The Day The World Came to Town by Jim Defede

I recommend this book if you would like to read something that commemorates the 9/11 tragedy but is also heartwarming and inspirational and tells about light shining through a dark time. It also satisfies my curiosity as to some of the details of what people had to deal with when the United States air space was closed immediately after the attacks. 

Planes that were not able to turn around and go back were sent to various Canadian airports. 38 planes were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland. The population is only 10,000 and over 6,000 people were stranded in their town. The town people immediately worked together to find places for all of the stranded passengers in their town and surrounding places. They brought food, clothes, bedding and did whatever they could to show hospitality and kindness during a stressful situation. The travelers were with the Canadians for four days and formed bonds and friendship that would last long after. 

This book is written like a magazine or newspaper article and Sometimes it is hard to keep track of all the people that the author writes about. However, I was very moved by this story and read it quickly. It is only about 260 pages with a few black and white photos at the beginning of each chapter. (These pictures make 2001 look like ancient history!)

Others have been equally moved by this event and a musical called Come From Aways was created in 2012. It is currently playing on Broadway and other theaters around the world. 

I have been talking about this book ever since I read it. So, I am going to have to rate it pretty high - 4 out of 4. 

The following videos about the event from the news and song from the musical Come From Away.