The True Story Behind the Events on 9/11 that Inspired Broadway’s Smash Hit Musical Come from Away, Featuring All New Material from the Author
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, the population of this small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. The … swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. The citizens of Gander met the stranded passengers with an overwhelming display of friendship and goodwill.
As the passengers stepped from the airplanes, exhausted, hungry and distraught after being held on board for nearly 24 hours while security checked all of the baggage, 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 the various shelters set up in local schools and churches. Linens and toiletries were bought and donated. 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. As a show of thanks, scholarship funds for the children of Gander have been formed and donations have been made to provide new computers for the schools. This book recounts the inspiring story of the residents of Gander, Canada, whose acts of kindness have touched the lives of thousands of people and been an example of humanity and goodwill.
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It was a great read. The fact that it was true is what made it so good,
I re-lived 9/11 through this book and learned so much more about what was going on with the planes still in the air at that time. The people of Newfoundland – wonderful, caring, generous!
After the first 2 chapters it was just boring.
Excellent account of the days events that took place on 9/11. What a wonderful group of people to open their hearts and homes to complete strangers. The best quote in the book “we are all Americans today”.
This book gave me a different perspective on 9/11, a story I was totally unaware of. The people of Gander, Newfoundland were so generous and gracious in their hospitality. A wonderful human tale at a time of horrible inhumanity
This true, well written account of one of the consequences of 9/11 is uplifting and illuminates the openness of the human heart. It is a recent history event I knew nothing about and I suspect many others will be pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend.
This book was written after the events of September 11th. The story is about the people of Gander, Newfoundland (Canada), who got 38 planes that were grounded when American airspace was closed. For a week the people of the small town fed, housed, and clothed 7000 people. There generosity quickly got national attention and became a story of hope …
The hardest part of reading this book was remembering that fateful day, watching the news and seeing the plane hit the second tower. It brought forth powerful memories of a horrific happening. The best part of reading this book was the stories of ordinary people on both the airplanes that landed in Gander and the people of Newfoundland. …
First time that I didn’t turn away from a 9/11 book or movie. Showed the kindness and warmth of people in stark contrast to the terrorists.
I loved this story about how so many people went out of their way and were so generous to the passengers whose flights were diverted to Gander the attacks on 9/11. It was inspiring! I loved it!
Great to hear an upbeat story about 911. I never considered the difficulties encountered by international travelers. It is truly amazing what the citizens provided to such a various group of people. One of the most interesting books I have read in some time. You won’t regret reading this.
I wonder if a lot of people would be surprised at Gander’s welcoming of so many people? September 11th changed many lives. The people “stranded” in Newfoundland received a gift that day.
There is good in the world as evidenced by the generous caring of people in Gander and the neighboring towns during a time of urgent and overwhelming need.
An important part of the 9/11 story.
This book is an eye opener full of information regarding the plight of some of the people who were aboard planes headed for the United States on 9/11/2001. Not only is it a history lesson, but it also tells the story of the compassionate, generous, self less care the passengers received from the people of Newfoundland. I am now feeling like I need …
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a different perspective of what happened on 9-11 and was very interesting!
True stories about Gander during 9-11
it renewed my faith in humanity.
I read this book just before Christmas and, although the story took place in September, it seems like a very appropriate book for the Christmas season — describing how an entire community came together in a mass demonstration of selfless giving. It’s a very well written book and I kept thinking what a shame it was that in the years since it was …
I thought it was very informative in as much as it was very detailed and the author interviewed people who had been on one of the planes. A good read.