Once We Were Strangers: What Friendship with a Syrian Refuge Taught Me about Loving My Neighbor by Shawn Smucker is the touching story about the friendship between an American citizen and a Syrian refuge. Both men were fathers facing struggles and trying to find the best lives for their families. Though they came from far different backgrounds, they found common ground, and found that they had much in common. The book is a testament to the healing power of friendship, and it shows the profound impact that just one person came make in your life.

It is a thought-provoking book, touching upon topics such as mercy, unity, and the meaning of home. And furthermore, the book shows how love and friendship transcends culture. The satirical writer Ambrose Bierce aptly joked friendship is, “A ship big enough to carry two in fair weather, but only one in foul.” And for many people, that is exactly what friendship is – something that survives only the good times in life. But not all friendships are weak or superficial, and Once We Were Strangers explores what true friendship really means.