Will I love The Day the World Came to Town?

This is the sole non-fiction recommendation on the list. However, with its message of hope and optimism, it seems like a fairy tale in these days of partisanship and hatred.

The book details how the small city of Gander in Canada rallied around to provide safe haven to the passengers of 38 airplanes which had been bound for the US on 9/11. The stranded travelers are greeted by a welcoming community, build lifelong friendships, and find solace and peace in a time of grave uncertainty.

The description of the small acts of kindness which positively impacted the lives… show more.

This book covers the fascinating true story of a small town in Newfoundland that inherited thousands of temporary new residents when 9/11 grounded all flights headed for America. I love stories about people who rise to the occasion during a challenge, and the way the people of Gander stepped up to help the passengers—both human and animal—that arrived on their doorsteps unexpectedly really moved me. As I read about all the little ways the people of Gander showed they cared, I couldn’t help but wonder what I would do and how welcoming I would be in such a situation. Would… show more.