The release date for the English version of 'The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland' by
Jim DeFede is Aug 2003. If you enjoy this novel, it is available for buy as a paperback from Barnes & Noble or Indigo, as an ebook on the Amazon Kindle store, or as an audiobook on Audible.
Ideal for those who like the popular Broadway musical Come from Away.
The population of this little town on Newfoundland Island increased from 10,300 to over 17,000 when 38 jetliners headed for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada due to the closure of U.S. airspace on September 11. The people of Gander greeted the stranded travelers with an outpouring of kindness and camaraderie. The villagers had prepared a feast for the passengers as they emerged off the aircraft, tired, hungry, and upset after spending almost a full day on board as security inspected every item of luggage. In order to transfer the passengers to the several shelters established in nearby schools and churches, local bus drivers who had been on strike pulled off the picket lines. Toiletries and linens were purchased and given. In addition to baths, a middle school offered laptops, email, and TVs so that travelers could watch the news and keep in contact with loved ones.
Many of the travelers made lifelong connections with the people of Gander over their four days together. In gratitude, Gander children's scholarship funds have been established, and contributions have been given to buy new computers for the schools. The remarkable tale of the people of Gander, Canada, is told in this book. Their deeds of compassion have impacted millions of lives and served as a beacon of humanity and generosity.