Thoughts 
by Jim DeFede, HarperCollins 2021 (orig 2002), 261 pages
Challenge: Book club
Genre/Theme: Nonfiction / September 11th
Type/Source: eBook / Libby to Kindle
What It’s About: This short book is packed with heart-warming stories involving the challenges to the town of Gander, Newfoundland, in dealing with unexpected “guests” due to planes not being able to land in the US when the terrorists attached the World Trade Center on Sept 11, 2001.
We get a little bit of history on why Gander, an exploration of Newfoundland culture, and glimpses into lives of passengers and residents, all the many varied interactions. We even meet some animals!
Thoughts: I teared up a dozen times or more. This was a wonderful read about the goodness of humanity in facing the consequences of evil tragedies. This edition is great in that it gives updates to the friendships made; a ‘where are they now’ look, 20 years hence.
Rating: Four slices of pie. Homemade pie.
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If you like musicals, I highly recommend Come From Away which is also based on the 9/11 visitors to Gander. (I don’t think it’s based on the book). I saw the touring show before the theater shutdown and it was just wonderful.
Actually it is! The update talks about how the producers sent some of the ‘featured characters’ around the world to see the openings of the shows.
I read this nearly 20 years ago and remember thinking it was the most uplifting 9/11 story I’d heard. We saw the musical “Come From Away” on Broadway for my birthday several years ago… definitely worth seeing if you ever get the chance!
Yes, the show looks terrific.
I “have” to read a 9-11 book for a Listy challenge I am doing. I thought I might choose The Only Plane in the Sky, but I might choose this one!
Oh this would be a good one! And very likely your library has a few copies?
ah! I wondered if this was the book that Come From Away was based on! Sounds interesting; I’ve listened to the soundtrack for the musical and this would fill in some of the gaps (since I don’t think I’ll be seeing the musical anytime soon).
When the musical comes to my town, I’ll think about it but so far, not on the docket for the next season. Yay?