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Summary: Newfoundland the Land of Milk and Honey
Review: I anticipated that this book would be about the typical reactions people experience during a crisis. I read the book from a disaster planner's perspective as I was interested how people react after a disaster. The entire book proves again that a crisis brings out the best in people. The people of Newfoundland extended their hospitality more than I would have anticipated. Having visited the island and traveled from Argentia to St. Anthony to Port Aux Basques Newfoundland is a paradise. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in how a community reacts to the challenge of a crisis.
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Summary: Unforgettable day, unforgettable generosity
Review: I had the opportunity to visit Gander, Newfoundland the end of August 2003. During that time I met with some citizens from Gander. They shared their story about 9-11 with me and my travel companions. I was awestruck by the enormity of the problem that greeted them and by their humble shoulder shrugging response when this is pointed out to them. Mr. Defede has done a remarkable job of capturing the giving spirit of these people. The way they responded to this crisis is unbelievable. This book will help me to always remember my trip and the people of Gander.
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Summary: A Must Read
Review: I just finished reading this book and it was fabulous! I'm a Newfie born and bred (officially a 'Townie' as I hail from the capital city St. John's) so I didn't think I really wanted to read this book - I'd lived through it myself - what would I really get out of it? I spent the night of September 11th in the stadium helping to welcome the passengers diverted to my city - I helped to record the identities of the passengers so they could be located later if a loved one was looking for them. I saw people from all over the world, speaking many languages, in many ethnic costumes. I even met one girl who lived near the Twin Towers. And they were all so very happy to be off the planes, accept the food and water and make a phone call home. In an echo of that night in St. John's, DeFede manages to capture the events in Gander and nearby towns from both sides of the event. The 'plane people' were surprised and touched by the generosity of the volunteers and the Newfoundlander's showed a simple acceptance that helping out wasn't an option, it was their duty. As I read this book, I replayed the experiences of that night and the next few days in my mind and it made a little of the anger, hurt, fear and confusion of that time dissipate as I shared moments with a princess, a group of Orthodox Jews and a chief of intelligence. DeFede was true to the people of Newfoundland in our language, custom and attitudes. His writing was informal enough that it felt as if a close friend was telling me a story, but structured enough to be able to keep track of 6,595 passengers and crewmembers throughout six days. Yes, a map would have been useful (I know people that are not from here have a hard time picturing it all) and I wish that it had been a longer book, but all in all, it was extraordinary and I'm only sorry I didn't read it sooner. Those affected by 9/11 (which is to say everyone) should read this book to remember that there is goodness in people and even though we are fantastically different from one another, we can get along.
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Summary: Another definition of community and grace
Review: I just finished reading _Plainsong_ and told my wife how I enjoyed this story of community and grace. Then my wife recommended _The Day the World Came to Town_ as another non-fictional demonstration of the same themes. I started it and couldn't quit reading it ... finished it in less than 24 hours. This is a great and reassuring story how a group of people reach out and embrace others in a time of need. While I love reading, I don't find myself often emotionally touched by books ... DeFede succeeded in finding the right words, images and stories that touched my emotions time and time again. There is another book that I would recommend as well. It's a similar story of how a community reaches out to those affected by world events and provides a touch of humanity when it's needed. Bob Greene's _Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen_ tells about how North Platte NE (and surrounding towns) greeted WWII servicemen and servicewomen on their journeys across America. The shift in time and story is an interesting counterpoint to a common theme in both books: how people reach out in times of uncertainty and pain to make strangers' lives a bit more comfortable and how grace is defined in human terms.
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Summary: A different look at 9/11
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It gives you a different perspective on Sept. 11th. We have read so many stories of the people who perished on that day and this story talks about those people who were totally inconvenienced by the events. It is so interesting to hear their stories and how this little town welcomed these people from all over the world. Many of the stories are very heartwarming and also sad. Once you get started it is a hard book to put down. Highly recommended for anyone who has more interest in reading about 9/11.
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Summary: Temporarily stranded
Review: I too was "stranded in Gander" while flying from Budapest to New York. 90 of us spent 3 days in the town. The compassion and warmth shown to us during that time was unbelievable. Everyone "put themselves out" for us. Special thanks to Cyril and the team at the Gander Fire Station who treated us all like family during that time.
My son bought me this book for Xmas. It brings it all back, especially some of the smaller things which you tend to forget after a time. A great read, especially for other fellow "strandees".
Rating:
Summary: Temporarily stranded
Review: I too was "stranded in Gander" while flying from Budapest to New York. 90 of us spent 3 days in the town. The compassion and warmth shown to us during that time was unbelievable. Everyone "put themselves out" for us. Special thanks to Cyril and the team at the Gander Fire Station who treated us all like family during that time.
My son bought me this book for Xmas. It brings it all back, especially some of the smaller things which you tend to forget after a time. A great read, especially for other fellow "strandees".
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Summary: A light in the darkness
Review: I was recently in St. John's, Newfoundland and this book caught my attention. I am now so grateful that I picked it up and chose to purchase it. During my brief stay in Newfoundland I found the locals to be charming, wonderful and friendly people. This book confirms that for me. If you want a book that will make you cry and laugh, that you won't want to put down, that makes you feel as if you know the characters well enough to call them 'friend'...then this is the book for you. It also showed that amid tragedy and heartache, goodness still exists.
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Summary: The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland
Review: I work across the street from "GROUND ZERO" and like a moth to a flame have been attracted to every book and documentary chronicling 9/11. It has been a very sad literary experience as you can well imagine. When I picked up this book I expected much the same. I was so wrong. This book gave me and will give you the much needed boost when remembering that awful day. I was immediately captured by such humanity that I believed as a Native New Yorker no longer existed. The people of Gander NewFoundland are a true rare breed. They didn't just sympathize with the plight of the American people during this crisis they became self proclaimed Americans. These NewFoundlanders gave the world an incredible example to follow. The book is so well written that I finished the book feeling as if I knew each and everyone personally. I read this book on the verge of such a horrible anniversary that I'm oddly hoping for a follow up to this story on each anniversary. The stories of each person stranded in Gander will undoubtedly strike a chord with all of us. Enjoy it I did!!
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Summary: A charming tale of compassion and kindness
Review: In "The Day the World Came to Town" Jim Defede explores the fate of airline passengers who were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11/2001 and of the Newfoundlanders who opened their hearts and home.If you're looking for a book that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside then this is the one. It's a charming tale of compassion and kindness.
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