Oh man, this book hit me right in the feels. I don't think I've ever shed so many tears in my entire life. Whether you're a believer in conspiracy theories surrounding 9/11 or not, there's no denying the immense devastation that day brought upon countless individuals. And let's not forget about the thousands of people who were stranded in Gander, Newfoundland when American airspace was closed off. It's truly mind-blowing how the residents of this small town welcomed them with open arms, showing a level of selflessness and love that is beyond inspiring. Seriously, it's the most heartwarming display of kindness towards strangers that I've ever come across.
There's one part in particular that really got to me. MacLeod, one of the locals, had one last task to take care of before everyone departed. He found out that a nineteen-year-old passenger, who hailed from either India or Pakistan (he wasn't sure), had spent her last bit of money in town. She was on her way to live with relatives in the United States and wasn't fluent in English. MacLeod took her aside and quietly slipped her a twenty-dollar bill. The young woman was bewildered at first, but MacLeod reassured her, saying, "I wouldn't send my own daughter on a plane without any money, and I'm not about to send you off that way either." And just like that, the floodgates opened and she embraced him with tears streaming down her face.
Honestly, I can't even handle it. The tears are flowing like a river, you guys.
This book tells an incredible tale showcasing the kindness, empathy, and generosity of individuals. It makes you wonder why we can't embody these qualities all the time.
I don't have a single bad thing to say about this book, seriously. I absolutely loved how it delved into the interactions between the plane passengers and the friendly folks from Newfoundland. The generosity and compassion shown by the Canadians during such a heartbreaking period for Americans was truly heartwarming. They really are incredible people and I'm just grateful that we have such amazing neighbors. Canada, you've got my love! Thank you! This book was an absolute joy to read!
I absolutely loved reading this book as it served as a powerful reminder of the incredible unity and compassion that prevailed in the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11. The residents of Gander truly embodied the best of humanity, showcasing their unwavering kindness and generosity that touched the hearts and souls of those who were affected. This story has left an indelible mark on me, and I will always remember it with gratitude and admiration.
This book is absolutely amazing. If you're familiar with the musical inspired by this event, you'll find plenty of familiar information here. For those who aren't, this book tells the remarkable story of a small town and people from all over the world coming together for 3-5 days, creating a unique world that most of us have never experienced. We witness the heartache of Hannah O'Rourke and the sense of unfamiliarity felt by Roxanne and Alexandria. We also witness the incredible kindness displayed by the townspeople, who go above and beyond to ensure that 7,000 stranded individuals from different countries feel comfortable and cared for despite the chaos surrounding them.
I found myself getting emotional multiple times while reading this book; it is truly powerful.
One story that particularly touched me was about a woman at Canadian Tire (I believe), who made it her mission to ensure that every stranded child had a toy. She even enlisted the help of the local fire department to take her to a warehouse, where she managed to gather enough toys for all the children. Another story that stood out was the town's response to a plane full of Make-A-Wish kids who were originally headed to Disney but couldn't make it due to being stranded. The town threw them a massive party instead.
This book encapsulates everything that is good and right in the world, even in the face of potential disaster. I highly recommend reading, listening to, or experiencing it in any way possible. It is a story that will forever stay with me.
I had no idea about any of this until I gave this book a listen. Man, what a mind-blowing story! And let me tell you, what an extraordinary town! Although, personally, I reckon reading it as a lengthy article in a magazine would have been more enjoyable than going through a 6-hour audiobook.
I absolutely adored this book! The subject matter captivated me so much that I didn't really focus on critiquing the performance or technical aspects of the writing. 9/11 was a pivotal event that shaped the world we live in today and had a profound impact on the mindset of most Americans. I had never really considered what happened to those who were stranded in unfamiliar places due to the grounding of all air traffic in the United States. However, now I am aware that in Gander, Newfoundland, one such place, the local residents embraced these displaced individuals from America, Europe, and even more distant locations, treating them like family, providing them with shelter, food, and ensuring their every need was met.
The parts of the book that focused on how the animals in the cargo hold were taken care of particularly resonated with me. As an animal lover and rescuer, I had concerns about their well-being during the worldwide grounding of planes after 9/11. It was incredibly heartwarming to learn that the dogs, cats, and other unique creatures were given loving attention until they could safely continue their journey to the United States. I've always held positive opinions about Canadians, and now I can confidently say that those beliefs are true.
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