THE FOREIGNERWhen the Foreigner's (David Gershom) ship lands in middle-eastern Sumarrah, he is achingly lonely. His recent inheritance is enough for a re-start in his career and his personal life; both have been lackluster and unsatisfying. He believes he has a better chance of finding happiness in this expat community where all the Americans are starting over. David does not know why he has passed through life without the deep connections he sees others able to make. His alienation and desperate struggle to connect with God and his fellow man lead to a series of adventures until a violent experience changes his life overnight. Events unfold quickly in this suspenseful novel that has many twists as it follows David Gershom's path to a new life. In the early chapters, David builds two different friend groups simultaneously. He quickly becomes part of The Gang, a group of five ambitious young men who enjoy the pleasures of this world to the maximum. They are hilarious, hard-drinking, and success-oriented. He is also befriended by a group that is primarily Christian, who fracture his preconceived notions about what Christians are like. A member of The Gang betrays David and the others, taking every penny from David's inheritance. Abandoned by The Gang, he is the victim of a violent attack and is rescued by the Christian friends he had previously shunned because he preferred the hilarity and fast-living of The Gang. The tragic event causes him to lose everything, but eventually gives him all he has been looking for. In the process, he almost loses the woman he loves due to a miscommunication. The novel ends with an encouraging glimpse at how one charming Christian community helps turn ashes into beauty. They start a non-profit to serve the men of Mangham House, the place of despair where David was attacked and that houses desperate men, many with a criminal past. And he gets the girl!George Elezar- Unstuffy Christian takes David off-guard when they meet aboard ship; embodies the best in us as Samaritans.Jalal- Professor befriends David. This Muslim once confides in brother he is a Christian. Father beats him badly; David relates.Maria- Read Scriptures to Jalal during his coma; helped bring him to Christ.Ahmad- Owns exotic restaurant, the hub of Sumarrah's social scene. A good man but an unbeliever who operates successfully in both of David's worlds. Larry- Lazy employee at Mangham House; knows everyone's business; thinks he is a philosopher-comedian; labels David a "Bible-thumper."Jimmy Roarke- Friend David always longed for. They drink, go to movies, and carouse. Jimmy falls for a con-man's pitch and encourages David to invest. Both lose their savings. Jimmy turns his back on David when he is near death. Jimmy's betrayal hurts deeply.Liz- Only single daughter of five sisters who leaves for better opportunities. David and Liz collaborate on service projects for employees at Mangham House. Romance ensues, but no path to love is ever smooth. The book is ideal for book clubs and small group studies. Thought provoking discussion questions for each chapter are included at the end of the book.