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A Leap of Faith : Memoir of an Unexpected Life
Leap of Faith is the dramatic and inspiring story of an American woman's remarkable journey into the heart of a man and his nation.Born into a distinguished Arab-American family and raised amid privilege, Lisa Halaby joined the first freshman class at Princeton to accept women, graduating in 1974 with a degree in architecture and urban planning. Two years later, while visiting her father in Jordan, she was casually introduced on the airport runway to King Hussein. Widely admired in the Arab world as a voice of moderation, and for his direct lineage to the prophet Muhammad, Hussein would soon become the world's most eligible bachelor after the tragic death of his wife. The next time they met, Hussein would fall headlong in love with the athletic, outspoken daughter of his longtime friend. After a whirlwind, secret courtship Lisa Halaby became Noor Al Hussein, Queen of Jordan.
With eloquence and candor, Queen Noor speaks of the obstacles she faced as a naive young bride in the royal court, of rebelling against the smothering embrace of security guards and palace life, and of her own successful struggle to create a working role as a humanitarian activist In a court that simply expected Noor to keep her husband happy. As she gradually took on the mantle of a queen, Noor's joys and challenges grew. After a heartbreaking miscarriage, she gave birth to four children. Meshing the demands of motherhood with the commitments of her position often proved difficult, but she tried to keep her young children by her side, even while flying the world with her husband in his relentless quest for peace. This mission would reap satisfying rewards, including greater Arab unity and a peace treaty with Israel, and suffer such terrible setbacks as the Gulf War and the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin.
Leap of Faith is a remarkable document. It is the story of a young American woman who became wife and partner to an Arab monarch. It provides a compelling portrait of the late King Hussein and his lifelong effort to bring peace to his wartorn region, and an insider's view of the growing gulf between the United States and the Arab nations. It is also the refreshingly candid story of a mother coming to terms with the demands the king's role as a world statesman placed on her family's private life. But most of all it is a love storythe intimate account of a woman who lost her heart to a king, and to his people.
With eloquence and candor, Queen Noor speaks of the obstacles she faced as a naive young bride in the royal court, of rebelling against the smothering embrace of security guards and palace life, and of her own successful struggle to create a working role as a humanitarian activist In a court that simply expected Noor to keep her husband happy. As she gradually took on the mantle of a queen, Noor's joys and challenges grew. After a heartbreaking miscarriage, she gave birth to four children. Meshing the demands of motherhood with the commitments of her position often proved difficult, but she tried to keep her young children by her side, even while flying the world with her husband in his relentless quest for peace. This mission would reap satisfying rewards, including greater Arab unity and a peace treaty with Israel, and suffer such terrible setbacks as the Gulf War and the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin.
Leap of Faith is a remarkable document. It is the story of a young American woman who became wife and partner to an Arab monarch. It provides a compelling portrait of the late King Hussein and his lifelong effort to bring peace to his wartorn region, and an insider's view of the growing gulf between the United States and the Arab nations. It is also the refreshingly candid story of a mother coming to terms with the demands the king's role as a world statesman placed on her family's private life. But most of all it is a love storythe intimate account of a woman who lost her heart to a king, and to his people.
406 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
172 people are currently reading
5957 people want to read
About the author
Queen Noor
6 books37 followersQueen Noor of Jordan is the last wife and widow of King Hussein of Jordan. She was queen consort of Jordan during her marriage (1978–1999) and has been queen dowager of Jordan since her husband's death in 1999.
American by birth, of Syrian, British and Swedish descent, she acquired Jordanian citizenship and renounced her American citizenship at the time of her marriage. She is the current president of the United World Colleges movement and an advocate of the anti-nuclear weapons proliferation campaign, Global Zero.
American by birth, of Syrian, British and Swedish descent, she acquired Jordanian citizenship and renounced her American citizenship at the time of her marriage. She is the current president of the United World Colleges movement and an advocate of the anti-nuclear weapons proliferation campaign, Global Zero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 868 reviews
January 28, 2021
King Hussein of Jordan married four times.After the death of his third wife in an air crash,his fourth wife was the former Lisa Hallaby,an American woman with an Arab father.
She changed her name and her religion and became Queen Noor of Jordan.
This is a highly readable account of her years with King Hussein,palace intrigues, politics and war in the turbulent Middle East.
King Hussein travelled the world frequently,in his quest for Middle East peace.She describes her encounters with plenty of world leaders.
Jordan would find itself under a lot of pressure during the First Gulf War in 1991,and she describes those days.There was some hope of Middle East peace until Israeli Prime Minister Rabin was assassinated.
King Hussein died in 1998.Life would change for Queen Noor.Prince Hasan,the king's brother was the designated crown prince (but shortly before his death,King Hussein appointed his son Prince Abdullah, the current king to succeed him).
A good deal of the later part of the book is taken up with Queen Noor voicing her displeasure at Princess Sarvath,Prince Hasan's Pakistani wife who she says was already preparing to become queen.
Queen Noor's son Prince Hamza was named crown prince at the last moment by his father.
In an ironic postscript,King Abdullah would reverse that decision and appoint his own son Prince Hussein to succeed him !
She changed her name and her religion and became Queen Noor of Jordan.
This is a highly readable account of her years with King Hussein,palace intrigues, politics and war in the turbulent Middle East.
King Hussein travelled the world frequently,in his quest for Middle East peace.She describes her encounters with plenty of world leaders.
Jordan would find itself under a lot of pressure during the First Gulf War in 1991,and she describes those days.There was some hope of Middle East peace until Israeli Prime Minister Rabin was assassinated.
King Hussein died in 1998.Life would change for Queen Noor.Prince Hasan,the king's brother was the designated crown prince (but shortly before his death,King Hussein appointed his son Prince Abdullah, the current king to succeed him).
A good deal of the later part of the book is taken up with Queen Noor voicing her displeasure at Princess Sarvath,Prince Hasan's Pakistani wife who she says was already preparing to become queen.
Queen Noor's son Prince Hamza was named crown prince at the last moment by his father.
In an ironic postscript,King Abdullah would reverse that decision and appoint his own son Prince Hussein to succeed him !
September 9, 2008
Psychologists assert that conflict resolution involves "perspective taking", that is, seeing the word through another's eyes. I was fascinated to read Queen Noor Al Hussein's (whose name was given to her by her husband King Hussein of Jordan when they married - it means "light of Hussein") account of her 20 year marriage, which spanned two decades of turmoil in the Middle East. Queen Noor was born and raised in the United States as Lisa Halaby. Her heritage is both Arab and European. Her vantage point for events in the region was Amman, Jordan and Aqaba - also in Jordan and bordering Israel. Her memoir weaves together history, political commentary, and the richness of family life. While I won't assert that her perspective on politcal and social events in the region is the "right" one (indeed, there can be no single "right" perspective, in my view), her unique experience is told with objectivity and compassion. Her account of Hussein's monarchy is also a story of a dedicated peacemaker, who became King when he was just 17 years old. Their influence spanned the globe, and Queen Noor's devotion to her adopted country's culture, education, health care and children is inspiring.
