Writing a book portraying a Middle Eastern man’s perspective was an unusual choice for author Jean Sasson, who became a New York Times bestselling author by writing about the lives and stories of Middle Eastern women.

But Sasson did it to help Osama bin Laden’s son.

“One day I received an e-mail from someone named Omar bin Laden, saying I’m the son of Osama bin Laden and I would love for you to tell my story,” recalled Sasson.

“At first I thought it was a prank. They had sent a phone number with the email and I recognized it was from Egypt,” she said.

Sasson wrote “Growing Up bin Laden: Osama’s Wife and Son Take Us Inside Their Secret World”— a story that tells of the cruelty Osama bin Laden’s son Omar bin Laden and wife Najwa bin Laden endured.

Sasson, who is originally from Alabama, shared her story of how she became the author of Middle Eastern-themed books, including New York Times bestseller “Princess” and “The Rape of Kuwait” with the advanced placement English at Georgia Cumberland Academy Wednesday afternoon.

“I traveled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to work in the royal hospital in Riyadh,” Sasson said.

“My initial plan was to live in the Kingdom for only two years and that extended into 12,” she added.

She also explained that writing isn’t for everyone.

“You really have to have a passion for what you do,” she said. “The writing life is a lot of fun, but you have to remember to keep your ethics.”

GCA teacher Grant Graves said Sasson was the perfect example of a humanitarian writer.

“I really admired her passion for helping others. Writing is often looked at as a selfish pursuit and I was impressed that she would write books to help the world become a better place,” Graves said.

“She’s living what I’m trying to teach my students,” he added.

Rachael Hankins, a 12th grade student, said the topics of Middle Eastern traditions with women surprised her.

“I’m not use to hearing about women’s interests and topics. It definitely makes me appreciate what I have and freedom,” she said.

After Sasson finished speaking to the students, she signed and gave out copies of “Princess” to all of the students.

Visit www.jeansasson.com for more information about her books.