5 days ago
Dubai-Based Author's Book Makes it Jimmy Fallon's Book Club Shortlist
A Dubai-based author has achieved an extraordinary milestone as her novel earns a place on the Jimmy Fallon Book Club shortlist, bringing international recognition to her decade-long literary journey.
The announcement came after producers contacted her publisher six weeks ago, requesting copies for coverage consideration, a moment she initially thought was unlikely to lead to anything. However, the news that Jimmy Fallon himself mentioned her name on national television has left her both humbled and exhilarated.
The novel, which has been in the making for ten years, tells a sweet and humorous story centered on a Palestinian American family in New York City, offering poignant insight into their displacement from Jaffa in the 1940s.
While deeply personal, the narrative resonates with today's global audience, especially amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Actor Mo Amer has described the work as 'timely, yet timeless,' capturing the delicate balance between cultural heritage and universal themes of identity, resilience, and belonging.
This recognition is the latest in a string of accolades for the author, whose work has already been featured on The New York Times, Yahoo, Forbes, Goodreads, and Vogue must-read lists. Yet, she admits that seeing Fallon hold her book was a surreal high point, one she stumbled upon by pure chance while scrolling Instagram.
The achievement also shines a spotlight on Dubai's literary and cultural ecosystem, which has supported her at every stage.
She credits the encouragement of Ahlam Bolooki, Isobel (Um Mansoor) Abulhoul, Hind Seddiqi, Seddiqi Holding, the Emirates Literature Foundation, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Dubai Future Foundation, and Emirates airline, which featured her on its in-flight podcast.
With backing from her publisher Macmillan Henry Holt and United Talent Agency, the author sees this recognition not just as a personal win, but as a moment of pride for Dubai and for Palestinian storytelling on the world stage.
