When a horrific explosion happened in Beirut, Dalal Mawad was living nearby and felt a compelling urge to help. As a journalist she naturally searched for ways to tell the story. But what was the story? The explosion happened against the backdrop of inhumane conditions in the Middle East, a collapsing infrastructure in her country, Lebanon, and an unclear picture of what led to the terrible event. In the end, Dalal chose the tell the story through the experiences of the women affected by it; women who tried to help, women who were injured, women who lost loved ones. Through their stories and her exacting research and knowledge, we are invited into the experience of that day. Because she includes her own story, we are immersed in the dilemma faced by journalist who are are personally affected by the events they cover. In her book, All She Lost, Dalal chooses to reflect it all; her own story (which led to her moving away from the country she loves), her knowledge as a journalist who has covered the Middle East for many years, and the stories of the women who survived that day.