of dozen (of the 6,000) passengers, on several Newfies, and on a couple of crew members, and keeps everything straight for us as he weaves their stories together. There are a lot of laughs, and a lot of tears. (These come mostly at the outset, when you do recall the attacks, and at the end, with some of the poignant finales to people's journeys. There is a gripping connection to the Holocaust as the week winds down.) You are actually drawn into others' bonding experience, no mean feat!

My two sons were both working in New York on 9/11/01, one of them just four blocks south of the 2WTC (and the other, we later learned, might easily have been at a nine o'clock meeting in that building). I knew five guys who worked in those buildings who died that day, plus two others whose sons died. I read American Ground and loved it, but I tread gingerly on this stuff, since I'm not really over the whole thing yet. Having said that, I was a little disappointed that this book wasn't more connected to the world events of the time. It becomes something of a romp.