October 14, 2009
Reading this book forced me to reconsider my opinion of the Camp David accords and the participants there. I have come to think of Carter, Begin, and Sadat as heroes (Sadat going on to sacrifice his life for his decision) and to consider the Jordanian position made me sadly aware of how superficially I understand the complexities of the whole mideast situation. She presents a strong argument for a balanced approach in the mideast and shows that the US often favors Israel unfairly over Arab states. Her husband's struggles on behalf of peace are well documented. The recent Nobel Peace Prize to Obama as one who approaches the Muslim world with open arms makes more sense in view of her views. On a more personal level I certainly admire the way this young woman bravely threw herself into a marriage with a man who already had 8 children and 3 previous wives, 2 alive, a man very much in the public eye in a very dangerous area of the world. Her conversion to Islam strikes me as real, though her previous religion commitment, Christian Science, does not seem to have been highly developed. I don't envy her any of the personal sacrifice she made to keep her marriage intact. Out of curiosity I googled her eldest son to verify the impression I had, correct, that her step-son Abdullah, now King of Jordan, has broken is promise to his father to name Noor's first son Hamzah as his successor in favor of his own son. I'd like to know her true reaction to his decision to make that very public (unfaithful?) change. (This decision made since the book was published.) Also, I wonder how much of this public version of her marriage is accurate. I had the feeling she really tones down her feelings of unhappiness and frustration, which merited about two sentences. Hussein cannot have been an easy man to live with, and he was lucky to have Noor's loyalty. I'm glad I read the book, but it left me wanting to read the unedited version.
July 10, 2023
Review 2023:
Stiekem moet ik wel even grinniken om mijn recensie van 2019. Want DUH hallo, het gaat hier om een koningin, logisch dat er veel in zit over de politieke situatie in zowel Jordanië als omliggende landen, want dat heeft een groot deel van haar dagelijks leven in beslag genomen. Dat gezegd hebbende moet ik wel toegeven dat deze memoires grotendeels een ode zijn aan haar overleden man Koning Hoessein van Jordanië. Bij een groot gedeelte van dit boek plaatste ze zichzelf wat meer aan de zijlijn om het verhaal van haar man te vertellen die ze door en door gesteund heeft tot aan zijn laatste adem toe.
Wel vond ik het soms een beetje lastig lezen, omdat ze soms een beetje van de hak op de tak sprong. Daardoor moest ik soms even een stukje teruglezen om te zien of ik het wel goed begreep en of ik iets had gemist. Uiteindelijk ben ik blij dat ik dit boek een tweede kans heb gegeven, want het is wel degelijk een interessante memoir. Ik heb hem alleen in 2019 als audioboek geprobeerd te luisteren en dat was kennelijk voor mij persoonlijk dus niet de juiste keus.
Review 2019:
DNF.. Ik dwaal steeds af met mijn gedachten doordat het zo langdradig is. Er zit heel veel historische achtergrond in over het land en de buurlanden, maar ik ging het juist lezen om HAAR verhaal te weten te komen. Erg jammer, maar ik geef het op.
Stiekem moet ik wel even grinniken om mijn recensie van 2019. Want DUH hallo, het gaat hier om een koningin, logisch dat er veel in zit over de politieke situatie in zowel Jordanië als omliggende landen, want dat heeft een groot deel van haar dagelijks leven in beslag genomen. Dat gezegd hebbende moet ik wel toegeven dat deze memoires grotendeels een ode zijn aan haar overleden man Koning Hoessein van Jordanië. Bij een groot gedeelte van dit boek plaatste ze zichzelf wat meer aan de zijlijn om het verhaal van haar man te vertellen die ze door en door gesteund heeft tot aan zijn laatste adem toe.
Wel vond ik het soms een beetje lastig lezen, omdat ze soms een beetje van de hak op de tak sprong. Daardoor moest ik soms even een stukje teruglezen om te zien of ik het wel goed begreep en of ik iets had gemist. Uiteindelijk ben ik blij dat ik dit boek een tweede kans heb gegeven, want het is wel degelijk een interessante memoir. Ik heb hem alleen in 2019 als audioboek geprobeerd te luisteren en dat was kennelijk voor mij persoonlijk dus niet de juiste keus.
Review 2019:
DNF.. Ik dwaal steeds af met mijn gedachten doordat het zo langdradig is. Er zit heel veel historische achtergrond in over het land en de buurlanden, maar ik ging het juist lezen om HAAR verhaal te weten te komen. Erg jammer, maar ik geef het op.
January 7, 2013
I had not realized to what extent these memoirs would actually provide a historical, and yes, to some degree, subjective prospective of the crisis in the Middle East. As someone already with an interest in Arab culture, I enjoyed it. (I live in an area possessing the largest Arab population outside of the Middle East, and went to school with many young people of this background.)
I was amused by some of the negative reviews. Noor did not refuse to acknowledge Israel's right to exist, and in fact, correctly attributed the seeds of the whole Jewish-Arab conflict to the European meddling in the early 20th century. She is correct that prior to the British mandate, Arabs, Jews and Christians all co-existed in the region. She also pointed out the documented instances of Israel's over-retaliation, and their perenial disregard of UN Resolutions that could've done much to temper the volatility in the region. (There is no need for her to detail Palestinian aggressive responses, as they have been media fodder all along. However, she does relate these instances as well.)
Overall, it is a fascinating account of a woman transplanted into nearly surreal circumstances against the backdrop of global events - and her struggle to achieve a balance professionally and personally.
This book is not meant to be merely a love story. It is meant to enlighten the side of a conflict that has been given an all too biased facade over the past 60 years.
Complaints over the lack of personal expression also bemuse me. Were readers actually expecting a detailed accounting of their intimate moments from a woman whose faith circumscribes modesty and piousness? I think her emotional reactions over different events from the marital to the political are quite warmly and well-expressed.
Her observations over the stereotypical ways Arabs are portrayed in movies and TV are definitely on, and something I had already noticed myself.
I especially appreciated the point about obsession in other parts of the world with the truly absurd. While in that part of the world, civilians were dying or being displaced on a daily basis, the newstory du jour in the US was the "assault" on Nancy Kerrigan. We do have a distorted view of the value of pop culture.
Her speeches, some of which are published on her official website, show her eloquence and ongoing mission to bring about, not just sympathy for the Palestinians per se, but the necessity of widened understanding among all opposing groups.
If you were looking for something more like an Andrew Morton book ala Diana, this ain't it.
I was amused by some of the negative reviews. Noor did not refuse to acknowledge Israel's right to exist, and in fact, correctly attributed the seeds of the whole Jewish-Arab conflict to the European meddling in the early 20th century. She is correct that prior to the British mandate, Arabs, Jews and Christians all co-existed in the region. She also pointed out the documented instances of Israel's over-retaliation, and their perenial disregard of UN Resolutions that could've done much to temper the volatility in the region. (There is no need for her to detail Palestinian aggressive responses, as they have been media fodder all along. However, she does relate these instances as well.)
