This was a beautifully told story about the journey of Michael & Khaled. It demonstrates the reality that the only difference between refugees & asylum seekers & us is that we're privileged to not be in that scenario. But more than that this book features some other fabulous people with such complexities.

While the narrative style unfortunately didn't fully hook me (as I felt it could have been written in a more coherent, flowing style & I just felt there needed to be more fluidity at times). But it was an important read based on a true story.

Overall I rated this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The Refugee Handbook was a delightful story about the journey of Michael and Khaled. Michael lived in Venice Beach, California. He met Khaled online. Khaled lived in Istanbul. Michael was well travelled and had no problem going to Istanbul to meet Khaled. Over time they became a couple and Michael moved to be with him.

The book was filled with colorful stories about the friendships they made along the way. Khaled wanted to defect to the Netherlands. There were many bends and turns along the way and they encountered some very special people in their travels. As I read, it was easy for me to envision each and every place to which they ventured. I felt like I was there with them. There was a bit of a twist ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book in spite of the ending, which I didn't like. By the way, it was a true story. I give this book five stars.