The videos I’ve been sharing on Instagram from Beirut and South Lebanon, inspired by the themes in my book “You’re Already Dead,” focus on the beauty of everyday life. My father captured not every detail, but those ordinary moments between family and friends. It’s these scenes that now strike a chord with me…

In my recent book’s chapter on purpose, I delve into the complex interplay of existence and meaning that each of us navigates. This journey takes on new significance in our world, increasingly filled with uncertainty and turmoil. I often find myself reflecting on lyrics from the song…

For years, I often said, “When I finish my book…” or “One day when I write a book…” Now, that moment has extended just over 30 days, and it’s been over three months since I first announced the book’s impending release on Instagram. The world has witnessed significant changes during this time…

As I sit down to write this, the heart-wrenching images of the conflict in Gaza, especially the innocent lives lost, weigh heavily on my mind. My recent book, “You’re Already Dead,” alongside the enduring message to “be like Jim,” finds a challenging, almost conflicting place in the face of such overwhelming tragedy…

I wrote, in my debut book, “You’re Already Dead,” about my recollection and experience visiting Lebanon as a seven-year-old in 1992. I hint about my current understanding of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East as a grown man, but in the chapter on community, as I recall my first-ever trip to Lebanon as a seven-year-old, it was one of childhood ignorance…

I decided to create a simple, 100-page blank journal with quotes from my debut book. Why? Because writing is important. It helps us process our feelings, reminds us of significant moments, and aids in reconciling our emotions with the world—whether it’s beautiful or devastating. It allows us to genuinely feel…

As the release of my debut book, “You’re Already Dead,” approaches, I wanted to share a curated playlist for each chapter. In my previous blog post about Kite, I mentioned the significance of U2 in this journey. So, it feels right that this soundtrack consists solely of U2 songs. My hope is that each track resonates with you and captures the essence of its corresponding chapter. Whether you listen before or after reading, allow the music to envelop you, evoking emotions and drawing you deeper into the narrative. Your mind, heart, and very being will feel it…

Finding meaning in day-to-day life, especially when confronted with the harsh realities of the current state of the world, can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Even with the constant barrage of news, opinions, and disturbing videos, it’s important to ground ourselves and our emotions…

Both of my parents left Lebanon in 1976. They were young; my father at the time was only 19. They met here, fell in love, got married, and started a family. But they both were driven to leave Lebanon—my father on his own, and my mother with her parents and siblings—because of the looming threat of the war in Lebanon…

The song “Kite” by U2 resonates deeply within me, reflecting the bond I share with my dad and the profound transitions in my life. Its lyrics mirror the lessons he instilled in me — the delicate balance between control and surrender, steering our destinies while embracing life’s unpredictabilities. Now, that very kite symbolizes my journey, a journey intertwined with the teachings of my father…

With ‘You’re Already Dead’ coming out soon, I thought I’d share how this book came to be. Here I am, nearly three years after writing the first page of the first idea when I thought about the title…

When Breath Becomes Air is a memoir written by Paul Kalanithi. It brought me to tears and made a profound impact on my idea of time, and how we ultimately spend one rotation of the Earth and one orbit around the sun…

As we journey through life, we are often called to reflect on where we've come from and where we're headed. Over 10 years ago I embarked on a journey, both physical and spiritual, from Edmonton to Chouya, a village in South Lebanon. The reason for my journey was a solemn one: to lay my father to rest…

I’ve read countless books, yet remember few. This is one I can’t ever forget. Without giving away too much, The Summer of Katya was written by Trevanian (a pen name of Rodney William Whitaker). First published in 1983, it is set in the early 20th century in the Pyrenees region of France and tells the story of a young doctor named Jean-Marc Montjean. He falls in love with a mysterious and troubled woman named Katya, who is haunted by a tragic past. As Jean-Marc becomes entangled in Katya's world, he unravels dark secrets and confronts his own inner demons. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human nature…

Discovering Paulo Coelho's books at the right moment left an indelible mark on my soul. From the wisdom of The Alchemist to the tales of self-discovery in Brida, By The River Piedra I Sat And Wept, and his other works, Coelho's stories ignited my passion for literature and sparked a transformative journey of self-reflection, growth, and embracing the alchemist within. His writings taught me the power of self-awareness, vulnerability, and aligning actions with core values. Coelho's influence, alongside authors like Kahlil Gibran, inspired my love for writing, for which I am profoundly grateful.