Overall, it is a fascinating account of a woman transplanted into nearly surreal circumstances against the backdrop of global events - and her struggle to achieve a balance professionally and personally.
This book is not meant to be merely a love story. It is meant to enlighten the side of a conflict that has been given an all too biased facade over the past 60 years.
Complaints over the lack of personal expression also bemuse me. Were readers actually expecting a detailed accounting of their intimate moments from a woman whose faith circumscribes modesty and piousness? I think her emotional reactions over different events from the marital to the political are quite warmly and well-expressed.
Her observations over the stereotypical ways Arabs are portrayed in movies and TV are definitely on, and something I had already noticed myself.
I especially appreciated the point about obsession in other parts of the world with the truly absurd. While in that part of the world, civilians were dying or being displaced on a daily basis, the newstory du jour in the US was the "assault" on Nancy Kerrigan. We do have a distorted view of the value of pop culture.
Her speeches, some of which are published on her official website, show her eloquence and ongoing mission to bring about, not just sympathy for the Palestinians per se, but the necessity of widened understanding among all opposing groups.
If you were looking for something more like an Andrew Morton book ala Diana, this ain't it.
April 10, 2019
4,75 sterren - Nederlandse paperback 🌷🌷🌷gevonden in minibieb Venlo
Quote uit het boek : wij ontmoette elkaar bij het uitstappen uit het vliegtuig. Wie zou denken dat wij een paar zouden gaan vormen. En ik een koningin zou zijn naast deze grote (kleine) man. 🌼🌼🌼
Dat deze biografie mij zou zou boeien. Maar het is echt een zeer interessante vrouw, me een boeiend verhaal wat zich grotendeels in een voor mij onbekende wereld afspeelt. Ja zeker een aanrader. Ik leg hem weer in een minibieb voor de volgende. ☘️☘️☘️
Quote uit het boek : wij ontmoette elkaar bij het uitstappen uit het vliegtuig. Wie zou denken dat wij een paar zouden gaan vormen. En ik een koningin zou zijn naast deze grote (kleine) man. 🌼🌼🌼
Dat deze biografie mij zou zou boeien. Maar het is echt een zeer interessante vrouw, me een boeiend verhaal wat zich grotendeels in een voor mij onbekende wereld afspeelt. Ja zeker een aanrader. Ik leg hem weer in een minibieb voor de volgende. ☘️☘️☘️
May 19, 2024
This is the autobiography of Lisa Halaby, a young American woman who married King Hussein of Jordan and became Queen Noor. Her Syrian father was a pilot, an interest that led him into Hussein’s circle, and indirectly created their meeting.
Noor’s story highlights the difficulties she faced as a young bride, entering into a relationship where huge security pressures mean a complete lack of privacy, and stepping into a role as the King’s fourth wife means she has inherited stepchildren as well. Despite this the two obviously have great respect and long lasting affection for each other.
Noor throws herself wholeheartedly into her marriage and dedicates herself to becoming a passionate advocate for the Jordanian people. She sets up several philanthropic endeavours, championing women’s rights, the arts and education.
The story also has a strong political focus as Hussein’s lifelong work is to try and create peace in the Middle East. He is a tireless negotiator, both with the Western world, Israel and with other Arabic leaders. He is frustrated on all sides, by Ararat’s desire for war rather than peace, by the American complicity with and preferential treatment of Israel, and by Israel’s refusal to yield any ground. I respected Noor’s solidarity with her husband’s peace efforts and her frustration at the Western stereotyping of the Arabic world. She also doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to America’s choosing to turn a blind eye to Israel’s ruthless treatment of the Palestinians. On the other hand she also reveals her husband’s frustration at the militant actions of the PLO, jeopardising the peace process he has fought so hard for. I found this an interesting and engaging story about a fascinating and troubled part of the world.
Noor’s story highlights the difficulties she faced as a young bride, entering into a relationship where huge security pressures mean a complete lack of privacy, and stepping into a role as the King’s fourth wife means she has inherited stepchildren as well. Despite this the two obviously have great respect and long lasting affection for each other.
Noor throws herself wholeheartedly into her marriage and dedicates herself to becoming a passionate advocate for the Jordanian people. She sets up several philanthropic endeavours, championing women’s rights, the arts and education.
The story also has a strong political focus as Hussein’s lifelong work is to try and create peace in the Middle East. He is a tireless negotiator, both with the Western world, Israel and with other Arabic leaders. He is frustrated on all sides, by Ararat’s desire for war rather than peace, by the American complicity with and preferential treatment of Israel, and by Israel’s refusal to yield any ground. I respected Noor’s solidarity with her husband’s peace efforts and her frustration at the Western stereotyping of the Arabic world. She also doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to America’s choosing to turn a blind eye to Israel’s ruthless treatment of the Palestinians. On the other hand she also reveals her husband’s frustration at the militant actions of the PLO, jeopardising the peace process he has fought so hard for. I found this an interesting and engaging story about a fascinating and troubled part of the world.
June 17, 2011
I remember when King Hussein passed away and being mesmerized by his American wife. This is her story and it's an amazing one. The book is really a tribute to her husband, a love song in a sense. I loved learning not only about her journey as Queen Noor and marriage to the King of Jordan, but the historical events that they were so involved in. It's always an eye opening experience to hear another perspective (such as the Gulf War) than what we hear on the news here in the States. I also thought the book was extremely well written.
May 31, 2011
I was looking forward to reading this book because I LOVE the country of Jordan. I was so disappointed in the book! Her Majesty seemed embarassed by the fact that a "child of the 1960" became a "Queen,"-- which philosophically she would be opposed to since"Queens" are old-fashioned --and by their very nature not "democrats" (small d).
She also spent more time than she should have being critical of the USA (or it's policies.) She should have spent more time building up her adopted home-land. She could have used her fame to encourage people to visit the country which desperately needs the tourism.
She could have talked about what a beatiful country Jordan is and how wonderful and genuine the people are. The book does not make you fall in love with the country which it could have and should have.
Instead she seemed to gripe too much. I felt like I wss reading a policy document for a think tank rather than a book that could have BUILT UP and AFFIRMED her nation.
The book was also promoted as a "love-story." While I have no doubt of the love of Their Majesties as a
couple, she was very private about their actual relationship. I am glad that it was not a "tell all," in that regard. It just should not have been promoted as a "love-story" since most readers would expect
"romantic" details. I know the publishers could not have sold it had it been billed as a position paper.
She also spent more time than she should have being critical of the USA (or it's policies.) She should have spent more time building up her adopted home-land. She could have used her fame to encourage people to visit the country which desperately needs the tourism.
