Jill S. (brainybibliophile) - reviewed on 1/30/2020 + 19 more book reviews

Much of the story of 9/11 focuses on the many heroes and heroines whose bravery shone through a horrific tragedy against so many Americans. DeFede's book sheds light on other heroes: the townspeople of Gander, Newfoundland. Finding their airport the landing strip for an abundance of airplanes turned away from closed American airspace and their tiny town filled with stranded passengers, Gander's residents opened their hearts, wallets, and homes. Their warmth and kindness fill the pages of the book.
While it is very challenging to keep track of the many people--townspeople and travelers alike--it is their needs that are intriguing. Upon landing in Gander, the travelers are not immediately allowed off of their planes, without any idea of how long they will have to stay on the planes. When they are allowed to disembark, they have no idea when or how they will get to their respective homes. DeFede points out the special challenges of smokers, patients requiring prescriptions, animals in the planes' holds, and Jews requiring kosher food.
The book intersperses its chronological narrative with funny anecdotes, like that of a man slipping into his guest room bed, unaware that it's occupied by a stranger; the "Screeching-In" ceremony, which requires initiates to kiss a dead fish; and the tribulations of a Hugo Boss executive forced to wear lesser-quality underwear. There's a hint of romance; two stranded travelers find solace in each other during their brief stay in Gander. And there's tragedy, as a couple eventually learns that their son, a fireman, was killed in New York City on 9/11.
A short, informative read about unsung heroes.

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