Local Author Patricia Mousa Jordan Turns Family Memories Into a Published Memoir

What began as a keepsake for her children and grandchildren became a published memoir sharing a lifetime of family stories, traditions, and memories.

In her debut memoir, My Palestinian American Life, author Patricia Mousa Jordan reflects on growing up as the daughter of Palestinian immigrants from Ramallah. Born and raised near Detroit, Jordan grew up surrounded by extended family and worked in her family's grocery stores before moving to California at 17 and continuing her career in the grocery business.

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Jordan spent about six years working on the memoir, initially intending it to be a legacy book for her family. As she shared chapters with her mother, relatives, and friends, their encouragement inspired her to publish her stories for a wider audience.

The memoir explores childhood, resilience, family, tradition, and the experience of living between two cultures. For Jordan, writing also became an opportunity to revisit memories and preserve them for future generations.

Her next chapter is already underway. Jordan is working on My Palestinian American Kitchen, planned for publication in 2027. The book will combine Palestinian dishes with personal stories, recipes, and insights into the ingredients found in a Palestinian kitchen.

Walnut Creek City Lifestyle recently spoke with Jordan about her memoir, the experience of putting her family memories on paper, and what she hopes readers will take away from her story.

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