She could have talked about what a beatiful country Jordan is and how wonderful and genuine the people are. The book does not make you fall in love with the country which it could have and should have.
Instead she seemed to gripe too much. I felt like I wss reading a policy document for a think tank rather than a book that could have BUILT UP and AFFIRMED her nation.
The book was also promoted as a "love-story." While I have no doubt of the love of Their Majesties as a
couple, she was very private about their actual relationship. I am glad that it was not a "tell all," in that regard. It just should not have been promoted as a "love-story" since most readers would expect
"romantic" details. I know the publishers could not have sold it had it been billed as a position paper.
February 10, 2017
I picked this book up mostly because my sister is currently living in Amman, Jordan while she spends a semester abroad as part of her college studies. Before she had announced her intentions of leaving for the Middle East, my knowledge of Jordan was limited to what I had heard on the news and picked up while trying to make sense of what was going on in the world. Jordan hardly figured largely in the headlines dominated by Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran – any other country besides Jordan, it seemed. Was the relatively small space allotted to Jordan in the newspapers a sign that the country is a quiet, safe place? Negative evidence wasn’t enough to calm my anxieties about sending my younger sister halfway around the world to live with strangers in a region that I knew to be hostile to outsiders, no matter how much genuine goodwill and eagerness to learn they might arrive with.
As an American who chose to live in Jordan and later convert to Islam, Queen Noor is able to share a unique perspective on her adopted country and on the relationships between the countries in the region and the United States. Born Lisa Halaby into a well-connected family of both European and Arab descent, Queen Noor recounts her childhood and career that led her to a fateful visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Trans-Jordan and the path that her life took from her extraordinary relationship with its King. Her perspective was some ways an ideal window on the events of the past three decades in the Middle East for Americans like me. Queen Noor’s accounts of the history of the region are full of insider details and perspectives that would be hard to come by from a more scholarly participant, while at the same time her American outlook means that she can use terms and references that I understand and can use to make sense of the culture she was describing. I was grateful for this combination of insight and familiarity as an introduction to the very complex country of Jordan.
I don’t yet know enough to judge how biased Queen Noor’s accounts of her husband’s actions and her adopted country’s role are. It is only natural that she would like to present her beloved husband as a voice of reason and above reproach. In her favor, I was impressed by her frankness in her assessment of her own fashion sense (deplorable), King Hussein’s rigid control of the Jordanian press, and her assessment of his near-crippling empathy that manifested itself at times as insensitivity to the suffering of those closest to him. This is only another reason to recommend Leap of Faith as a book that inspires further reading while giving a broad and accessible introduction. After reading it, I was pleased that I was able to ask intelligent questions during my bi-weekly phone calls to my sister and have some hope of one day understanding her answers.
Review written 8/2005
As an American who chose to live in Jordan and later convert to Islam, Queen Noor is able to share a unique perspective on her adopted country and on the relationships between the countries in the region and the United States. Born Lisa Halaby into a well-connected family of both European and Arab descent, Queen Noor recounts her childhood and career that led her to a fateful visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Trans-Jordan and the path that her life took from her extraordinary relationship with its King. Her perspective was some ways an ideal window on the events of the past three decades in the Middle East for Americans like me. Queen Noor’s accounts of the history of the region are full of insider details and perspectives that would be hard to come by from a more scholarly participant, while at the same time her American outlook means that she can use terms and references that I understand and can use to make sense of the culture she was describing. I was grateful for this combination of insight and familiarity as an introduction to the very complex country of Jordan.
I don’t yet know enough to judge how biased Queen Noor’s accounts of her husband’s actions and her adopted country’s role are. It is only natural that she would like to present her beloved husband as a voice of reason and above reproach. In her favor, I was impressed by her frankness in her assessment of her own fashion sense (deplorable), King Hussein’s rigid control of the Jordanian press, and her assessment of his near-crippling empathy that manifested itself at times as insensitivity to the suffering of those closest to him. This is only another reason to recommend Leap of Faith as a book that inspires further reading while giving a broad and accessible introduction. After reading it, I was pleased that I was able to ask intelligent questions during my bi-weekly phone calls to my sister and have some hope of one day understanding her answers.
Review written 8/2005
November 10, 2013
Before reading this book I did not know much about Queen Noor other than she was an American who became royalty. After reading this book, I can say I still do not know much about Queen Noor although I learned a great deal about her husband King Hussein, the Middle East, and her anti-American views. Early on I got the feeling she wrote this book to preserve her husband's legacy. I've never seen the words "my husband" used so many times in one book. At one point she managed to use the phrase three times in ONE sentence! I'm sure the decision to become a queen and leave her family and homeland behind was a monumental one, as was becoming a Muslim, however both topics are summed up in only a couple of sentences. Queen Noor spends a lot of time retelling the history of the entire Middle East region, which is fine if you're reading a history book, not so interesting when you're reading a royal autobiography. She rails against the Western media's bias towards Israel, but does nothing to provide a fair and balanced view. She just goes in the complete opposite direction. In Queen Noor's world, everything bad that has ever happened in the Middle East was caused by the United States or Israel. About halfway through, I decided this book was nothing more than a propaganda piece. I really wanted to quit reading at this point, but I kept going for one reason only. I wanted to see if she ever discussed the Iran hostage crisis or 9/11. Queen Noor spends a lot of time complaining about Hollywood's stereotype of Arabs in the 80's and discusses the Iran and Iraq war that began shortly after the hostage crisis in great detail, but never once mentions the 52 Americans who were kidnapped and held hostage by Iran for 444 days. Sept. 11 gets only a very brief mention and, in case you're wondering, it was all America's fault for getting involved in the Gulf War in the 90's. Sadly, it wasn't until the final chapters when King Hussein is dying of cancer that the book actually becomes interesting and we get a more personal look at the royal family.
May 7, 2012
“I distinctly recall my first impressions of Jordan. I had been en route to the United States from Iran, where I was working for a British urban planning firm. From the window of my aircraft, I had found myself spellbound by the serene of desert landscape washed golden by the retreating sun at dusk. I was overwhelmed by an extraordinary sensation of belonging, an almost mystical sense of peace.”
I decided to read Queen Noor’s autobiography for my 52 Books Around the World Challenge, in the hopes of learning more about the country of Jordan. After all, an American girl who finds herself the love interest of a Middle Eastern King is bound to have an interesting perspective on this exotic and fascinating kingdom.
While I certainly did not expect a “tell-all”, I did expect more than I got. There was very little describing and contrasting Jordan with Lisa Halaby’s (Queen Noor’s name pre-marriage) earlier life. I expected this book to be similar to contemporary “First Lady” autobiographies, which tell of their struggles to fit the role assigned to them, their passions and their work as the first lady of the land, and of course, their love and admiration of their husbands. She definitely got the love and admiration part down. In fact, she absolutely sanctifies the man. I’m not sure if that was purposeful on her part, or if she was encouraged to do so. I found it amusing that the few comments about Hussein that might be construed as faults (like his tendency to risk own life and the lives of his passengers by doing crazy stunts while piloting airplanes), she related as amusing anecdotes. Perhaps that was the only way she could reveal his character flaws, or perhaps she really did enjoy his “wild side.”
