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Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11
One of the inspirations for the smash hit Broadway musical Come From Away, Channel of Peace is an unforgettable memoir of the extraordinary kindness afforded to passengers whose flights were re-routed to Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001.
When Kevin Tuerff and his partner boarded their flight from France to New York City on September 11, 2001, they had no idea that a few hours later the world — and their lives — would change forever. After U.S. airspace closed following the terrorist attacks, Kevin, who had been experiencing doubts about organized religion, found himself in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, with thousands of other refugees or “come from aways.”
Channel of Peace is a beautiful account of how the people of Gander rallied with boundless acts of generosity and compassion for the “plane people,” renewing Kevin’s spirituality and inspiring him to organize an annual and growing “giving back” day. His unforgettable and uplifting story, along with others, has reached thousands of people when it was incorporated into the Broadway musical Come From Away.
When Kevin Tuerff and his partner boarded their flight from France to New York City on September 11, 2001, they had no idea that a few hours later the world — and their lives — would change forever. After U.S. airspace closed following the terrorist attacks, Kevin, who had been experiencing doubts about organized religion, found himself in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, with thousands of other refugees or “come from aways.”
Channel of Peace is a beautiful account of how the people of Gander rallied with boundless acts of generosity and compassion for the “plane people,” renewing Kevin’s spirituality and inspiring him to organize an annual and growing “giving back” day. His unforgettable and uplifting story, along with others, has reached thousands of people when it was incorporated into the Broadway musical Come From Away.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2017
94 people are currently reading
2135 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Tuerff
1 book23 followersKevin Tuerff is a social entrepreneur, speaker, and author with over twenty-five years of experience in marketing and public affairs. He is the CEO of Kevin Tuerff Consulting, LLC, a public relations and marketing practice.
In 1997, Tuerff cofounded EnviroMedia, the first integrated marketing agency dedicated solely to improving public health and the environment. When he was president, he cofounded America Recycles Day and helped Daimler launch an innovative carsharing service across North America. He also helped the State of Texas prevent death and disease through public health behavior change campaigns.
For more than fifteen years, he has organized a kindness initiative to commemorate the anniversary of September 11, 2001, called Pay It Forward 9/11.
Tuerff is passionate about the planet and its people, donating time to a number of organizations that support the cause. For four years, he was an elected director of a water utility, where he championed water conservation programs during an extreme drought. In 2016, he received an outstanding leadership award from the University of Texas Environmental Science Institute for his eight years of volunteer service, and in 2017, a Distinguished Alumnus Award from Friar Society at the University of Texas.
A resident of Austin for over thirty years, Tuerff now lives in New York City.
In 1997, Tuerff cofounded EnviroMedia, the first integrated marketing agency dedicated solely to improving public health and the environment. When he was president, he cofounded America Recycles Day and helped Daimler launch an innovative carsharing service across North America. He also helped the State of Texas prevent death and disease through public health behavior change campaigns.
For more than fifteen years, he has organized a kindness initiative to commemorate the anniversary of September 11, 2001, called Pay It Forward 9/11.
Tuerff is passionate about the planet and its people, donating time to a number of organizations that support the cause. For four years, he was an elected director of a water utility, where he championed water conservation programs during an extreme drought. In 2016, he received an outstanding leadership award from the University of Texas Environmental Science Institute for his eight years of volunteer service, and in 2017, a Distinguished Alumnus Award from Friar Society at the University of Texas.
A resident of Austin for over thirty years, Tuerff now lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
May 24, 2017
As someone who, along with my newlywed husband, was part of that incredible week spent in Gander, Newfoundland, reading this book was like catching up with an old friend. I was at once reminded of some of the details of our shared experience as told by Kevin Tuerff, in an easily read and inspiring tale.
While the rest of the world was shocked by the horror that occurred in the United States on and after 9/11, we were privileged to be part of an incredible hug from humanity. The people of Gander were warm, welcoming and let us understand that while so much was wrong in our world, there will always be something right. Thank you Kevin for putting in your own words what this time was like. You've truly inspired me to pen my own remembrance.
While the rest of the world was shocked by the horror that occurred in the United States on and after 9/11, we were privileged to be part of an incredible hug from humanity. The people of Gander were warm, welcoming and let us understand that while so much was wrong in our world, there will always be something right. Thank you Kevin for putting in your own words what this time was like. You've truly inspired me to pen my own remembrance.
January 28, 2021
A heartwarming true story about real incidents of the best of all of us. It is a sort of resource document for the hit Broadway musical "Come From Away".The author who was stranded on an Air France airline that had an emergency landing in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001.
