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The Day the World Came to Town
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland | Jim DeFede
"For the better part of a week, nearly every man, woman, and child in Gander and the surrounding smaller towns stopped what they were doing so they could help. They placed their lives on hold for a group of strangers and asked for nothing in return. They affirmed the basic goodness of man at a time when it was easy to doubt such humanity still existed." When thirty-eight jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, due to the closing of United States airspace, the citizens of this small community were called upon to come to the aid of more than six thousand displaced travelers. Roxanne and Clarke Loper were excited to be on their way home from a lengthy and exhausting trip to Kazakhstan, where they had adopted a daughter, when their plane suddenly changed course and they found themselves in Newfoundland. Hannah and Dennis O'Rourke, who had been on vacation in Ireland, were forced to receive updates by telephone on the search for their son Kevin, who was among the firefighters missing at the World Trade Center. George Vitale, a New York state trooper and head of the governor's security detail in New York City who was returning from a trip to Dublin, struggled to locate his sister Patty, who worked in the Twin Towers. A family of Russian immigrants, on their way to the Seattle area to begin a new life, dealt with the uncertainty of conditions in their future home. The people of Gander were asked to aid and care for these distraught travelers, as well as for thousands more, and their response was truly extraordinary. Oz Fudge, the town constable, searched all over Gander for a flight-crew member so that he could give her a hug as a favor to her sister, a fellow law enforcement officer who managed to reach him by phone. Eithne Smith, an elementary-school teacher, helped the passengers staying at her school put together letters to family members all over the world, which she then faxed. Bonnie Harris, Vi Tucker, and Linda Humby, members of a local animal protection agency, crawled into the jets' cargo holds to feed and care for all of the animals on the flights. Hundreds of people put their names on a list to take passengers into their homes and give them a chance to get cleaned up and relax. The Day the World Came to Town is a positively heartwarming account of the citizens of Gander and its surrounding communities and the unexpected guests who were welcomed with exemplary kindness.
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JenReadsAlot
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After all these years I didn't know this story. Thanks for putting it on my radar @peaknit

JanuarieTimewalker13 I love this book!! I also saw Come From Away Broadway musical which is based on the same event. (edited) 1y
peaKnit Isn‘t it perfect! 1y
40 likes2 comments
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Sleepswithbooks
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The community and humanity of Newfoundlanders during 9/11 completely touched my heart. I wished I lived in a country like that. And why can‘t we all?

Beautiful book of the genuine goodness of people. I‘m kind of in awe.

DivineDiana I loved this book! ❤️ 1y
72 likes1 stack add1 comment
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peanutnine
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I only finished one nonfiction book this month - I am reading another that's a work in progress and might become a bail... We'll see 🙈
But this one I finished was great! Bi still beat it out for top spot because I learned a lot more from it
#readingbracket2023

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peanutnine
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Pickpick

If you need a good cry, give this book a listen. Highlighting the events of 9/11 and the days following for the passengers of the 38 flights that were redirected and stranded in Newfoundland, this true story exemplifies the goodness, kindness, and hope in humanity.
I already knew a lot of this story from the musical 'Come From Away' but it was nice to see an even bigger picture of the many experiences the passengers and Gander residents had

Sparklemn I loved this book. Glad you did, too! 2y
PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 2y
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fredthemoose
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was a delight. Such a sweet story of people coming together and doing whatever they could and was needed at at time of so much chaos, violence, and uncertainty. I saw people posting about it a few months ago around the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and I eventually picked it up in an Audible sale. So glad I did. Definitely recommend.

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Brooke_H
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I really needed this hopeful and heartwarming story of humans helping other humans (and animals!). Loved it.

EvieBee I heard about this one on a podcast and wanted to read it too! 3y
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Amandakay
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January reads ⛄️

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Amandakay
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Popsugar: man made disaster

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Sparklemn
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So excited to read this after seeing Come From Away last weekend! #bookbub

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Zoe-h
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After 9/11 the American Air Space was shut down, but when happened to all the planes still in the air? They were sent to many countries, but Newfoundland, in particular, saw its population double almost overnight. A great read full of interesting Newfoundland facts. Since I had already watched Come From Away (multiple times), I was familiar with many of the characters already. It was nice learning about their experiences that weren‘t⬇️

Zoe-h put in the musical. 5🌟 3y
Sharpeipup I just got this one from the library and I‘m super excited now. 3y
21 likes2 comments
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Zoe-h
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LeslieO
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Yay! This book was top of my list! The hot cocoa is perfect for this snowy day! But I don‘t know who to thank! I just have the last name of Frazier on the package. I don‘t see a Litsy handle anywhere. I tried to do some detective work but there are too many Fraziers on Litsy 😜. Who sent this lovely swap?

Thank you @bookish_wookish for organizing!

LeslieO @bookish_wookish Thank you for the info! And thank you @Alfrazier21 , I 💕 my book and goodies! 3y
Alfrazier21 You‘re welcome!!! Happy Reading!! 3y
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K.Wielechowski
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Pickpick

I have no words.
This book is the amazing, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story of 9/11/2001 and all the planes forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada when American airspace closed.
There was no question in the Newfies‘ minds that they would rally anything and everything they could to help the plane people, adopting over 6,000 passengers from all over the world for nearly a week.
I laughed and I cried. Have tissues handy.
#comefromaway

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K.Wielechowski
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Omg they sent the fire truck with lights and sirens to the next town to get more toys for the kids!!!! I‘m not crying, you‘re crying 🥺😭

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MallenNC
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Like anyone old enough, I have strong memories from 9/11/01, where I was, how scared I felt. One of my best friends was living in NYC and I was frantic to know she was safe. (Thankfully she was, and every 9/11 since she takes cookies to her local fire house).

That day and the days after showed us the worst and very best of humanity. Sending love to everyone on this day that‘s still so hard even 20 years later.

MatchlessMarie I had no idea they filmed the musical. This was the last show I saw before the covid shutdowns 💛💙 3y
MallenNC @MatchlessMarie I saw a touring production of this and it was so good. The friend I mentioned in my caption actually told me that it‘s on Apple+. 3y
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Sharpeipup I didn‘t know about this show until this year. 3y
Eggs 💔💔💔 3y
LiteraryinPA This musical is phenomenal. 3y
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Singout
Pickpick

Heartwarming and inspiring, although maybe with a few too many comments about how “astonishing”Americans find Newfoundland hospitality. I‘ve heard some of the stories in the musical “Come from Away,” but not the ones about what was happening in the airplanes as the crisis emerged, which was interesting. So many types of support and kindness shown to so many people (and animals!)
#Booked2021 #About9/11

Cinfhen This was a really moving and powerful audio!! I found myself tearing up multiple times 3y
BarbaraTheBibliophage I definitely want to read or listen to this after just finishing 3y
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BkClubCare
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Library book to Kindle. Next book club book. Tbh, am really not enjoying the club... not sure if it is me or if it is them...

PaperbackPirate I hope it gets better! 💙 3y
BkClubCare @PaperbackPirate - 😉The book discussion will take 30 seconds “it was great!” Tho, we could end up sharing the “where were you, who did you know” and those discussions shall always be powerful. 3y
PaperbackPirate Yes those discussions can build good connections. I have teachers in my book club so we are never short on conversation about the book! 😂 I sometimes pick out quotes to share in case we get to a dead spot and that helps too. Good luck! 3y
BkClubCare @PaperbackPirate - I read it too soon?! Club meet isn‘t until first week of August. My mom has also finished reading and I bet she‘ll have forgotten everything 🤣 (she also keeps saying she‘ll take notes. Maybe THIS will be the month. 📝 3y
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Sresendez12
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I first learned about this book when I saw the musical that was based on it. Love the musical and I love this book. This book kept giving me goosebumps for remembering the events of 9/11 plus for reading how kind the people of Gander were to these stranded passengers. An incredible book (and musical)! #booked2021 #relatedto911 #litsyatoz #d #littenlisten #4points

BarbaraTheBibliophage I‘m contemplating listening to this one for the 9/11 prompt. It gets a lot of love here! 3y
Cinfhen Loved this audio @BarbaraTheBibliophage GREAT CHOICE for #911 prompt 3y
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Hestapleton
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This hook was so heartwarming I actually cried. The way the people of Newfoundland rallied around the displaced airline passengers in September 2001 is a shining example of what humanity SHOULD be like. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
26 points for #littenlisten (6 hrs + bookspin + curiouscovers)

readingjedi I haven't read this but I love the musical Come From Away which is based on these events. 3y
Hestapleton @readingjedi so do I, which is what led me to this book! 3y
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OriginalCyn620
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I‘ve seen a stage production of Come From Away and loved it! I thought it was a good idea to read this book. I‘m glad I did. On one horrible day when we all saw the very worst of human nature, it‘s heartwarming to read stories of how it brought out the very best of human nature in the hours and days afterwards.

