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I'm at the age where...
Jamilah
I can relax a little and not wonder what people think of me. I can eye a good-looking young guy and not feel guilty because he's probably the same age as one of my sons.... More »
What values of yours have remained the same?
Jamilah
I've changed many things about myself since childhood, but most of my values have remained the same. One is honesty. Lying was never tolerated in our family and my father, especially, could never bring himself... More »
What, or who, has saved your life?
Jamilah
Once I was in a life-threatening situation, when we were living on the outskirts of Bangkok, and our neighbor rushed me to the hospital. I could say she saved my life. Many have enriched my... More »
What was, or is, your dream career?
Jamilah
I'm almost there. I always wanted to be a novelist. With five published novels, I have reached that goal. But I want to go farther and become a well-known novelist. I have ideas on how... More »
On what do you most enjoy spending money?
Jamilah
Books. For myself. For my kids. For my granddaughters--who are both under age 3. I have shelves full of books but it never seems to be enough. Every book is different, after all.
What would you do if time didn't matter?
Jamilah
I would stay up late into the night working on my stories. I would enjoy my family more. I would relax.
What is the most important story in your life right now?
Jamilah
The most important story--the one I live with constantly--is the story of motherhood. My boys are growing. The youngest is 13 and the oldest is the father of two. But they still have needs that... More »
What are you going to do next?
Jamilah
Our youngest turned 13 today so we're entering a new stage in our lives. My husband wishes the kids wouldn't grow up so fast but I'm looking forward to an empty nest. Five more years.
What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?
Jamilah
I have a graduate degree and throughout the years, of course, I've met others with the same level of education. We have similar vocabularies and analytical approaches. But not everyone with an advanced degree shows... More »
What is the role of art in the world?
Jamilah
Art expresses the spirit of humanity. The imagination of the soul. No one can live by practicality alone.
QAR
August 2008 