We see the story through the eyes of Kevin Tuerff. The dynamics are incredible. So much love is poured out by the people of Gander. They were available for almost all the people's needs. This impacts Tueriff so much that it changes his life. He begins the group, “Paying Forward” initiative to help make the world a better place.
Great book - fantastic topic. Totally recommend to all.
We see the story through the eyes of Kevin Tuerff. The dynamics are incredible. So much love is poured out by the people of Gander. They were available for almost all the people's needs. This impacts Tueriff so much that it changes his life. He begins the group, “Paying Forward” initiative to help make the world a better place.
Great book - fantastic topic. Totally recommend to all.
April 24, 2017
This is a short little feel good book that is a clear antidote to all the ugliness going on in the world around us right now. This is the true story of 9/11 and the after effects on one man. The author was on a flight from Paris to NYC on the morning of 9/11 when his flight was diverted to Gander due to the closure of US airspace. When the people on his plane were finally able to leave the plane 12 hours after they landed, there were 39 international jumbo jets on the tarmac. Over 6500 people arrived in the town of 10,000 and were greeted with open arms by the citizens. The citizens of Gander provided food, bedding and most important of all friendship to the 'plane people' during their stay in the small town. At the end of their stay, many passengers donated money to set up a scholarship fund for the students in the town. Several years after Kevin returned home, he decided to start an annual giving back day every 9/11. This is a wonderful story of kindness and love shared with people from all over the world and the effect that it had on so many people. I felt so much better about the state of our world after I read it.
November 17, 2017
As an employee of American Airlines, the story of Gander on 9/11/01 is always intriguing to me, so of course I wanted to read this.
The first couple chapters about the events leading up to the author's flight diverting to Gander, as well as what happened while he was stranded in Gander, were quite interesting to me. However, those sections were quite small. I think there was a missed opportunity in not sharing more details about the kindnesses shown by the Gander residents, or why they opened their hearts and homes so easily to more than 6,000 strangers in a time of uncertainty and fear around the world. I really wanted to know more about what happened on that first day in Gander, as well as the days after.
I admit that I was a little irritated at his jabs at Air France -- calling it a 'nightmare experience' (as if Air France is at fault for what happened on 9/11), complaining that Air France hadn't been in contact with them since landing in Gander (really??? with everything going on??), being ungrateful for the quality of the hotel in Paris that Air France provided to him FOR FREE, and complaining that he couldn't get on a flight back to the US sooner (when literally thousands of other people were trying to do the same). For someone who professes to be so religious and charitable, those nit-picky comments struck me as particularly ungrateful and unsympathetic.
The story quickly moves on from the days directly after 9/11 and the author then discusses his relationship with religion, his company, and his charitable efforts, along with some brief viewpoints on climate change, refugees, and other political topics. All of which I really wasn't interested in - I really was more interested in what happened in Gander, with the people of Gander. There's also a small amount of the story dedicated to his involvement with the Broadway play 'Come From Away', which I would've liked to have read more about.
This is a very small book, one that only took me about three hours to read. Overall, the story isn't horrible, and there are still numerous 'feel good' moments in it - so in that sense it was a good read. The writing is quite disjointed, though, and with numerous typos it definitely could've done with another pass from an editor.
The first couple chapters about the events leading up to the author's flight diverting to Gander, as well as what happened while he was stranded in Gander, were quite interesting to me. However, those sections were quite small. I think there was a missed opportunity in not sharing more details about the kindnesses shown by the Gander residents, or why they opened their hearts and homes so easily to more than 6,000 strangers in a time of uncertainty and fear around the world. I really wanted to know more about what happened on that first day in Gander, as well as the days after.
I admit that I was a little irritated at his jabs at Air France -- calling it a 'nightmare experience' (as if Air France is at fault for what happened on 9/11), complaining that Air France hadn't been in contact with them since landing in Gander (really??? with everything going on??), being ungrateful for the quality of the hotel in Paris that Air France provided to him FOR FREE, and complaining that he couldn't get on a flight back to the US sooner (when literally thousands of other people were trying to do the same). For someone who professes to be so religious and charitable, those nit-picky comments struck me as particularly ungrateful and unsympathetic.
The story quickly moves on from the days directly after 9/11 and the author then discusses his relationship with religion, his company, and his charitable efforts, along with some brief viewpoints on climate change, refugees, and other political topics. All of which I really wasn't interested in - I really was more interested in what happened in Gander, with the people of Gander. There's also a small amount of the story dedicated to his involvement with the Broadway play 'Come From Away', which I would've liked to have read more about.
This is a very small book, one that only took me about three hours to read. Overall, the story isn't horrible, and there are still numerous 'feel good' moments in it - so in that sense it was a good read. The writing is quite disjointed, though, and with numerous typos it definitely could've done with another pass from an editor.
