The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

This is the discussion thread for the Fall 2024 Group Read The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland in the category Non-Fiction: Journalism. Please post your comments here. This thread is not restricted to those choosing this book for task 20.10, feel free to join in the discussion. Warning- spoilers ahead!

The requirement for task 20.10: You must participate in the book's discussion thread below with at least one post about the contents of the book or your reaction to the book after you have read the book.

I read this book at the perfect time. My son's girlfriend is a Newfie. She came to visit this week and the traits that the author describes in the people who stepped up to help during this time describe her perfectly. The Gander community was so giving during this time.

After reading the book I started looking at flights and accommodations for a visit to this beautiful place.

I read this a few years ago and really enjoyed it. It made me so happy to see they made a Broadway show based on these events :)

I've already read this and seen the show on Disney streaming and in person. It makes me cry every time but I love it. Next year I am planning to go on a tour to Halifax and Prince Edward Island where they have now added Gander to the itinerary.

Really loved this one! I appreciate how the author balances the seriousness of the event with some levity, following the lives of the people who both lived in and landed in Gander. It just demonstrates that when humanity is at its worst, it can also be at its very best.

I didn't realize until the end that this book is over 20 years old (written in 2002). I'm curious what has happened to some of the people profiled in the years since.

Kristen IA

I had heard good things about this book so I was glad to have two nudges to read it as I also like to read a 9/11 book in September. This book lived up to my expectations. I think the two things that fascinated me most were the logistics that it took to take in this many people on short notice (lodging, food, prescription meds, pets, etc) and how completely nonplussed the Newfies were by the whole thing. While I think most would have seen this as a huge burden, they embraced this unexpected "invasion" almost as a gift. These must be a special group of people to open their homes and hearts to so many people in need. It also took me back to that moment in history where all people seemed to pull together (if just for an instant) and it makes me sad that the unity didn't last. Thank you for giving me the push I needed to read this book. I recommend this for anyone who needs a bit of hope for humanity.

I really enjoyed this book. It was both uplifting and a tearjerker. I agree with Kristen - -the logistics were fascinating. I would recommend this book. Thanks to the nominator of this book.

JenJ IA

Reading this book was a wonderful reminder of how people can support one another during a crisis. The kindness and generosity from the people of Newfoundland was incredible. I enjoyed the stories of relationships formed between complete strangers, the journey to bring toys to all the children, and the bus drivers leaving their strike to provide transportation. While this was such a challenging time, the story is presented in such a way that when I finished the book, I felt a renewed sense of hope.

I have loved the musical Come From Away ever since I saw it and have wanted to read this book. I finished in right before 9/11 this week and I really thought it was good. Although, I must say that the first part of the book did give me some anxiety remembering that day so vividly.

This book reminded me I don't read enough human interest books. Hearing how the same event can affect people differently is what we all need to be bringing into our lives. The emotions and actions taken be those highlighted in this book were handled well, I wish there was more of a telling of the restrictions and responses that were taken by officials. We know fear reached through all levels, and it's good to see the humanity and hope that policies in place have improved to handle those that are thrown innocently into stressful situations.

With our divisions on constant replay, it is nice to read a book like this where you can see humanity at its best during a crisis. It was heartwarming to see how this town opened their hearts and homes to the stranded travelers. I about lost it FOR the stranded people at the point where they thought they were boarding the plane to go back to America and then found out that it was going to Germany! I really enjoyed seeing a different perspective of this tragic event.

Amy FL

I saw Come From Away and thoroughly enjoyed it. Like the book, it truly demonstrated the kindness of strangers in times of crisis. The play moved me more, but the book was still a worthwhile read.

This was a really interesting insight into the events and aftermath, from an unusual angle. I liked the balance between honesty about the horror and the humour. I think it would have ben good to have slightly more from the stranded travellers.

I tried to explain this book to my fiance, and I said it was like a "warm bath" of a book. The stories were so lovely and comforting, and I thought it was really interesting to learn about the different areas around town, the different planes that got stranded, etc. Though I do fully agree with KSMary that the first part of the book (the day of) made me anxious and emotional thinking back on everything that happened that day. But I think that was also part of the power of the book that it could transport you back, if that makes sense?

It's a 4/5 for me, I really enjoyed it but listened to parts on audiobook and sometimes we'd jump from story to story within what felt like the same breath, and that confused me from time to time. Very glad we chose to read this book, it's outside of my usual reads! (Elizabeth P)

Kathy KS

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland is not the most compelling read you will have, but I am glad I listened to the audiobook for my Seasonal Reading Challenge group read. The best thing about the book is the hospitality and love that those in Gander and nearby towns showed to the thousands of passengers from around the world that were grounded at their airport on September 11, 2001. They opened up their homes and buildings to house and feed these strangers; offering them rides to Wal-Mart or inviting them to shower in their homes. Linen closets were stripped to provide bedding for those on cots in the schools, churches, etc. The love and charity they showed is such a counterpoint to the fear and sorrow that was gripping the USA and others. They created a safe place for these people before they had to continue with their lives. Some, of course, had to return home and discover they had lost family members, friends, and acquaintances to the incidents of the day.

For those of us living in the center of the country, the impact can't compare to what those in and around New York City encountered that day and those that have followed. Even I can remember the shock of it all and wondering about people who were regular posters on certain websites, who never posted again. We have always wondered if they were actually from NYC and in or near the towers that day.

Recommended for those who want to be reminded of the goodness of people, even during the worst times resulting from the awfulness of the actions of others.

I've spent more than two decades avoiding reading (or, for that matter, watching) anything about 9/11. I wasn't long out of the City when 9/11 ocurred, and I was living in a county to the north in which a large number of NYC fire fighters, police, and daily commuters lived. It was brutal.

It still surprised me, though, how stressful I found reading the first part of the book. Happily, I found true joy reading the latter chapers. I listened to parts of the book, and I caught myself smiling, almost grinning, and thinking that I was going to start getting strange looks if I kept it up.

I am so glad that this was chosen for the Group Read - I don't know that I ever would have picked it up on my own. Now I have to see Come From Away.

It would seem that in difficult situations the good people out number the bad and given the chance will develop solutions that are beneficial to all. It would seem that small groups of people will given the chance do things that are helpful without being asked and without expecting monitory compensation.

I had no idea this book inspired Come From Away! What an inspiring read. The edition I read did not contain any additional updates beyond the book's original publication in 2002, so I need to look into what happened to the "characters" that were featured.

The juxtaposition of the very best of humanity shining through in response to the very worst, was a good emotional soother during election week in the US :)

I just started the audiobook today. Newfoundland is a place that is of high interest to me and I love reading about it!

I really enjoyed this book and so many of the stories brought tears to my eyes. The kindness that was shown was inspiring and it made for an uplifting read.

A 9/11 book was not my first choice out of the group reads, it seemed far too depressing. Once I actually read the synopsis (and saw how much shorter the audio was than my original choice), I was sold.

How wonderful to listen to an uplifting true story of people helping each other.