The Syrian Jewelry Box A Daughter}}}s Journey for Truth [Paperback]

Carina Rourke is a young American growing up in blissful innocence in the Middle East until at age fifteen she is captivated by an obsessive desire to search inside of?her mothers forbidden jewelry box. Carina?discovers a shocking family secret. On the heels of her discovery, she and her family pursue her fathers dream; an exotic drive through the Middle East and Europe, which serves as a metaphoric journey for the woman Carina becomes---a silent nomad searching for identity. When they reach Paris, the citys temptations engulf her. French pastries become a dangerous addiction and an accomplice in silence. And so does the love of a mysterious Tunisian. Many years later, as a married mother in Holland, Carina draws on her fathers wisdom to finally confront the family secret to heal herself and her family.On the heels of Ms. Burnss discovery of a shocking family secret, she and her family pursue her fathers dream; an exotic drive through the Middle East and Europe, which serves as a metaphoric journey for the woman Carina becomes---a silent nomad searching for identity.Fosters acceptance of self?and celebration of self and teaches young adult readers and up about identity crisis and feelings of betrayal and abandonment.

Features universal themes: Quest for truth, Trust/Betrayal, Personal Identity/Coming of age; Love and Relationships (Father-Daughter/Mother-Daughter/Siblings); Acceptance and celebration of self--transforming betrayal and loss to forgiveness and love.

Universal sub themes: Effects of Trauma, Eating disorders, Constantly running (physically and metaphorically), Unable to appreciate whats around you, Dangerous behavior.Carina Burns has looked within herself, faced her demons, and developed the courage to share her journey of love, perceived betrayal, angst, and regenerative love. I first knew Carina before she learned of her adoption. She was a typical carefree teenager enjoying the good life of a third-culture expatriate kid. Only recentll+