Only a week and a half into the month and I have some books to share with you. Some I finished in the last 4 days and the Jim DeFede book I started the end of July. Lots going on here but mostly I am inside because of extreme temperatures, so reading is my go-to for entertainment.
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
This nonfiction was a fast read. I had no idea about the coordination involved getting scores of planes to land as quickly as possible, steering clear of U.S. airspace after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. After a certain point crossing the Atlantic from Europe a pilot could turn back and return to their original airport or make that decision to push on. Unbeknowst to the pilots, they would be stranded in Canada for many days, with uncertainty about moving on to the original destinations.
Imagine thousands of unscheduled flights finding an airport in Canada. This book focused on Gander in Newfoundland, the many passengers from all over the world. The people of Gander coming together to provide food, towels, linens and cots, opening their homes to strangers to give them a place to shower or to stay with them instead of a makeshift shelter. The spirit of community is a credit to the people in Gander and I wish more people around this conflicted world could be as kind.
There are may reviews on this book and many quotes already but the individual stories about where some came from, friendships made and the back story on handling such as unexpected large scale event made for fascinating reading. You'll read about a few families returning to the US after many weeks traveling to Kazakhstan with their adopted child, a couple who are worried about their NYFD son who is missing while on duty at the towers, refugees, and so many more personal stories. 5 stars.
The Atlas of Abandoned Places
Places I will never get to and some I would love to see. What a cool book. In addition to the locations, including latitude and longitude, there is history and many photos. Here is an example below 👇 As you can see from the photo they estimate roughly 750,000 of these garden shed sized bunkers all over Albania. Many are completely abandoned but some have been repurposed as museums, storage for livestock feed and more. They are from the Cold War era.
They look like they belong in a Star Wars movie. What a fascinating sight this must be along the Kent coast in England.
Currently finishing up the Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. Wow, what a page turner. I need more of her books but I wonder if any of the others can top this one.
Next up I plan to read another off my Classic Club list, The Quiet American by British author Graham Greene. That's the plan anyway but you never know when a different book will lure me away.
In case you don't know, Florida has some Dome Houses https://tinyurl.com/26vyebe9. Kaiyo loves Pup Cups too. I also buy her whipped cream made for dogs at the pet store.
ReplyDeleteVicki, I did not know about the dome houses here, I will check that out!
DeleteI like hearing about your reads. I think Wild Dark Shore is the author's biggest page-turner ... her others aren't as twisty but check them out. I liked Migrations best, but the setting of Dark Shore was pretty cool. All of them are eco-fiction. The 2nd one is about wolves, with some twists. And I had no idea about the Albanian bunkers - so many! Or the WWII forts. I think my co-worker got stuck in Iceland on 9/11 and later drove back home in Virginia from Canada since the flights were grounded. But Gander stories seem interesting.
ReplyDeleteSusan, That was a good book, didn't expect the ending and it kept me turing the pages. I have requested Migrations and will hit that one soon. Just got Heartland and I was hoping to get to Graham Greene.
DeleteThe Atlas of Abandoned Places was a cool book - I recommend it.
Wow, that must have been some trip from Iceland to Virginia, especially with all those extra security precautions then. I remember we were at work and we thought a pilot had a heart attack...until the second tower was hit. That night I had to stay at work very late as the meetings with other law enforcement agencies converged there, so many things scary to hear from port authorities, which utilities were "expendable" to keep the larger populated areas going in the event it got worse...so much.
Happy reading! Have a great weekend and stay cool.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy. Hope you have a great weekend as well.
DeleteI would like to read The Day the World Came to Town--despite the tragedy that caused the influx, it does seem like a feel-good read.
ReplyDeleteThose forts in Kent do look like something out of Star Wars. I am kind of surprised they're still standing as they look pretty rickety.
I just got a new box of Frosty Paws for my own hot dog today. The heat all over has been brutal.
Jane, it's been brutal this summer in the northern hemisphere for sure. I do recommend the book by DeFede and it's great that he follows up on some of the families years later. I was curious what happened with some of them.
DeleteThe Maunsell Forts do look other-worldly.
ReplyDeleteI read The Quiet American for a Vietnam War history class. But it was a long time ago, so I don't remember much except the atmosphere of the novel.
Joy, there is one fort near there that's just outside the "boarders" of England and someone claimed it as their own kingdom! It's the Roughs Tower claimed as a sovereign state, it's outside territorial waters.
DeleteI can't tell you how many times I've thought to get Jim DeFede's book while perusing the shelves at my library. I really must read it this year! When we were in Port Townsend at our RV park, the folks next to us joined us for drinks one night. They both are/were American Airline pilots (she's still flying, he's retired). He told us the long story about 9/11 and how he was in charge of getting their planes on the ground. It was a very interesting story, and I can't imagine the stress and pressure he faced that morning!
ReplyDeleteLes, it's not a long book and the stories are interesting. That must have been a great conversation with the retired pilot about coordinating all those planes. This book touches on that as well.
DeleteI know just what you mean, Les. I put off reading The Day the World Came to Town for a long time. I was so glad I finally got around to reading it.
DeleteI gave when The World Came to Town 5 stars too. The Atlas of Abandoned Places sounds fascinating. I live in Albania and can attest to the abundance of these mostly abandoned bunkers.
ReplyDeleteOlivia, that really was a page turner. The Atlas is fun to peruse as well.
DeleteThe Atlas of Abandoned Places sounds really fascinating!
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping the temperatures fall a bit for you soon. :/
Nicky, I like armchair travel so that Atlas was the ticket!
DeleteAtlas of Abandoned Places looks really cool. I love stuff like that. And Wild Dark Shore has been on my list!
ReplyDeleteErin, I think you'll love Wild Dark Shore. I can't wait to get more of her work. Wyatt may enjoy that atlas book as well.
DeleteThese look good. I live in Kent but have never seen these monuments. I will have to sort that out! Where I am it takes an hour plus to get to the coast.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week ahead!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2025/08/10/sunday-post-sunday-salon-64/
Emily, that might be a fun trip to see these forts. Hoope your week is a good one.
DeleteI have seen these monuments on documentaries before. They do definitely look like something out of a science fiction movie. If I remember correctly they also did some radio broadcasts out of them in the 1960s.
ReplyDeleteI still need to read Charlotte McConaghey
Have a great week!
Marg, they would be an interesting sight to see if you lived near the coast. Oh, I recommend that Wild Dark Shore.
DeleteI understand staying inside during this heat. Now that I'm back home I'm looking forward to doing some reading. I will look for The Atlas of Abandoned Places.
ReplyDeleteDeb, hope you enjoy it, I love armchair travel!
DeleteGrrr. The Atlas of Abandoned Places is not at my library. I guess I will have to put it on my birthday list!
DeleteYes, several freinds have read your first book here, and loved it.
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed Migrations, by Charlotte McConaghy, I need to read this one
Emma, I put a library hold on Migrations and am looking forward to that one.
DeleteWow! Looks like you've gotten some great reading done. I have a copy of Wild Dark Shore but haven't read it yet. I've heard amazing reviews. I'm glad Loki enjoyed his pup cup! Rover is a big fan of them. My reading hasn't been great this year but I'm hoping to catch up soon.
ReplyDeleteThoroughly recommend the musical 'Come from Away', based on the first book, if you get a chance to see it.
ReplyDeleteAtlas of Abandoned Places sounds like a good Christmas present for a man I know - they are always difficult to buy for!