Queen Noor presents quite a bit of the history of Jordan and the Arab perspective of the conflicts in the Middle East. Unfortunately, it’s extremely slanted. In fact, it’s so biased there were times I felt I was being subjected to a propaganda piece. For instance, she lists several examples of Israel’s unfairness in dealing with the Palestinians, including setting curfews that make it difficult for Palestinians to get to and from work. I seem to recall near daily attacks from suicide bombers in Israel at that time, and the curfews were a way to address these violent attacks. After all, Israel could have denied Palestinians admittance entirely. Also, she condemned Israel for attacking Jordanian territory on the West Bank in retaliation for Palestinian attacks coming from the settlements there. And yet, Jordan refused to refused to police the area or arrest the offenders in order to stop the attacks.
Ultimately, she describes her husband King Hussein as a saint who could have achieved peace in the Middle East if it weren’t for the Israelis, the PLO, The United States, and all those self-interested leaders who agree to one thing and then go head and do the other.
On a positive note, it did make me want to learn more about the Middle East. Perhaps my next book will be more enlightening.
I decided to read Queen Noor’s autobiography for my 52 Books Around the World Challenge, in the hopes of learning more about the country of Jordan. After all, an American girl who finds herself the love interest of a Middle Eastern King is bound to have an interesting perspective on this exotic and fascinating kingdom.
While I certainly did not expect a “tell-all”, I did expect more than I got. There was very little describing and contrasting Jordan with Lisa Halaby’s (Queen Noor’s name pre-marriage) earlier life. I expected this book to be similar to contemporary “First Lady” autobiographies, which tell of their struggles to fit the role assigned to them, their passions and their work as the first lady of the land, and of course, their love and admiration of their husbands. She definitely got the love and admiration part down. In fact, she absolutely sanctifies the man. I’m not sure if that was purposeful on her part, or if she was encouraged to do so. I found it amusing that the few comments about Hussein that might be construed as faults (like his tendency to risk own life and the lives of his passengers by doing crazy stunts while piloting airplanes), she related as amusing anecdotes. Perhaps that was the only way she could reveal his character flaws, or perhaps she really did enjoy his “wild side.”
Queen Noor presents quite a bit of the history of Jordan and the Arab perspective of the conflicts in the Middle East. Unfortunately, it’s extremely slanted. In fact, it’s so biased there were times I felt I was being subjected to a propaganda piece. For instance, she lists several examples of Israel’s unfairness in dealing with the Palestinians, including setting curfews that make it difficult for Palestinians to get to and from work. I seem to recall near daily attacks from suicide bombers in Israel at that time, and the curfews were a way to address these violent attacks. After all, Israel could have denied Palestinians admittance entirely. Also, she condemned Israel for attacking Jordanian territory on the West Bank in retaliation for Palestinian attacks coming from the settlements there. And yet, Jordan refused to refused to police the area or arrest the offenders in order to stop the attacks.
Ultimately, she describes her husband King Hussein as a saint who could have achieved peace in the Middle East if it weren’t for the Israelis, the PLO, The United States, and all those self-interested leaders who agree to one thing and then go head and do the other.
On a positive note, it did make me want to learn more about the Middle East. Perhaps my next book will be more enlightening.
May 25, 2015
I was reading this book while traveling to Jordan. Visiting most of the touristic highlights and also some places far off the beaten tourist track, even visited a school for Syrian refuges.
This book helped me a lot in a better understanding of the country and its whereabouts. The explanation of the political problems, which Queen Noor does very carefully and with a lot of empathy for both sides of the coin, helped me in a better understanding of the Arab an Palestinian point of view. I won't assert that her perspective on political and social events in the region is the "right" one (indeed, there can be no single "right" perspective in such complicated matters), but she recounts her unique personal experience with objectivity and compassion.
Reading this book forced me to reconsider my opinion on such matters as the forming of the state of Israel in 1948, the Six day war in 1967 and of the Camp David accords in 1977. Considering the Jordanian position made me sadly aware of how superficially I understand the complexities of the whole Middle East situation. Queen Noor presents strong arguments for a balanced approach in the Middle East and shows how often we (I) favor Israel (and America's) point of view, unfairly over the Arab approach.
Next to the political views there is a lot of attention for her personal life. I had the feeling she really tones down her feelings of unhappiness and frustration there. Hussein cannot have been an easy man to live with, and he was very lucky to have Noor's loyalty.
Seeing the world through another eyes. That’s what reading the book was for me. I was fascinated to read Queen Noor Al Hussein's (whose name was given to her by her husband when they married - it means "light of Hussein" but she is born and raised in the United States as Lisa Halaby) account of her 20 year marriage, which spanned two decades of turmoil in the Middle East. And I was touched by the way she describes the last months with Hussein and their struggle with his cancer.
I had taken a leap of faith, and faith has richly reward me.
Queen Noor ‘Leap of Faith’
This book helped me a lot in a better understanding of the country and its whereabouts. The explanation of the political problems, which Queen Noor does very carefully and with a lot of empathy for both sides of the coin, helped me in a better understanding of the Arab an Palestinian point of view. I won't assert that her perspective on political and social events in the region is the "right" one (indeed, there can be no single "right" perspective in such complicated matters), but she recounts her unique personal experience with objectivity and compassion.
Reading this book forced me to reconsider my opinion on such matters as the forming of the state of Israel in 1948, the Six day war in 1967 and of the Camp David accords in 1977. Considering the Jordanian position made me sadly aware of how superficially I understand the complexities of the whole Middle East situation. Queen Noor presents strong arguments for a balanced approach in the Middle East and shows how often we (I) favor Israel (and America's) point of view, unfairly over the Arab approach.
Next to the political views there is a lot of attention for her personal life. I had the feeling she really tones down her feelings of unhappiness and frustration there. Hussein cannot have been an easy man to live with, and he was very lucky to have Noor's loyalty.
Seeing the world through another eyes. That’s what reading the book was for me. I was fascinated to read Queen Noor Al Hussein's (whose name was given to her by her husband when they married - it means "light of Hussein" but she is born and raised in the United States as Lisa Halaby) account of her 20 year marriage, which spanned two decades of turmoil in the Middle East. And I was touched by the way she describes the last months with Hussein and their struggle with his cancer.
I had taken a leap of faith, and faith has richly reward me.
Queen Noor ‘Leap of Faith’
couldnt-finish
March 19, 2019I’ve had this in my Hoopla To-Read list since I got my Hoopla account. It’s Woman’s History Month so this seemed like a good time to read it.
I listened to it for 6.5 hours and then stopped because I wasn't getting much from this tale of a woman who loved a king.
