Rating:  Summary: A great read Review: After having read several of the reviews that received one star, I have to comment that it is quite unsurprising that people who are polarized against the Arab world would condemn Queen Noor's factual account of the history and social aspects of the region. It seems that it bothers some people to hear the truth. It is preposterous to assume that "most" Americans feel the way these readers do, as one reviewer commented. I came away from this book feeling that I had a great deal of insight into her personality and genuine love for her adopted land and its people. If you are interested in finding out facts about this region, read this book. It accurately depicts historical events and explains a great deal about how the Arabs were indeed betrayed by France and Britain post WWI. Sorry, but the facts speak for themselves, even though there are those who wish history were different. As for questioning Queen Noor's "lack" of "patriotism," having been born an American but having in fact questioned our country's position with regard to certain world affairs, that is absolutely ridiculous. A true patriot has the right and indeed the obligation to speak the truth and dissent--not to just fall into step with conformists when one feels one's country has made mistakes and may be handling political affairs in an unjust and improper manner. Read this book with an open mind; you'll find some surprising facts that can easily be corroborated through research.
Rating:  Summary: Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life by Queen Noor Review: amazing what a person can do under exceptional conditions. This is definitly a view of the world I normally don't think about. I'd read it again!
Rating:  Summary: A Wonderful Surprise Review: I was skeptical about reading this book, because I really don't care for royalty books---they typically just consist of pictures and who went to this party and so on. But a friend of mine said "you have to read this book---you'll learn more about the Middle East than you have in your entire life of following the Arab-Israeli conflict."My friend was right. Queen Noor puts a human face on the Arab world and she makes history exciting. I could not disagree more with those that proclaim it is anti-Israel propaganda. Queen Noor articulately explains how the issues that Jordan faces today relate to the past. Israel happens to be a part of that past. If you can accept that, I see no reason why this book could be deemed a "Heap of Hate". Queen Noor's writing is not emotional. She does offer criticism, but that does not mean it is propaganda. Those who claim this book is "anti-Israel" need to take a look at their reviews and see if they could equally be deemed anti-Arab.
Rating:  Summary: No Fluff, just Facts Review: It is surprising to me that this book is marketed as some kind of Princess Diana romance story. Not at all. There are plenty of romantic insights, but Queen Noor is a private person and only reveals the least private moments, although I thought the proposal story was beautiful. What this book really is, is a wonderful introduction to Middle East modern history. As an American, I know my knowledge of this region is limited to what the media chooses to report and I welcome unbiased sources of information, such as BBC world service news, foreign newspapers, and this book. After September 11, I have come to a new awareness of how our country meddles in the Middle East with our "silent partner", Israel. How unfortunate that so many horrid things have been done to the Palestinians in our name. Theresa, your post made me gasp - you really must open your eyes and educate yourself. I would be shocked if the Palestinians enacted suicide raids for no particular reason, as you so claim. I believe that US citizens were kept in the dark for the last 40 years regarding our actions in Israel, but not any more. Read this book to educate yourself in order to be a more powerful citizen. And along the way, learn from Queen Noor what self-sacrifice and duty really mean.
Rating:  Summary: 10 Star must read if you care about the truth Review: Have admired this woman for over a decade and am proud to say we got involved in riding the world of land mines because of her. What a gift she is to both the people of Jordan, the Middle East and then to the world. So many of the positive reviews have covered so much of what I would like to say, so no need to repeat what has been said so well already. If there is one reason I would hope you would buy the book it is because she has the unique view of being both and American as well as a Middle Easterner and a Moslem, so she is able express her thoughts and beliefs in a manner that most literate Americans should appreciate and I hope learn from. Her book along with Ziauddin Sardars Why Do People Hate America should be must reading for those Americans who do not know much about the Middle East or why Americans as a people are liked but the American government policies are not.