May 29, 2017
What better day than Memorial Day to review this book. I lived in Canada on 9/11 and well remember the events that day as well as those that had to land in Canada. We opened our homes, hearts and stood united with those that were stranded and in shock. I don't know that there was an outpouring of love and concern like there was at that time. There are many people that like to accentuate our differences, but in the face of trauma we are no different. Kevin Tuerff was one such passenger that landed in Gander and tells his story. This has now become a musical Come From Away which I didn't know about. I now live in the USA and know few Americans that know anything about what happened in Gander, and their kindness. This slim book was an easy read and heartfelt.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
August 21, 2020
Sept 11 horrific terrorist attack will be embedded in the minds of people for a lifetime. Most people can remember where they were when they heard this news. Kevin Tuerff gives wonderful detail of his experience. Many people were passing it forward and kindness was astounding during these times. Unfortunately for many it was short lived. N.Y is in disarray once again through covid and George Floyd's death. Hopefully Kevin Tuerff experience of passing it on and his kindness will touch the heart of the rioters , looters and the few evil police officers who killed George Floyd . I pray for peace and reformation and I pass this on.
January 18, 2020
First off thanks to my Aunt Rose for paying this book forward to me. What an inspirational read. I always am looking for stories that renew my faith in the world. This story did. It is the story of Kevin Tuerff who was stranded in Gander Newfoundland on 9/11. It is the story of a community who DID NOT turn their backs on people who needed their help. This event inspired Kevin, through his company, to begin the Pay it Forward movement on 9/11. Many good things came from this very horrific moment in time. If you are looking for a feel good read, read this. And don't forget to pay it forward.
February 9, 2020
Ok so I am a huge fan of Come From Away, so once I heard that Kevin wrote his own book based on the events, I definitely had to read it! So I didn’t realize that Kevin wasn’t one of the people who spend 28 hours on the plane, which I was expecting to hear more about, but as that wasn’t part of this story, it makes sense. I also expected to hear more about them learning about 9/11 happening. All in all it was a fantastic book and loved hearing about all of it. Definitely felt closer to all of them and now want to go to Gander!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
Quick read but informative look at the post 9/11 life of one of the “plane people” stranded in Gander Newfoundland in the immediate aftermath of the terror attack. His is one of the stories featured in the musical Come From Away. Beautiful stories of so many paying it forward after the kindness they were shown in Gander.
June 1, 2017
I discovered Tuerff's book while indulging in the world of Broadways "Come From Away," and was able to download an electronic copy. The opening of the book follows the show's storyline closely, and while it is a wonderful tale I was by now familiar with it. Later chapters were more engaging, as we learn that Kevin and Evan had a 2nd act that is not mentioned in the play. Later, the book delves into Canada's ongoing refugee program, and philanthropies inspired by the Gander experience.
The writing style is expository, and easily accessible. Take this book with you on your own travels, to remind you of the kindness of strangers, even when they are you.
The writing style is expository, and easily accessible. Take this book with you on your own travels, to remind you of the kindness of strangers, even when they are you.
June 8, 2017
A feel good story at a time when we had no idea where our country was going. The people of Newfoundland rallied around "the plane people" and showed the author that their are still good people in the world. Kevin had a jumpstart on his own spiritual life and now hosts a giving back day. This was a quick feel good read. You won't want to miss it. I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review.
February 21, 2020
I suppose if you were on a diverted plane on 9/11 and lived the events as a participant, not a spectator, you would feel the need to tell your story. And I appreciate "Kevin T" for doing that. For the 6 people left in North America who don't know about the good people of Gander, I am glad he tells their story too. But in the end, the book is filled with platitudes about being kind to one another.
August 26, 2020
Because I was ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY by Come From Away, I was excited to read this book. I can appreciate Kevin’s story and the direction his life has taken following his experience in Gander. It’s a beautiful story. His book, however, is just not great. The writing was a bit dull. At times, Kevin seemed critical of America and at others he got a bit “rah, rah, USA,” the effect of which was just flat. It just didn’t leave much of an impression generally.
August 19, 2019
This was a very interesting book, but it felt really brief. I feel like it could have had a lot more detail, though I did quite enjoy it.
August 10, 2018
Viel zu kurz, irgendwie, aber ein wirklich schoenes Buch - ich habe gelacht, geweint, und war wirklich angetan. Es ist so schoen, eine irgendwie positive Geschichte zu 9/11 zu lesen. Oder eher eine Geschichte, die dem ganzen Trauma und Verlust noch eine andere Seite gibt, die tiefe Menschlichkeit zeigt und beweist, dass es vielleicht doch noch Hoffnung fuer uns alle ist. Wir sollten uns alle eine Scheibe von Gander abschneiden.
