Rating: 
Summary: Excellent insights into Middle East life and History
Review: I am an American citizen of European birth and have lived in the Arab world and now reside in London. I am continuously shocked by the one-sided manner in which the American media portrays Arabs today. It is almost impossible to learn about the Middle East without emotions, politics, and Political Action Committees getting in the way. This has led to generations of American citizens who are unaware of the history and current situation - and dangerously - follow passionate political rhetoric. What a blessing, therefore, to have this book to explain the whole story of post the WWII Middle East. Queen Noor has bountless intelligence and dignity, a word not used very often today. I feel that Theresa's post is gravely and dangerously inaccurate and her language sensational and disturbing. From my own experiences travelling throughout Israel and the Arab world, the situation is much too complex to explain in a short review and certainly not as "clear cut" as Theresa tries to argue.
Rating:
Summary: An Unexpected Learning Experience
Review: I was surprised to find that Queen Noor's autobiography took such an intellectual approach, since I always thought of her as more of a spiritual person. In truth, she is both, and this book contains a great deal of historical and political information concerning the Middle Eastern countries. I am not surprised to see some negative reviews of this book; it must come as a shock to some readers to realize that we do not live in a black and white world. The governments of America and Israel are not always altruistic in their behavior, nor is the culture of the Middle East "uncivilized" in relation to other cultures, and we are foolish if we choose to think so. I was moved by Her Majesty's account of her loving relationship with King Hussein and their devotion to the cause of peace. Whether you believe Queen Noor's account to be accurate or not, the idea of all people living in harmony is never a bad idea.
Rating:
Summary: Enlightenning!
Review: This book literally "jumped" at me at the airport book store a week ago, and since then I can not put it down. It is more than I expected. It is both a story of an extraordinary life (or lifes!) and last 60 years of Middle Eastern history. It is a wonderful read and I recommend it to everybody with the open mind.
Rating: 
Summary: Who is Queen Noor?
Review: I was eagerly anticipating reading this biography having followed the life of Queen Noor over the years. I have seen her interviewed but always came away from those programs feeling like I still didn't know much about her. That is how I felt after finishing this autobiography. I don't feel like I know her any better than when I started. The majority of the book focuses on the history of Jordan and the middle east and her husband's role in that history. I had great admiration for King Hussein but according to this account he was a perfect husband, father and statesman. She really shows no flaws in his character which would have made the book more interesting and readable since I am sure the man had some! It would have been nice to read more about her children also The book also seems very one sided about the Middle East and what has happened there. Bad Israel and America and good Jordon. Again, to admit some faults would be more interesting. If you want to know details about negotiations for a peace in that region, read the book. If you want to get to know Lisa Halaby (i.e. Queen Noor) and her family, don't bother.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth reading - in parts
Review: I confess that I was expecting a fairy tale of sorts. I didn't get it. I found the book hard to read for 2 reasons: it abounds with names that I couldn't keep track of, and the language does not flow for me. I don't know if it was partly ghostwritten, but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't - and it's pretty clear that Lisa Halaby, aka Queen Noor al Hussein, has been mostly speaking Arabic for many years.
I didn't read the entire book - put it down midway and doubt I'll ever pick it up again. I'm sure her life has been interesting, but it just doesn't seem well-told. However, I believe her attempt to put forward the Arab point of view on the Middle Eastern conflict is valuable.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific, thought-provoking read . . .
Review: This is an extremely well thought out, intriguing book. If you are thinking you are getting some book about a fluff queen in a little country - you are mistaken. This is a book about an unbelieveably strong, brilliant woman married to a man who happened to be king of a country undergoing tremendous strife for the entire time of their marriage. It made me realize my poor knowledge of the region and of the strength and values of the Jordanian people. A great book.
Rating: 
Summary: Leap of Faith
Review: I was delighted with this book as it shows the warmth and generosity of the Middle Eastern people. I traveled to Jordan often during my three years working in the Middle East and found the people to be wonderful. It is a pleasant respite to read about the good of the people and not just the terrorists that have villified the peoples of the region. If you enjoy stories of the Middle East another new book "Single in Saudi" by Genia is a humorous, intimate story of a young womans adventures in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries she visited
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful in every way
Review: As a Jordanian, reading Queen Noor's book moved me to tears. Not only is it an insight into Jordan and its existence in a very difficult neighbourhood, but it is truly a love story between her and a man whose magnificence as a human being is often hard to put into words. King Hussein's humanity, his humility, his strength and faith, and perhaps above all, his kind heart was something every Jordanian knew and admired, and Queen Noor brings this to light in her eloquent and touching writing. This is a truly magnificent story of an extraordinary woman and a beautiful human being. I strongly recommend it to Jordanians and non-Jordanians alike.
Rating:
Summary: An eye-opener
Review: a good book for those who would like to be exposed to more of the Arab world than bombs and ballast as shown on televison and in newspapers. I think this book is for thoughtful people who want to know the nature of others who are different than themselves. Americans share the experience of being lumped altogether with the worst from their own culture, just as people in other cultures get lumped together with the worst of their own cultures. We see in this book that each culture has blessed souls in it, who love and care and create. Queen Noor reminds us this is so. It's a good book for the soul and the mind.
Rating:
Summary: Leap of Faith
Review: An inspiring book about the real people of the Middle East-caring, warm, family oriented people. Such were the people I found when I visited Jordan while living in the Middle East.In this day, when we think all people of the region are terrorists, this book will change your mind. If you enjoy reading about the Middle East, another new book called "Single in Saudi" by Genia will give you another perspective on life in Saudi Arabia as the author takes you on a journey through this most mysterious of Middle Eastern countries.
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