THE DAY THE WORLD CAME TO TOWN, by Jim DeFede

Join us for an in-person conversation about The Day the World Came to Town, Jim DeFede's compelling account of the extraordinary acts of kindness and generosity by the residents of Gander, Canada, following a day of unspeakable tragedy.

When 38 jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada by the closing of U.S. airspace on September 11, 2001, the population of this small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. As the passengers stepped from the airplanes, exhausted, hungry, and distraught after being held on board for nearly 24 hours, they were greeted with a feast prepared by the townspeople. Local bus drivers who had been on strike came off the picket lines to transport the passengers to shelters set up in local schools and churches. Residents bought and donated linens and toiletries. A middle school provided showers, as well as access to computers, email, and televisions, allowing the passengers to stay in touch with family and follow the news. Over the course of those four days, many of the passengers developed friendships with Gander residents that they expect to last a lifetime.

Book length: 244 pages

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