The Day the World Came to Town

Why I'd hand it to you

When American airspace closed on September 11, 2001, dozens of planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, a small town that suddenly had to house and feed thousands of stranded passengers for several days. Jim DeFede tells the stories of the travelers and the locals who opened their homes, schools and churches. It is the true story that later inspired the musical Come From Away. It is a gentle, encouraging book. Don't expect much analysis or depth; it is episodic, and some of the vignettes blur together. If you need a reminder of how kind ordinary people can be, it is a good one to keep around.

— Matt Jordan