True Crime Club: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland

Join us for an engaging, lighthearted discussion of this fascinating, yet disturbing genre. We focus our discussion on uplifting and empathizing with the victims of these crimes.

We will be reading the book The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede.

You can borrow a copy here using your library card.

Summary:

"Perfect for fans of the hit Broadway musical Come from Away.

When 38 jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada because U.S. airspace closed on September 11, the population of this small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. Gander's citizens 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 the baggage, the townspeople greeted them with a feast. 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. The town 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 those four days, many passengers developed friendships with Gander residents that they expect to last a lifetime. As a show of thanks, scholarship funds for Gander's children 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."

Genres:

True Crime, Nonfiction, History, Canada, 9/11, Biography, Inspirational

GET TICKETS TO COME FROM AWAY @ MIDLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS