A Monitor Guide to Books of September 11

THE DAY THE WORLD CAME TO TOWN

by Jim DeFede

Regan, $23.95

This book tells the unique story of what occurred in Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11. Thirty-eight airplanes carrying 6,595 travelers were diverted to this Canadian island city marked by hardiness, desolation, and high unemployment. From now on, Gander will be associated with the spirit of welcome and brotherhood, seen in its demonstration of true humanity. As the waylaid "plane people" received news of the terrorist attacks in the United States, an immediate outpouring of support from unsuspecting hosts welcomed these strangers into their homes. They donated carloads of food and supplies, comforted them, and went to extraordinary efforts to meet individual needs. In this journalistic narrative, compiled from 180 interviews, readers follow these stranded travelers – a family who has just brought a newly adopted daughter from Kazakhstan, Moldovan refugees about to make the US their home, a top executive of a fashion house, an intelligence agent, and others – as they place their pushpins, representing over 40 countries, on a map in a makeshift encampment at the local school. Despite the circumstances, this is a warm account of how these travelers became companions, some even becoming friends and planning reunions at Gander in the future. (244 pp.) By Leigh Montgomery

UNDERSTANDING SEPTEMBER 11: ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ATTACKS ON AMERICA

by Mitch Frank

Penguin Putnam, $16.99

If a young student asks for help on a history-class project about the events of Sept. 11, keep this short volume handy. It frames terrorism in broader world issues, explains who Osama bin Laden is and how he has successfully inspired his followers to use violence against Americans. The author smoothly breaks down a complicated discussion of differing religious views among believers of Islam, the history of terror as a political tool, and the negative impact American culture has had on developing nations. Across the bottom of each page marches a Sept. 11 timeline that discreetly unfolds the day's horrific events. Written by a Time magazine reporter who heard the impact of the first attack on the World Trade Center from his Brooklyn Heights apartment, the introduction shows a journalist in action: "I sat in amazement for five minutes before I remembered ... it was my job to go out there and find out what happened." The book also has a useful glossary of Middle Eastern terms like Al Qaeda, burqa, and Islamism. Of course, such brevity runs the risk of oversimplification, but it will whet the appetite of any young scholar. (160 pp.) Ages 10 and up. By Kendra Nordin

SEPTEMBER 11: AN ORAL HISTORY

by Dean E. Murphy

Doubleday, $22.95

Page: 1 | 2