Auntie's Bookstore is pleased to announce a Northwest Passages event with Jim DeFede.
Coming up right before Best of Broadway's COME FROM AWAY hits the stage, learn firsthand about the stories behind the musical from former Spokesman-Review reporter, Jim DeFede, who wrote his first book: "The Day the World Came to Town, 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland."
Join Northwest Passages on Monday, August 8th at 7pm at Bing Crosby Theater (901 W Sprague Ave).
Auntie's will be selling copies of the book at the event.
Admission tickets are $7.00 and VIP tickets are $30. VIP tickets include an autographed copy of the book, reserved seating, and an author reception prior to the event at Ovations (upstairs at The Bing). Tickets are limited, so act fast! Doors open at 6:15pm.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://spokane7tickets.com
About the book
The True Story Behind the Events on 9/11 that Inspired Broadway’s Smash Hit Musical Come from Away, Featuring All New Material from the Author
When 38 jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada by the closing of U.S. airspace on September 11, the population of this small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. The citizens of Gander met the stranded passengers with an overwhelming display of friendship and goodwill.
As the passengers stepped from the airplanes, exhausted, hungry and distraught after being held on board for nearly 24 hours while security checked all of the baggage, they were greeted with a feast prepared by the townspeople. Local bus drivers who had been on strike came off the picket lines to transport the passengers to the various shelters set up in local schools and churches. Linens and toiletries were bought and donated. A middle school provided showers, as well as access to computers, email, and televisions, allowing the passengers to stay in touch with family and follow the news.
Over the course of those four days, many of the passengers developed friendships with Gander residents that they expect to last a lifetime. As a show of thanks, scholarship funds for the children of Gander have been formed and donations have been made to provide new computers for the schools. This book recounts the inspiring story of the residents of Gander, Canada, whose acts of kindness have touched the lives of thousands of people and been an example of humanity and goodwill.
About the Author
Jim DeFede has been an award-winning journalist for sixteen years, first with the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, and then with the Miami New Times. His work has appeared in Talk, The New Republic, and Newsday. He is currently a metro columnist for the Miami Herald.
The True Story Behind the Events on 9/11 that Inspired Broadway’s Smash Hit Musical Come from Away, Featuring All New Material from the Author