#bookspinbingo

#booked2021 - related to 9/11

TheKidUpstairs I loved Come From Away!!! I'll keep this one in mind for the prompt! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
Cinfhen Such a GREAT CHOICE!!! This book/ audio was SO UPLIFTING 3y
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Cathy_J
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I picked this up after absolutely loving the musical "Come From Away". A non-fiction read describing events in Gander, Newfoundland following September 11. It was heartwarming to hear so many stories of kindness and generosity ⭐⭐⭐

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Rachiiebookdragon
Pickpick

What a beautiful, heartbreaking and important book. So glad I read it and I recommend everyone reads this book. Read as part of the #PopSugarReadingChallenge2021 5/5

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jenniferw88
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Cinfhen Loved this one too!!! 4y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Wow! So many prompts! 👏🏻👏🏻 4y
MsMelissa So glad you liked this one! It was very heartwarming 😊 4y
Clwojick Awesome! 4y
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kwmg40
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This account of how Gander's citizens welcomed stranded travellers on 9/11 is a heartwarming read and shows the strong bonds between Canadians and Americans, which I believe are still as strong 20 years later. I also love the descriptions of Newfoundland culture!

#JoyousJanuary #ShutdownReadathon
@Andrew65 @Squidget

DieAReader 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 4y
Andrew65 This sounds great. 4y
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TheBookStacker
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Just a mini book haul, arriving just in time for the start of lockdown number 2. 🙃

OutAndAbout The day the world came to town was so much fun! Hope you enjoy it too. 4y
BarbaraBB Good luck with lockdown number 2. I‘m having a much harder time the second time around. So impatient to get this behind us 4y
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OutAndAbout
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Pickpick

Feel good book. Well told story of the plane people diverted to Newfoundland after the 9/11 attacks. So many different stories and all of them framed by the amazing response of the locals. Nonfiction but with characters you will remember after the story is done.

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lauraodom
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Pickpick

Over 6,000 passengers were diverted to Newfoundland on 9/11. This is the amazing story of kindness that the people of Gander and the surrounding areas showed the stranded passengers. Such an amazing, feel-good story!

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keithmalek
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Pickpick

What a beautiful story! Readers who enjoyed this book will also enjoy Bob Greene's "Once Upon A Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen."

JanuarieTimewalker13 Such a great book!! Oooh, I‘ll have to check your rec! Thanks! (edited) 4y
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whatrebeccasread
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Pickpick

“The Day the World Came to Town” was a really interesting book which exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed hearing about the kindness and generosity of the people of Gander who unexpectedly found themselves as hosts to thousands of people. A strong 4 star read for me!

My full review is up on my blog now 📚

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keithmalek
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I can tell that the author isn't from New York, because Downtown Brooklyn is actually the name of the neighborhood, which means that "downtown" should be capitalized. This isn't as bad as calling 6th Avenue "The Avenue of the Americas," or pronouncing Houston Street like it's the city in Texas, but I can't exactly ignore this either. #NewYorkerOCD

Chrissyreadit 🙌🙌🙌🙌 4y
Chrissyreadit Do you live in NYC? 4y
Chrissyreadit @keithmalek I‘m sure I‘ve asked you that before... my short term memory stinks. 4y
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keithmalek
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(Continued)...provoking a possible terrorist onboard into action, they reasoned.

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Scochrane26
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Pickpick

I almost forgot to finish this tonight! I found out about this book thanks to @Megabooks & listened to it. The story of the planes & people who had to land in Newfoundland on 9/11, this was a much-needed story about kindness, teamwork, & hope. The only part that caused me anxiety was about the animals on board—but don‘t worry, they were taken care of by wonderful volunteers!

Megabooks The animals caused me anxiety, too, but it was good volunteers came together for them as well! 💙 4y
AvidReader25 I loved this one! I read it before seeing Come From Away. 4y
Scochrane26 @avidreader25 I didn‘t know about Come from Away until my friend mentioned it while we were talking about current reads the other day. 4y
AvidReader25 @Scochrane26 It was wonderful! 4y
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Wife
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Pickpick

#ReadYourSign characteristic: Kindness @Meaw_catlady @Clwojick 38 ✈️s were diverted to Gander Newfoundland 🇨🇦 when 🇺🇸 airspace was closed on 9/11. More than 6000 people flooded the town and were welcomed, fed, cared for, and in some cases entertained by the kind residents. Pretty Amazing! 3/5💙s BTW, the reader Ray Porter sounds so much like Tom Hanks to me.

KarenUK I absolutely LOVED the musical based on this story (come from away)💕 So good.... 4y
Clwojick ♥️♥️♥️ 4y
Megabooks I really enjoyed this too! 4y
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Audible, I did enjoy this program.

