NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Michael Shaikh about his new book "The Last Sweet Bite," which explores the effects of violence on cuisines in conflict zones.

Fadel: You end the book with Leila's birth, tell me what that was like. Alyan: I had rehearsed also in my mind for years the moment of birthing.

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Michael Shaikh about his new book "The Last Sweet Bite," which explores the effects of violence on cuisines in conflict zones.

In her debut memoir, acclaimed Palestinian American novelist and poet Hala Alyan describes her journey of exile, surrogacy and finding home.

Alyan, the author of two novels and five poetry collections, spoke with Morning Edition about her debut memoir. This interview was edited for length and clarity. Leila Fadel: Why were you taking stock ...

LEILA FADEL, HOST: Through fragments of history - memory, grief and hope - author and psychologist Hala Alyan braids together the story of her life and the start of another.