She comes across as humble, naïve early on, not very worldly or wise from the outset. It all sounds like something a privileged white woman with a proper upbringing would tell, a bit disingenuous, overly polite, terribly respectable, not overly aware. Charming and lovely but more like frosting, less like meaningful reflection.
She makes Jordan sound like it was caught up in the middle of a lot of stuff because of where they were, geographically, but that the king was always kind and wanted peace and they were never in the wrong. I don't remember this time well; I know we Americans hated all of the Middle East and there were wars in Iraq and Iran, which we pronounced eye-RACK and eye-RAN (Flock of Seagulls jokes ensued) I don't remember a fervor made over a young American woman becoming Queen of Jordan; she was not a darling like Princess Di. I just don't have much to go on regarding knowledge about world politics in the '70's and '80's and I can't say this enlightened me in any way other than giving the Queen of Jordan's polite point of view.
Mostly that point of view, up through the 6th hour, focused on how very much Noor adored her husband. That's great, very romantic, but not what I had expected or wanted from this memoir.
I listened to it for 6.5 hours and then stopped because I wasn't getting much from this tale of a woman who loved a king.
She comes across as humble, naïve early on, not very worldly or wise from the outset. It all sounds like something a privileged white woman with a proper upbringing would tell, a bit disingenuous, overly polite, terribly respectable, not overly aware. Charming and lovely but more like frosting, less like meaningful reflection.
She makes Jordan sound like it was caught up in the middle of a lot of stuff because of where they were, geographically, but that the king was always kind and wanted peace and they were never in the wrong. I don't remember this time well; I know we Americans hated all of the Middle East and there were wars in Iraq and Iran, which we pronounced eye-RACK and eye-RAN (Flock of Seagulls jokes ensued) I don't remember a fervor made over a young American woman becoming Queen of Jordan; she was not a darling like Princess Di. I just don't have much to go on regarding knowledge about world politics in the '70's and '80's and I can't say this enlightened me in any way other than giving the Queen of Jordan's polite point of view.
Mostly that point of view, up through the 6th hour, focused on how very much Noor adored her husband. That's great, very romantic, but not what I had expected or wanted from this memoir.
February 1, 2016
While Leap of Faith is primarily the author Queen Noor’s memoir and a tribute to her late husband King Hussein of Jordan, what I like most about this book is the author's explanations about the history of conflicts in the "Middle East" region. I usually consider the Israel - Palestine conflict "too daunting" to think about. Leap of Faith wraps history and political science lessons about a complex and tragic regional situation within a story of royal life and intrigue, keeping me turning the pages and gaining understanding with little effort. Also, noting that it is impossible to escape one's own bias in one's writing, I feel that Queen Noor was as objective as she could be, and that she intended to be factual, in spite of her position of influence. Ms. Al-Hussein's love and respect for her husband leap off the pages and are contagious. Reading about King Hussein's tireless efforts toward peace in the region, his anguish and his hope, I feel truly moved. As an autobiography of young American woman who unwittingly becomes a Queen of a country very unlike her own, and in the midst of warring nations, Leap of Faith succeeds.
July 26, 2014
Queen Noor is one of the most intriguing figures in modern history. An American beauty--like Grace Kelly, the actress who became Princess Grace of Monaco (one of the most glamorous figures of the 20th century)--she was an intelligent young American woman who was charmed by a royal man from an exotic place. She was a journalist before marrying King Hussein of Jordan, which shows in her memoir. She is intelligent, insightful, and a good writer, too. I attended her talk at the National Press Club, in Washington, D.C., and it was all there: The beauty, the keen intelligence, the woman who has been at the center of Middle Eastern politics--and, as an American-born woman in a Muslim culture, can explain it in a way I haven't read anyone else of her stature can do.
October 22, 2012
I wanted to read this true story because Queen Noor seemed fascinating: The youngest queen at the time of her marriage, and an American woman and architecture graduate of Princeton, married to the monarch King of Jordan.
The book is written in autobiography form, with immense information about the Middle East and the political disputes and agreements between the countries of that region, as well as with the United States. In fact, Queen Noor refers to her journal a lot and as a result, it seems as if she mentions every visit from a head of state to her home, every trip she made abroad, her speeches, and even some conversations with political figure heads and dictators.
The downside is that there is a lot of jumping around. And since she was a Queen who in some ways was expected to take a back seat to her husband, the book details a lot about him. The upside to the book includes the parts where she talks about her family, her children, her impromptu moments with the King, and the moments they shared when he was ill. What really stands out about the book though, are the great details and background information that could make up a history lesson or book.
The book is written in autobiography form, with immense information about the Middle East and the political disputes and agreements between the countries of that region, as well as with the United States. In fact, Queen Noor refers to her journal a lot and as a result, it seems as if she mentions every visit from a head of state to her home, every trip she made abroad, her speeches, and even some conversations with political figure heads and dictators.
The downside is that there is a lot of jumping around. And since she was a Queen who in some ways was expected to take a back seat to her husband, the book details a lot about him. The upside to the book includes the parts where she talks about her family, her children, her impromptu moments with the King, and the moments they shared when he was ill. What really stands out about the book though, are the great details and background information that could make up a history lesson or book.
January 19, 2025
Окей, я розумію, що навряд колишня королева такої країни як Йорданія може взяти і виполоскати брудну білизну в своїх мемуарах як їй заманеться. І навряд може далеко відійти від лінії партії в своїх так би мовити editorial choices. І все ж таки, я звикла до більш відвертих і головне - менш ідеальних мемуарів. Королева Нур - за все хороше і проти всього поганого, її покійний чоловік Король Хуссейн - за все хороше і проти всього поганого, а злі політикани навколо все життя користувалися його чесністю та порядністю. ВСІ, від Каддафі до Рейгана, від Ясіра Арафата до Саддама Хуссейна, і звісно ж підступний і мерзотний Ізраїль, всі вони, цитуючи одного диктатора, «просто обманулі, грубо кінулі, облапошили, обманулі дурачка на чєтирє кулачка» йордансього короля, чия мета була лише мир та спокій в регіоні і у всьому світі.
Знову ж таки, було б дивно, якби його вдова взяла і викатила список політичних помилок свого чоловіка, але ось це вибілювання двох ангелів в країні ще більших ангелів дратувало ней-мо-вір-но.
Проте мабуть чи не вперше я оцінила важке положення Йорданії у такій «кризовій зоні» як Близький Схід. Незважаючи на те, що в них майже не було прямих втручань та прямих конфліктів (окрім участі у шестиденній війні з Ізраїлем), країні болісно відгукувався кожен чих сусідів - біженцями, політичним тиском, погрозами, падінням економіки. І враховуючи те, як справи йдуть двадцять років потому (мемуари було написано у 2002) потік нещасть і не думає припинятися.
Тож мемуари королеви Нур - НЕ нецікаві, і я вірю в добро намірів її подружжя, та наразі від мемуарів я чекаю більшої чесності та людської неідеальності.
