Once We Were Strangers *****by Shawn Smucker
Overview: Shawn Smucker wanted to understand the plight of refugees. So, he befriended one. This is the story of two men and their families who seek to build a cross-cultural friendship.
Positive elements: well-written, quick read.
Negative elements: none
Conclusion: I enjoyed getting to see a sneak peak at one Syrian family's story of how they escaped a war torn country and are trying to make a new home in the United States. It's hard for me to imagine leaving everything you know and coming to a new place. Smucker talks of all the challenges of daily life for refugees. And the sweetest part of the story is the friendship that grew between these two radically different families.
The book doesn't really address or try to solve anything politically about refugees. The book's message is that we should walk towards the refugees in our neighborhoods...try to get to know them and hear their stories. And we may be surprised by the rich friendships we find.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