I‘m not one of those people who believes all our problems can be solved by kindness. We need deep structural change on a number of levels.

That said, the people of Newfoundland showed that kindness can mean the world and bring out the best in all involved.

I loved this feel good book about the kindness shown by Newfies to the hundreds of passengers stranded on 9/11/01 and the days after. #audiobook

Andrew65 This one sounds interesting and need a book that covers that Province Canada. Well done on finishing a book already. 👏👏👏 4y
Megabooks @Andrew65 it‘s a very satisfying book, and not too long. Go for it! Plus you get a real feel for the people of Newfoundland. 4y
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Andrew65 @Megabooks Thanks 😊 4y
Megabooks @Andrew65 note: I had thought of saying “dozens of planes” but it‘s actually “hundreds of passengers” that were there. There were towns of 600 people who took in 300+ stranded people. It really is an amazing, uplifting story. 4y
Vbrrgirl One of my favourite books! 4y
Reviewsbylola I need to read this. 4y
Andrew65 @Megabooks I look forward to reading it. 4y
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MicrobeMom
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Pickpick

This book was very uplifting. Having lived close to NYC during 9/11, I have heard of so many amazing stories. This one really shows that humanity is universal. Something we all need right now.

Itchyfeetreader I really enjoyed this and the musical come from away also 4y
31 likes1 comment
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MicrobeMom
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Beautiful weather, a very interesting listen makes for a great morning audio walk! I love how green my neighborhood is! #audiobook #summer #summerreading

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Princess-Kingofkings
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Pickpick

Overwhelming example of generosity & kindness. At a time when people in America were horrified the town of Gander Newfoundland were amazingly supportive by providing emotional support, food, clothing, toys and SO much more!

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Princess-Kingofkings
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Started listening to Tom Hanks as I was driving to my friend's house. She gave me these precious succulent sprigs who have found a new home in a most appropriate mug. 🌱☕️📘

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Bookwormjillk
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This was a really nice book about the way people can come together in the face of a tragedy.

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JennyM
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Still struggling to read this week, so just the two on the right for #bookreport, plus Aitkinson‘s One Good Turn on 🎧

Just started the tagged book - 🤞it is the #weeklyforecast hope-filled read I need.

Wishing you all well, littens ❤️🧡💛💚💚💙💜

Megabooks Why I Can‘t Sleep (at night or sleep too much during the day) = COVID 19 5y
JennyM @Megabooks I know right! It also felt kinda weird reading it with this pandemic now going on thinking of the effects it will have on future generations. 5y
Cinfhen I listened on audio to your tagged book/ it really was heartwarming 💕💕💕 5y
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batsy Hope you're doing well (as well as one can in these circumstances) 💜 5y
JennyM @Cinfhen I think it‘s just what I need ❤️ We‘re ok thanks @batsy Took a big hit this week with hubby‘s wages slashed but he still has his job, which is so much more than some. How are you both fairing? It was a tough week xx 5y
batsy @JennyM That's so tough; I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you'll be OK. I live with my sister & elderly mum; sister's wages has been slashed (hotel industry) & my freelance position just got a bit more precarious. But you're right, so many others have been hit harder 😞 Much strength to you. Take care ❤️ 5y
JennyM @batsy sending you lots of love and hope back. Hang in there 😘 5y
CarolynM Sending love💕 5y
Hooked_on_books I loved the Calhoun. I‘m squarely in the generation of women she is discussing and I found it really validating. 5y
BarbaraBB A tough week indeed. Thanks for your kind words. Thinking of you too 💚 I have to check our your review of the Bauer. I somehow missed that and loved 5y
BarbaraBB @batsy You and your family have been hit hard. Thinking of you! Stay safe and sane 💚🍀 5y
BarbaraBB You didn‘t write a review yet, was it good? 5y
JennyM @BarbaraBB it was good, although not quite as good as Snap. Going to use for #Booked2020 #eccentricMC 5y
JennyM @CarolynM thank you. I hope you and your business are ok. Xx 5y
JennyM @Hooked_on_books I totally agree - it was validating (although I just sneak in as a millennial). Hope you are doing ok xx (edited) 5y
Tanisha_A @batsy and @JennyM All the love and strength to you! ♥️ 5y
batsy @BarbaraBB Thank you Barbara, we're still lucky in many ways. And the same to you in these uncertain times 😘😘 5y
batsy @Tanisha_A @JennyM Right back at you friends ❤️ 5y
JennyM @Tanisha_A thanks my lovely. And how are you going? I don‘t think you‘ll get the package I sent for a long time 🙁 5y
Kalalalatja Hugs ❤️ 5y
CarolynM We're fine, we still have our coffee supply 😂 Business is pretty much at a standstill right now while companies come to terms with the new working arrangements, but you never know where something might turn up. Fingers crossed. 5y
MidnightBookGirl We love Ada Calhoun at our bookstore! My boss read Why We Can't Sleep before it came out and was immediately in love with it. The Hubs and I are still lucky (?) to be working (he's in food, and I'm in health care), although I am only doing online work for the bookstore, and it's closed to shoppers. My coworkers are still able to ship and make curb and porch deliveries. Wishing you all the health! 5y
JennyM @MidnightBookGirl it‘s amazing how businesses have adapted. I think curb and porch deliveries are brilliant. Keep safe and well x 🙂 5y
JennyM @Kalalalatja and to you lovely. 😘♥️💚💜 5y
Centique Love to you Jenny 💕 So happy we have Littens for kindness and support right now 💕 Best wishes for the coming weeks for health and hope and calm 💕 5y
JennyM @Centique you too my friend. Stay well and give my best wishes to your Dad 😘♥️ (edited) 5y
Tanisha_A @JennyM I am doing well! With family in my hometown right now. We have the lockdown until April 14th. Yep, the packages will have to wait. ♥️ 5y
BiblioLitten How are you doing, Jenny. Stay safe and happy 💕🌸🌸 5y
JennyM @BiblioLitten hi my lovely, I‘m doing ok thanks. Cuddling my little ones closer at we go through this turbulent time. How are you and your family? Sending good wishes 😙 5y
BiblioLitten Our little one is keeping us cheerful through this madness. I had a hard time concentrating last month and didn‘t enjoy any book I read. But I hope April will get better. Thank you for the wishes 😘💕 5y
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Lauren.Archer
Pickpick