Rating:  Summary: A truely wonderful book-a Jordanian woman's view Review: As a young girl I was priviliged to meet the Queen several times as she set the National music conservatory in motion. I was one of the first 45 students who among many more to follow to this day live & breath music because of this woman's love & dedication to her new country. Reading the book was a surreal experience as I wept while remebering the late King's death. This is a historical account of the region's ups & downs. It is also an invitation to life behind the scenes of individuals who found the responsibility of a whole nation and many generations thrust upon them. You will not find gossip or vulgarity in this book; this is a Queen telling the story of her life married to a man a nation viewd as a leader & the world saw as a wise peace maker. What made my heart swell with pride is her vivid accout of how the zionists controlled & still control the world & most importantly the administration. I applaud her fearless efforts to expose those who misslead & manipulate the truth never looking for peace. A Superb read & reread.
Rating:  Summary: A remarkable insight on the Middle East and its people Review: I am glad Queen Noor wrote this book and shared with others her unique experience. I've always admired her work but now I admire her even more as a person. The inside stories on the Middle East politics, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the United States government's less-than-commendable role in the region were told truthfully and candidly. This book also provides details of King Hussien's struggle to bring peace to the region. King Hussein and her also struggled to raise a family amidst all the turmoil in the region. Their genuine love for each other has helped them through a multitude of crises. This book is truly an eye-opener and I would recommend it to anybody!
Rating:  Summary: A VERY DIFFICULT READ Review: I found this book to be a very difficult read. The style of writing just does not flow well, and that is the least of my complaints. This book seems to be more about the history of Jordan, and very little to do with Noor herself. I was a little surprised at the uncalled for pot shots at the United States. She was born and raised an American. I understand she has a roll to play as a public figure, and I felt she was still playing that roll as a writer. I didn't feel that the book was very honestly written. In the end I think the book is more about her being a CHEERLEADER for the Arab cause, and her attempts to persude people to see them as the victims in the Mideast, and for most of us that is to hard a sell. Anyone who knows anything about the Mideast conflict, can see the obvious bias in this book, with regards to facts and events involving the Middle East.
Rating:  Summary: In response Review: In response to Teresa's review, this book is not "anti-Israeli propaganda", it is merely an honest portrayal of Arab sentiments and opinions on the Middle East conflict- a side of the story which is alien to a part of the world which so readily accepts the Israeli version of events. She is not "spreading lies", rather, she is giving an honest and real account of the reality of the situation in the region. Sentiments towards Israel aren't baseless, there are reasons for them. Arab children might be taught to "hate Israel", which isn't a good thing, no, but you have to understand why this is the case. Queen Noor's book is not a "propaganda tool", neither anti-Israeli nor anti-American, it is simply a personal account of her experience as an American who lived and saw the "other" side of the story.
Rating:  Summary: A brilliant EYE-OPENER!!!!!! Review: Bravo Queen Noor! An extremely well-written memoir about a Queen and her two greatest loves (King Hussein and the Jordanians). I bought the book at an airport and couldn't put it down for hours. Fascinating, inside look at life and peacemaking in the Middle East. I found it very refreshing to hear another point of view on the Israeli -Palestinian conflict and think anyone interested in the region should read the book. It is pretty heavy on history and foreign policy, from the Jordanian perspective, and lighter on personal details. Queen Noor is an articulate, graceful woman that used her unique position to better the lives of many Jordanians, especially women, and create a greater/more accurate understanding of Arabs and their culture in the USA. Born and raised in America, she was educated in some of the countries most prestigous institutions and her passion for human rights was emblazed in her during the civil rights movement. I view Queen Noor as a visionary and a genuine peacemaker and wish more women in power would embrace her view of humanity. As a final comment, I am not at all surprised by the negative attacks on the book by the unconditional pro-Israeli followers who cannot bear to have their story questioned. Their comments seem extremely defensive and reveal a deep unsecurity. Despite years of the U.S. media bombarding us with a one-sided, distorted view of Israeli history, Queen Noor has found a powerful platform to present the OTHER side. Hope the Queen's LEAP of FAITH opens your eyes.....
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