August Rain: A Novel

ISBN: 1480093238

Author: Dabbas, Dr. Abdulmajid Abdullah

Condition: New

Product Description August Rain gives us insights into the shocking cultural differences between the Middle East and the Western World when Jamil Dahshan left his backward city of Salt, Jordan, to complete his studies in Cairo, Egypt, and in the United States at both California State University and the University of California (UCLA). After teaching Arabic and Islamic studies at UCLA and in community colleges located in Pasadena, Los Angeles, Covina, and Hollywood, he was selected by his university as their chosen representative at an Islamic conference to be held in England. This gave him the opportunity to re-connect with former friends. Both Professor Dahshan and his best friend, Zaynon, had experienced conservative up-bringing. Both of them came to resent it. The Professor fell in love with beautiful, pure, and intelligent women and found his thrill in conquest. Zaynon preferred not to risk the possible responsibility of having a child and preferred gay men. Both of them hated the others lack of morals! Eventually Professor Dahshan learned his lesson after destroying the health, dreams, and hopes of four people he had once treasured as dear friends. About the Author The author was born and reared in the ancient Jordanian city of Salt, where he graduated from the local high school, once the highest institution of learning in the whole of Jordan and open only to male students. At that time, the government was the only employer in Jordan. Any young man who aspired to hold a prominent government position had to complete his education at the school in Salt before going abroad to take advanced studies. The author lost his father when he was five years old. His mother worked hard to support her children and provide them with the best possible education. In his mid-twenties, the author left Jordan to study in America. The only communication he was able to have with the people he had left behind was through letters which were delivered via sea mail or air mail. He was unable to speak to them by telephone for twelve years because of the lack of technology. He received a BA in English Literature from California State University and his Masters in Middle Eastern languages and literatures from the University of California (UCLA). Following his graduation, he taught the Arabic language and Islamic studies at UCLA and in community colleges located in Pasadena, Los Angeles, Covina, and Hollywood. After returning to his native Middle East, he taught English at the Teacher's Training College, United Nations, Jordan and then at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He lives in California and enjoys visiting his family in Jordan and writing about the fascinating events that have shaped his life.