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The Title

The Arabic language overflows with mouth-watering nuances. A tire is not flat; it is asleep. The balcony of your top floor apartment isn’t noisy because you’re on a flight path; it’s too close to the sky. I Am Happier to Know You, is the English translation of Ana Asaad (pronounced ana ah-sod). In Arabic it is used in two contexts:

Upon hearing good news, I am happier to know you is employed to say, “I am happier for you than you are for yourself.” Or, as in the West, when introduced to someone who might say, “I’m happy to meet you,” an Egyptian will often graciously respond, “I am happier to know you. ”

I chose this title because it concisely expresses my gratitude for all that Egypt and her people have taught me. I am indeed happier and wiser for having known her.

The Author

For nearly thirty years, Jeanne M. Eck has been a freelance writer. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including: The Washington Post, Living Fit Magazine, The Journal Newspapers, The Hill Rag, and The Voice of the Hill.

Her journalistic career began early. As a small child she bribed or cajoled a reluctant cast of siblings and neighborhood children into participating in the dramas she penned. In elementary school her creative writing overflowed with observations about life, as she knew it.

Without fail, each fall her newest teacher would call her mother to ask in alarm, “Is her work truly fiction?” Eventually, her mother forbade Jeanne to write anything that could possibly reflect upon her parenting skills. Thus was born Jeanne’s desire to observe, then to translate how our families, faith, societies, and experiences shape our perception of each other and ourselves. I Am Happier to Know You is a natural outgrowth of her journey as a woman and a journalist.

A Synopsis of I Am Happier to Know You

I Am Happier to Know You is the story of the people, culture, sights and fragrances of Egypt and the Middle East viewed through the eyes and heart of a single, midlife woman. Concurrently, it’s a memoir of the joys and challenges author Jeanne M. Eck embraced when, on wings of faith, she left her Western culture behind and moved to Egypt.

With sprite-like energy, wisdom, humor and grace, the author grasps the hands and hearts of her readers and tenderly transports them on a luscious journey few would have the courage to seize or to candidly share.

I Am Happier to Know You is timely and timeless. It’s a story of how one woman took advantage of the opportunity to live life at its fullest, to honor her intuition, and then to follow her dreams. Most importantly, I Am Happier to Know You imparts the message that the foundation of peace is built upon loving and healing ourselves.

Media Inquiries:

For bookings, please contact:

Ira Streitfeld
503-297-0545
iracom@cs.com

In Egypt:
Jeanne M. Eck:
Iamhappiertoknowyou@hotmail.com