Kevin Tuerff

historical-figures, historical-places-events, history-and-culture, aviation, newfoundland, family, small-town, kindness, LGBT, nonfiction, early-21st-century, musical*****

On September 11, 2001 the town of Gander, Newfoundland showed the people from all over the world who were suddenly marooned in a place not of their choice that they had integrity and selflessness as well. Events in the US caused an emergency order for all planes in or headed to the US to land immediately. This meant that the town of Gander, Newfoundland pop. 9000 were suddenly hosting 67 planes and nearly 7000 stunned travelers for 5 days. This is the story of a select few and the development of a grand musical COME FROM AWAY that is even now on Broadway.
I loved that the audio is narrated by THE AUTHOR!… (more)

Tuerff as on the second Jumbo airliner to land at Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11. Eventually 38 huge airplanes would be diverted to Gander eventually unloading 6500 passengers into a town of 10,000. With no warning but with a desire to assist the frighten and distressed arrivals, the town immediately organized accommodation, food and even clothing for the passengers from three dozen countries.

Tuerff describes his experiences during the four days he was at Gander as well as stories shred by other passengers he met. On the first anniversary of 9/11 he and his business partner gave everyone of their employees a $100 bill and old them to share it with a stranger in honour of the hospitality shown by the people of Gander. This is called Pay It Forward.

He also describes his involvement in the production of the Tony Award winning musical Come From Away as his experiences at Gander are highlighted in the musical.… (more)

IF i were ever stuck in a scary situation Kevin Tuerff would be the man i want by my side. Unfortunately for him i'd be holding on for dear life. A short simple account of his story during 9/11, when his flight from Europe was unexpectedly forced to land in Gander...Newfoundland...Canada. With no real understanding why!
This book is about the incredible people of Gander, who instantaneously jumped into go-mode to aid all these stranded passengers. Makes you wonder what we would do? What DO we do? I think as a nation- not enough. I think as towns and cities- hearts open.
Very heart-touching book !… (more)

This is a short little feel good book that is a clear antidote to all the ugliness going on in the world around us right now. This is the true story of 9/11 and the after effects on one man. The author was on a flight from Paris to NYC on the morning of 9/11 when his flight was diverted to Gander due to the closure of US airspace. When the people on his plane were finally able to leave the plane 12 hours after they landed, there were 39 international jumbo jets on the tarmac. Over 6500 people arrived in the town of 10,000 and were greeted with open arms by the citizens. The citizens of Gander provided food, bedding and most important of all friendship to the 'plane people' during their stay in the small town. At the end of their stay, many passengers donated money to set up a scholarship fund for the students in the town. Several years after Kevin returned home, he decided to start an annual giving back day every 9/11. This is a wonderful story of kindness and love shared with people from all of the world and the effect that it had on so many people. I felt so much better about the future of our world after I read it.… (more)