The Day the World Came to Town Updated Edition

What did you know about Newfoundland before reading this book? What things of interest did you learn about Gander and its surrounding cities? What did you find most interesting about the time frame of the book?

Did you know anything about this event prior to reading the book? If so, what preconceived opinions did you have and did these change as you read the book?

Discuss the important of the setting of “the story”. Does the setting help you to understand “the action” in the book?

Describe three or four problems that the Gander community faced and how they dealt with them. Describe three or four problems that the “incoming plane community” faced and how they dealt with them.

Talk about the writing style and language in the book. One reviewer observed that” DeFrede wanted to provide an honest account of a previously unaccounted story that most people never knew existed.” Did he achieve that goal?

Choose one or two people (couples) who were integral to the Newfoundland story. How did their “stories” enhance the total story? Which individuals and stories have stayed with you after reading the book?

Was there anything especially surprising about the book for you? How did that affect your reading of and enjoyment of the book?

Compare and contrast the “community help” of the Gander community with the response to other emergencies you may have experienced.