May 24, 2017
Having lived in one of the Maritime Provinces (Nova Scotia) for several years, I was delighted to see that the warmth and welcome of the Canadians is not limited to just one province. What we need now is more of the love that was shown to the "come from aways" on 9/11.
To know that the people of Gander are accepting Syrian refugees in much the same way that the plane people were accepted makes my heart happy. The U.S. has so much to offer, we need to follow the example set by our neighbors to the north. The "Tips for for Encouraging Kindness" are a good place to start.
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
To know that the people of Gander are accepting Syrian refugees in much the same way that the plane people were accepted makes my heart happy. The U.S. has so much to offer, we need to follow the example set by our neighbors to the north. The "Tips for for Encouraging Kindness" are a good place to start.
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
August 14, 2025
An interesting insight into Kevin’s experience during 9/11, however this part was extremely short as it focuses more on the aftermath and reclaiming the day as a force for change and positivity which is inspiring - I just feel this book could have been more of a website/news article as he offers quite a brief overview of everything.
May 8, 2017
Okay I just finished Channel of Peace and wanted to say thanks a lot to the author for sharing with us this very interesting story. The follow on stories of charitable acts that grew out of that dark time are inspiring. A good choice for anyone who is interested in 9/11 stories or who has visited marvelous Newfoundland. It is a fast, enjoyable read, and it shines a light on the good people of Gander in particular and also that humans have great capacity for kindness.
December 17, 2020
I first read Come From Away earlier this year. While it was a very interesting read. There’s always something different about reading from a specific person’s point of view. I found the author’s thought process and life after 9/11 very enlightening. If you liked Come From Away, this would be a good read for you too.
June 21, 2019
During 9/11, US airspace was closed and all planes were diverted and scrambling to find somewhere to land. 38 planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland leaving passengers and the town struggling with where to put 7000 people for an unknown amount of time. Kevin Tuerff shares his story and others’ of being stranded in Gander for days and how the town came together to provide food, shelter, and comfort to all of the passengers from diverted planes, forming lifelong friendships. I loved this book and reading about something positive that happened during 9/11, it’s incredible how much this small town supported complete strangers. This book inspired the musical, Come From Away.
July 2, 2019
After seeing Come From Away, I devoured this memoir very quickly. I felt so connected to the characters, it left me wanting more interaction with them. I was happy to get a signed copy of this book at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta. This story is so powerful and I hope the whole world will get to know “the plane people” and the people of Gander. Read this book, see the play, listen to the soundtrack, you will not regret any of it!!
August 13, 2020
As we approach the 19th Anniversary of 9/11, I found another book to read by someone who was "there." Author, Kevin Tuerff was one of 6,000+ airline passengers whose planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, after the events of 9/11 occurred and US airspace was closed. This is his story of that day and after.
A bit dry in spots, but overall very interesting. Have tissues nearby - you will need them.
A bit dry in spots, but overall very interesting. Have tissues nearby - you will need them.
January 21, 2019
The events and experiences in Gander on 9/11 get 5 stars from me, but this book only gets 1. It tells what should be a compelling story in an incredibly boring and self-serving way. Much better is The Day the World Came to Town. Read that instead.
November 17, 2017
I won this book on Goodreads and I thank you. It was a very thought provoking story and I loved the "pay it forward" concept. This book should be read by all.
October 8, 2019
I’m so inspired by Kevin and his resolve to turn the horrible events of 9/11 into an opportunity to do good.
May 12, 2020
3.5 stars. Some parts are really good and uplifting and other parts are just ok. Interesting read.
January 16, 2024
On 9/11/01, Kevin Tuerff was traveling home from Paris when his plane was diverted to Gander. His experiences there would not only inspire a character in the musical Come From Away, but would also inspire Tuerff to pay it forward in his own life.
I enjoyed The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland as well as Come From Away, so I was interested in reading Tuerff's experiences in Gander on 9/11. Overall, I found the book to be good and liked that the author narrated the audiobook, which added to the story. The first part is really great, but the narrative falters a bit after the first anniversary of 9/11. I liked hearing about Tuerff's experiences with Pay It Forward 9/11, but it got to be a bit repetitive after awhile. But, overall, I found it to be a worthwhile read.
If you have watched/heard Come From Away and want to learn more about the real-life Kevin T., then I would recommend the book. It is a good and, at times, inspirational read.