Just saw Come From Away and instantly wanted to read this book. Such a great story.

MallenNC Same here! I saw Come from Away a couple of months ago and keep thinking about it. 5y
59 likes1 comment
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Come-read-with-me
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18 years later the tragedy of 9/11 still brings a profound sadness for all of the people touched by this horrific event. Yet even in the chaos of that fateful day there are stories of human kindness and decency. This book celebrates the generosity and compassion of the people of Gander, NF. They opened their hearts and homes to displaced persons and helped them cope with the shocking aftermath of the crashes. #TIL Hope and faith in humanity.

TrishB I really enjoyed this one 👍🏻 5y
Come-read-with-me @TrishB It was fantastic. Makes me want to visit Gander. 5y
MrT If you can get to go see Come From Away also 5y
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Come-read-with-me @MrT Thanks for the recommendation. I‘ve been to Cow Head and would love to see more of the island. 👍🏻 5y
JanuarieTimewalker13 @MrT I really enjoyed that show!! Must admit, liked the book better, as usual. I think reading the book beforehand makes a better experience of the show. (edited) 5y
Clwojick 9 pts. I really want to read this one! 5y
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NovelNancyM
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Pickpick

On 9/11/01 when the U.S. airspace was shut down, 38 planes carrying 6,595 passengers and crew members were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. For 6 days the citizens of Gander (population of around 10,000) & its surrounding communities opened their homes, schools, churches, hearts & minds to the stranded folks whose lives were directly affected by 9/11. Such a hopeful book, an easy read, and a glimpse into humanity at its finest.

Nute I did not know about this. Thanks for sharing. It‘s always good to be reminded of humanity at all of its finest efforts!💕 5y
NovelNancyM I was unaware of this book as well. The Broadyway musical Come From Away is about this event. I haven't seen it yet, but love the music. 5y
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crazyspine
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Pickpick

Upflifting and inspirational

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relocatedyank
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Crisis brings out the best in people and it‘s always the silver lining for me. Loving this read in how the town of Gander loves those stranded after 9/11 out loud.

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Blaire
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Pickpick

Highly recommend. Audiobook is on hoopla. Loved this. Heart-warning story about how the people of Newfoundland opened up their homes and town to passengers who were stranded their on 9/11. Passengers from 38 flights landed in the small town of Gander. It goes into detail on some of the passengers stories and is very moving. An uplifting read on the anniversary of 9/11.

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sblbooks
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I started listening to this today in honor of #911. I really like it so far. #neverforget

megnews The musical, Come From Away, based on this story is phenomenal. 5y
Sleepswithbooks On my TBR list. 5y
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Well-ReadNeck
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Court7
Pickpick

Definitely cried my way through this book. Such a lovely true story about the best of humanity.

TrishB I loved this one too 👍🏻 5y
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