Знову ж таки, було б дивно, якби його вдова взяла і викатила список політичних помилок свого чоловіка, але ось це вибілювання двох ангелів в країні ще більших ангелів дратувало ней-мо-вір-но.
Проте мабуть чи не вперше я оцінила важке положення Йорданії у такій «кризовій зоні» як Близький Схід. Незважаючи на те, що в них майже не було прямих втручань та прямих конфліктів (окрім участі у шестиденній війні з Ізраїлем), країні болісно відгукувався кожен чих сусідів - біженцями, політичним тиском, погрозами, падінням економіки. І враховуючи те, як справи йдуть двадцять років потому (мемуари було написано у 2002) потік нещасть і не думає припинятися.
Тож мемуари королеви Нур - НЕ нецікаві, і я вірю в добро намірів її подружжя, та наразі від мемуарів я чекаю більшої чесності та людської неідеальності.
March 18, 2013
I've always been curious about Queen Noor, the former Lisa Halaby, the American woman who became Queen of Jordan. I wondered how she gave up the freedoms she had as a woman in the US, in order to be a Muslim royal. Alas, this memoir gives only the most superficial of answers to that -- and other -- questions about her life. Granted, she does explain that her father was of Middle Eastern descent and that piqued her interest in her Middle Eastern roots; however, in this memoir she fails to beyond that bit of information. Indeed, I found this memoir to be more like the journal entries of a superficial person, e.g. "Today I went here, yesterday I went there." What emerges is woman of little depth, who has dedicated her life to being her husband's consort and number one fan.
It is interesting to hear her version of the Arab-Israeli conflicts, especially their conflicts about the West Bank and Gaza. She is, of course, clearly on the side of the Arabic nations, and presents an entirely one-sided point of view, but it is a view that is rarely seen in American media. Again, however, there is little new or insider information, other than cute little vignettes about breaches of protocol, or her husband's "hooligan" antics.
Now, it must be said that I've been listening to this recorded book, rather than reading it. It is possible that the reader's voice -- very smooth and glamorous -- accentuates the "beautiful-woman-telling-her-life-to-admirers" feel of the book, but I think that's only a small part of my experience of this as a superficial, self-satisfied accounting of a life of privilege.
Also, I must admit that I've read only 3/4 of the book; I just don't want to read the rest. Perhaps she redeems herself and the last quarter is more thoughtful and complex. Let me know if that happens.
It is interesting to hear her version of the Arab-Israeli conflicts, especially their conflicts about the West Bank and Gaza. She is, of course, clearly on the side of the Arabic nations, and presents an entirely one-sided point of view, but it is a view that is rarely seen in American media. Again, however, there is little new or insider information, other than cute little vignettes about breaches of protocol, or her husband's "hooligan" antics.
Now, it must be said that I've been listening to this recorded book, rather than reading it. It is possible that the reader's voice -- very smooth and glamorous -- accentuates the "beautiful-woman-telling-her-life-to-admirers" feel of the book, but I think that's only a small part of my experience of this as a superficial, self-satisfied accounting of a life of privilege.
Also, I must admit that I've read only 3/4 of the book; I just don't want to read the rest. Perhaps she redeems herself and the last quarter is more thoughtful and complex. Let me know if that happens.
January 10, 2008
I thought that this book would be wholly different than what it turned out to be. The fact that it still earned four stars from me means that it not only changed my expectations, but also met them as well.
I expected to hear about Queen Noor's life. I expected to hear about what she did specifically as the "first lady" of Jordan. I expected to hear personal experiences and reactions to her experiences "in office."
I got some of that, but what I got was her take on experiences specifically about the Middle East and the history of the struggle for peace. I didn't get to know the woman so much as I got to learn about the time and the circumstances surrounding King Hussein's elusive search for peace.
While I can now say that I finally have an understanding of some of the people, places and events that happened regarding Isreal and the Arab world, I cannot say that I learned about Queen Noor herself. I would have liked to. She rarely allows the reader into her world and her thoughts and her struggles, but we hear of the struggles of her family and her husband. For example, I would have loved to have read her personal thoughts on her conversion to Islam. Or more of her personal thoughts on becoming the fourth wife of a King.
All in all, because I didn't have a background whatsoever about the Isreali conflict, this book was a helpful starting point. It's a pretty easy read, regardless of the numerous facts stuffed throughout it. Would have been helpful to have a map of the Middle East included, though.
If you're looking about a story about a woman, don't read this. If you're looking for a book to learn some basic facts about the Middle East peace conflict, read this. It will be worth your time and will personalize the conflict for you.
I expected to hear about Queen Noor's life. I expected to hear about what she did specifically as the "first lady" of Jordan. I expected to hear personal experiences and reactions to her experiences "in office."
I got some of that, but what I got was her take on experiences specifically about the Middle East and the history of the struggle for peace. I didn't get to know the woman so much as I got to learn about the time and the circumstances surrounding King Hussein's elusive search for peace.
While I can now say that I finally have an understanding of some of the people, places and events that happened regarding Isreal and the Arab world, I cannot say that I learned about Queen Noor herself. I would have liked to. She rarely allows the reader into her world and her thoughts and her struggles, but we hear of the struggles of her family and her husband. For example, I would have loved to have read her personal thoughts on her conversion to Islam. Or more of her personal thoughts on becoming the fourth wife of a King.
All in all, because I didn't have a background whatsoever about the Isreali conflict, this book was a helpful starting point. It's a pretty easy read, regardless of the numerous facts stuffed throughout it. Would have been helpful to have a map of the Middle East included, though.
If you're looking about a story about a woman, don't read this. If you're looking for a book to learn some basic facts about the Middle East peace conflict, read this. It will be worth your time and will personalize the conflict for you.
August 19, 2009
It's hard to think of anyone who has led a more interesting life than Queen Noor of Jordan. Born into a well-connected Arab-American family in the US, she met and married King Hussein of Jordan as a young woman, converted to Islam and committed herself to helping her husband promote peace and moderatism in the Middle East.
Although the book serves as more of a love letter to the now-deceased Hussein than as an exploration of her own life as an American who has not only adopted a foreign country but becomes a member of its royalty, there are still lots of fascinating tidbits about life as a modern queen in an Islamic country determined to serve as a stabilizing influence in the Middle East. The author is eager to serve as a bridge between Middle East and west and so shares many anecdotes about Middle East politics from a moderate Islamic perspective: How the first Gulf War was a disaster for Jordanians, the author's pointed comments about some of the US presidential figures she met, the tensions that arose between Jordan and other Arab countries due to its support of peace, her observations about the ways in which Israel has hindered the peace process and her own deep dedication to peace.
Despite her obvious bias, we can't help but feel at least some of the respect and admiration for King Hussein the author has been trying to impart.
