Once the US closed its airspace, thousands of planes had to land at the closest airports or return home. Because of its past as a military airport during WW2, the tiny town of Gander Newfoundland hosted 38 planes from all over the world.
The town mustered every citizen who poured out to help the stranded passengers in whatever way they could. Churches and Lions Clubs packed meeting rooms and pews with sleeping bags, towels, toiletries, and volunteers to offer succor to the travelers.
Meanwhile, town and tourists alike had to process the horror of the Twin Towers going down and new world created by the terrorist attacks.
During the 4-5 days the passengers spent in the small town, the generosity and heightened emotions led to quick and lasting bonds.
Jim DeFede does an excellent job of honing in on individuals and their stories. He highlights military officials, cops, CEOs, philanthropists, adoptive parents, and most touching, the parents of a missing NY firefighter. All feel helpless and hopeless, but the town rallies to do all they can to comfort and provide for the stranded sojourners.
He wraps the book up with an epilogue telling the rest of the story. The body of the missing firefighter is found. A romance continues. Families return to some semblance of normalcy.
It's a good and easy read, definitely worth the time.
