Jeannette Meijer

A Voice That Endures

Be the voice for children because they don’t have one.

Get to Know Jeannette

About the Author

Meet the woman behind the memoir.

The Book: Surviving

A raw story of surviving and healing.

Music & Creative Journey

Life in music and creativity.

Jeannette Meijer

Jeannette was married for 34 years before the passing of her husband, who sadly died of throat cancer in December 2020. Today, she resides in a charming apartment on the beautiful island of Crete, Greece, where she shares her home with her three adopted street dogs—Koukla, Gipsy, and Kara—who bring joy, companionship, and inspiration to her daily life.

For many years, Jeannette built a vibrant career in Crete as a professional tour guide, welcoming visitors from around the world and sharing the island’s rich culture and history. In addition to her work in tourism, she also organized and hosted lively karaoke shows, combining her passion for entertainment and music with her love for connecting with people. 

Surviving (The Only Option!)

Description

In this raw, powerful memoir, Jeannette Meijer invites readers into the darkest corridors of her life to witness a journey of pain, abandonment, and ultimate resilience. From an early age, Jeannette was plunged into a world of chaos: her mother murdered, her stepfather imprisoned, and her family shattered. What followed was a childhood filled with trauma, years of abuse, silence, and isolation in the very systems meant to protect her.

Surviving, The Only Option unflinchingly reveals the lifelong effects of childhood abuse and societal neglect, while also illuminating the quiet, persistent flame of hope that burns within the human soul. Through poetry, reflection, and vivid storytelling, Jeannette explores what it means to grow up unwanted, to search for identity, and to reclaim one’s voice in a world that looked away.

More than a memoir, this book is a call to action. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths, to listen to the silenced, and to recognize the strength of survivors. Jeannette’s story is not just about what happened to her, it’s about what she made of it. It is an ode to those who keep going, even when survival is the only option.

Music & Creative Journey

Music has always been a central part of Jeannette’s life. Her love for music began at an early age, and at just seven years old she enrolled in music school, where she learned to play the flute. Although music remained a constant passion throughout her life, it was later on that she began pursuing singing more seriously. During her time in Portugal, Jeannette performed regularly in casinos, captivating audiences with her voice and stage presence.

Beyond music and writing, Jeannette is also a creative designer. She founded and designed a line of leather bags and wallets under the brand name Habibi Leathergoods. Her designs were crafted using beautiful fabrics produced in Tunisia, reflecting her appreciation for quality craftsmanship and international artistry.

Jeannette Meijer Survival, Healing, and Finding Purpose After Trauma

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