Content Warning: homophobia (toward the author), religious shaming (toward author), terrorism
I enjoyed The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland as well as Come From Away, so I was interested in reading Tuerff's experiences in Gander on 9/11. Overall, I found the book to be good and liked that the author narrated the audiobook, which added to the story. The first part is really great, but the narrative falters a bit after the first anniversary of 9/11. I liked hearing about Tuerff's experiences with Pay It Forward 9/11, but it got to be a bit repetitive after awhile. But, overall, I found it to be a worthwhile read.
If you have watched/heard Come From Away and want to learn more about the real-life Kevin T., then I would recommend the book. It is a good and, at times, inspirational read.
Content Warning: homophobia (toward the author), religious shaming (toward author), terrorism
July 11, 2017
For Keith, the horrific events of 9/11 awoke something within. The faith in action of the people of Gander had renewed his own spirituality. When he returned to the United States, he shut is marketing company out of Austin, Texas down for a day and sent his employees out to do good. It was Keith’s way of giving back, and it has become an annual tradition on 9/11.
The experience in Gander strengthen Keith’s spirituality and fueled his own compassion, which has empowered hundreds of overs to give. For me, it was a gift to read from the perspective of one who is not used to being served, be transformed by the power of hospitality. A lesson for all of us, especially those who claim to be followers of Jesus.
This is a great book. So great that Kevin’s story has been included in the Broadway musical, Come From Away. Once I started, I knew I had to finish.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
The experience in Gander strengthen Keith’s spirituality and fueled his own compassion, which has empowered hundreds of overs to give. For me, it was a gift to read from the perspective of one who is not used to being served, be transformed by the power of hospitality. A lesson for all of us, especially those who claim to be followers of Jesus.
This is a great book. So great that Kevin’s story has been included in the Broadway musical, Come From Away. Once I started, I knew I had to finish.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
August 20, 2017
This was a Goodreads giveaway win.
I enjoyed this short read about Kevin and his experience in Gander, Newfoundland, as well as the events that transpired after. He had been on vacation with his partner in France, returning to the United States when the attacks occurred on September 11th. His plane was diverted as American airspace was closed and he landed in Gander.
Kevin's life was affected by his time in Gander and its people. It changed his future and allowed him to put forth positive memories of that fateful day in 2001, giving others an opportunity to look back at this time as a time of helping others who we may not have known before this day. Helping strangers seems to be a theme in both this book and in his life now.
I would recommend this book to those looking for a positive experience from that day etched in many of our memories, as well as a future that can only promote love for others.
I enjoyed this short read about Kevin and his experience in Gander, Newfoundland, as well as the events that transpired after. He had been on vacation with his partner in France, returning to the United States when the attacks occurred on September 11th. His plane was diverted as American airspace was closed and he landed in Gander.
Kevin's life was affected by his time in Gander and its people. It changed his future and allowed him to put forth positive memories of that fateful day in 2001, giving others an opportunity to look back at this time as a time of helping others who we may not have known before this day. Helping strangers seems to be a theme in both this book and in his life now.
I would recommend this book to those looking for a positive experience from that day etched in many of our memories, as well as a future that can only promote love for others.
Read
June 18, 2025I picked this up for my Musical May book for 2025. The author, Kevin, is one of the featured characters in Come From Away.
Kevin was returning from a vacation in France on September 11, 2001 when his plane was diverted to Gander, Newfoundland after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 took place. He shares his story of having to remain on the plane, the hospitable care of the people of Gander to him and all the "plane people," returning back to France and then back home to Texas, and what he did in the years after this significant life experience.
Kevin is not an author and it feels like a person sharing their story if they sat at their computer and wrote it down - which I'm sure is exactly what happened. I don't feel great about giving it a rating as it just doesn't feel right to do so for such a personal and nationally/globally traumatic experience. It was nice to hear the real story and see how they changed it a bit for show. This was a really nice and short read and I would recommend it to learn more about what happened that day (and particularly some good that happened that day - i.e. the great people of Gander taking care of all those people).
Kevin was returning from a vacation in France on September 11, 2001 when his plane was diverted to Gander, Newfoundland after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 took place. He shares his story of having to remain on the plane, the hospitable care of the people of Gander to him and all the "plane people," returning back to France and then back home to Texas, and what he did in the years after this significant life experience.
Kevin is not an author and it feels like a person sharing their story if they sat at their computer and wrote it down - which I'm sure is exactly what happened. I don't feel great about giving it a rating as it just doesn't feel right to do so for such a personal and nationally/globally traumatic experience. It was nice to hear the real story and see how they changed it a bit for show. This was a really nice and short read and I would recommend it to learn more about what happened that day (and particularly some good that happened that day - i.e. the great people of Gander taking care of all those people).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews