Stephen and Nathan Smith

On April 9, Theran Press will publish "Men of God Men of War," a dual narrative memoir written by twin brothers Nathan and Stephen Smith. The book deals with themes of combat, PTSD, toxic faith, shunning, the bonds of brotherhood, and reconciliation.

To summarize: "Men of God Men of War" is a 93,000-word memoir that describes identical twins who led parallel lives and who learned many of the same lessons in different traumatic contexts—Nate as a Marine infantry officer leading combat operations in Iraq; Steve as a frightened but willing member of a Maine cult.

Though bonded by blood and the adventures of youth, the brothers turned their backs on each other at seventeen and forged ahead for thirteen years as if the other brother was dead. For purpose, Nate turned to sacrificial military service in Iraq during a burgeoning insurgency. Meanwhile, Steve pursued the elusive redemption of extreme religious devotion. Neither brother gained what he sought, encountering in each system unhinged leaders, deadly circumstances, and broken dreams. Ultimately, the bonds of love triumphed and led them to a long-awaited reunion at a critical time.