Although the book serves as more of a love letter to the now-deceased Hussein than as an exploration of her own life as an American who has not only adopted a foreign country but becomes a member of its royalty, there are still lots of fascinating tidbits about life as a modern queen in an Islamic country determined to serve as a stabilizing influence in the Middle East. The author is eager to serve as a bridge between Middle East and west and so shares many anecdotes about Middle East politics from a moderate Islamic perspective: How the first Gulf War was a disaster for Jordanians, the author's pointed comments about some of the US presidential figures she met, the tensions that arose between Jordan and other Arab countries due to its support of peace, her observations about the ways in which Israel has hindered the peace process and her own deep dedication to peace.
Despite her obvious bias, we can't help but feel at least some of the respect and admiration for King Hussein the author has been trying to impart.
October 16, 2008
Queen Noor's memoirs offer a unique insight into the royal family of Jordan. An American with Lebanese roots marries the King of Jordan and becomes a head of state. She deals with fame, security threats, wars, politics and speeches all the while raising a family and supporting her husband.
I was frustrated at times with the distance between reader and author. I felt Queen Noor's desire for privacy and understood why this memoir was not more personal. But I also had the suspicion that I was reading a PR tool rather than a personal tale, with it's long lists of NGO's, heads of state, charity programs, etc.
I'm glad I read it. The Middle East is such a complicated region that any additional perspective I can gain is useful. And I truly was touched by her respect and love for her husband.
I was frustrated at times with the distance between reader and author. I felt Queen Noor's desire for privacy and understood why this memoir was not more personal. But I also had the suspicion that I was reading a PR tool rather than a personal tale, with it's long lists of NGO's, heads of state, charity programs, etc.
I'm glad I read it. The Middle East is such a complicated region that any additional perspective I can gain is useful. And I truly was touched by her respect and love for her husband.
July 19, 2022
4,25 sterren - Nederlandse paperback
Wat een fascinerende vrouw met een fascinerend en inspirerend verhaal.
Dit is een schittterend boek over een leven vol liefde, toewijding en hoop.
Op een waardige en respectvolle manier is er geschreven over het leven in het Midden Oosten zonder andere partijen in een slecht daglicht te zetten. Het bracht mij inzicht in een totaal andere wereld.
De manier waarop Koningin Noor en de overleden Koning Hoesein hebben geprobeerd de situatie te verbeteren ondanks alle tegenslagen hebben diepe indruk op mij achtergelaten.
Ik heb door dit boek meer begrip gekregen voor de problemen en de mensen in Midden Oosten. En die zijn op het moment schrikbarend veel en hoog.
Wat een fascinerende vrouw met een fascinerend en inspirerend verhaal.
Dit is een schittterend boek over een leven vol liefde, toewijding en hoop.
Op een waardige en respectvolle manier is er geschreven over het leven in het Midden Oosten zonder andere partijen in een slecht daglicht te zetten. Het bracht mij inzicht in een totaal andere wereld.
De manier waarop Koningin Noor en de overleden Koning Hoesein hebben geprobeerd de situatie te verbeteren ondanks alle tegenslagen hebben diepe indruk op mij achtergelaten.
Ik heb door dit boek meer begrip gekregen voor de problemen en de mensen in Midden Oosten. En die zijn op het moment schrikbarend veel en hoog.
July 14, 2008
This was a good book. It was very biased, but I can understand that. Queen Noor completely adopted the country of Jordan, and that is why she took the point of view of the Palestinians. I loved the way she adopted Jordan, and I loved the way she defended the country and the king--her husband--throughout the entire book. She got on her soap box a lot through the book, but it wasn't too bad. The one problem I had with this book is that Queen Noor never really talked about herself. She talked extensively about her husband, her husband's life, her husband's policies, and her country, but there was not a lot about Queen Noor, and that was very disappointing. Other than that, it was a great book.
Leap of Faith is about a young Arab-American woman who falls in love, and marries, the king of Jordan. She talks about her life in Jordan since 1978 until the present day, and she explains how she and the king helped Jordan through some rough periods of history.
Leap of Faith is about a young Arab-American woman who falls in love, and marries, the king of Jordan. She talks about her life in Jordan since 1978 until the present day, and she explains how she and the king helped Jordan through some rough periods of history.
February 17, 2020
This must have been one of the last books my mother read before her death in 2005, and it’s sat on my shelf ever since. I knew she was deeply affected by Queen Noor’s account, but I only now finally opened—and devoured—it.
Having lived through the history she recounts, I found myself questioning the version of events I had accepted. I have become skeptical of news reports on all sides of current issues. Why not old events as well?
Her account, while perhaps biased by her love for King Hussein and her adopted Jordan, still rings true. She is forthcoming without becoming maudlin and candid without indulging in awkward self-deprecation.
Having lived through the history she recounts, I found myself questioning the version of events I had accepted. I have become skeptical of news reports on all sides of current issues. Why not old events as well?
Her account, while perhaps biased by her love for King Hussein and her adopted Jordan, still rings true. She is forthcoming without becoming maudlin and candid without indulging in awkward self-deprecation.
March 23, 2011
I am listening to the audio version of this book, _Leap of Faith_. It's being narrated by Suzanne Toren whose delivery I cannot stand. Queen Noor should have recorded the book herself. Queen Noor speaks in the introduction and has a beautiful voice and delivery. She sounds gentle and serene. To me, Toren sounds haughty, pompous, and pretentious. Queen Noor, on the other hand sounds very appealing and likable.
I didn't finish listening to this audio because I lost interest. It dealt with a lot of political history. I was looking for more of the personal side of Queen Noor's life.
I didn't finish listening to this audio because I lost interest. It dealt with a lot of political history. I was looking for more of the personal side of Queen Noor's life.
January 24, 2018
A friend recommended this to me and I began to read it with a bit of reluctance, figuring it was another "American girl meets a King and becomes a Queen."
It was not like that at all!
A beautiful love story, written with honesty and much integrity. In addition to a memoir of their relationship, she explained much of what was happening politically in the region. It was very well written and offered me a new perspective on the country of Jordan.
A great read!
It was not like that at all!
A beautiful love story, written with honesty and much integrity. In addition to a memoir of their relationship, she explained much of what was happening politically in the region. It was very well written and offered me a new perspective on the country of Jordan.
A great read!
November 10, 2012
The Arab perspective on the mideast conflicts from the time Lisa Najeeb Halaby married King Hussein of Jordan becoming Queen Noor. She was American born, and was introduced to the King by her father when she was 26 years old. I've since done some reading about the history and geography of the area to more fully understand the story she tells. I would recommend this book!
March 7, 2011
This book is about the former queen of Jordan, Queen Noor, and her life. I thought the book was very interesting. I learned a lot about the history of the Middle East, relations among Arab countries and Israel, and have a better understanding of why there is so much conflict in the area.
August 18, 2011
Loved this book!!! It is one of the few non-fiction books that kept me up at night reading. Queen Noor is one of my new heroines! I was so interested in reading about her perspective of the Middle East.
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