Product Review

In her revealing memoir, "Shifting Sands," T.L. McCown shares insights into the Saudi Arabian culture which were previously hidden to the Western world. Having had a unique opportunity to experience the "inner circle" (as coined by best-selling author Jean Sasson) of Saudi Arabia’s royal family first-hand, T.L. chronicles her experiences and offers unique insight gained from sharing 10 years of life with her Princess in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. When the Islamic-controlled East meets West in this illuminating adventure through the mysterious world of Arabia, a startling and unexpected result is produced. Two women from completely different worlds wind up developing a deep friendship built through sharing their fears, dreams, beliefs, and challenges of life in the desert. As the reader encounters the humorous results of Westerners living in a foreign land, the extravagance of royal weddings, remote Bedouin villages, radical Islamic clerics, and the chilling fear of experiencing the effects of terrorism, the differences and similarities between T.L. and the princess are unveiled. "Shifting Sands" reveals the reality of life for a Christian, Western expatriate in the Middle East who discovers a special relationship with a Muslim princess. As terrorism and pressure from the Islamic religious police invades both of their lives, they fight to keep their dream of bringing liberation to the women of Saudi Arabia, and their friendship alive.
*****
T.L. lived and worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For this decade, she worked with her Princess daily while befriending hundreds of other wonderful Saudi women. T.L., under the request of her Princess, is responsible for starting the first educational learning center for women in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom. Her story begins with "Shifting Sands" and is continued through her second title, "Creating Shamsiyah: Empowering the Saudi Feminist Movement."