Rating: 
Summary: More Fairy Tale than Fact
Review: I learned almost nothing about Queen Noor and her husband in this book. I got a very sanitized version of her attempt to have the King sainted but no real meat about what makes her tick. For those who seemed to feel fuzzy at this compelling love story......again I ask, where's the meat of it? Her vocabulary and writing styles are not in the least engaging. The only thing that kept me reading was the hope that I would find her anti-semtism balanced at some point and her distain of America and the west softened, alas to no avail.What do we really learn in this book? That Israel can do no right and the Arab world little wrong? That Quaddafi and Hussein are great to party with (as long as you aren't a political dissedent). This book was little more than name dropping and barely concelled hate speech. I am thrilled Lisa found someone outside this country to take her away from us so that she remains an outsider now instead of running for Senate. She stikes me as a very spoiled woman.
Rating: 
Summary: "Unexpected Reading"
Review: The "Unexpected Life" of Queen Noor was fascinating. Although I knew who she was and her american born background and conversion to muslim , I had no idea Noor was SO intelligent. Her college education in urban planning, and her brilliant intellect were definately America's loss and Jordan's gain when she married King Hussein. She has a wonderful heart and truly cared about the people of Jordan, even before she knew the King. Though each bit of information in this book was highly signficant, there were parts that were slower than others, as the specific and minute details of the politics of Jordan and inner-workings of the people of the country sometimes seemed abstract. However, as I forged ahead, I realized that the information in each chapter helped me to learn more about this country and its King. I must say I was truly appalled at the resistance and criticism offered up by our "stellar politicians" toward the King and his attempts to make peace in the middle east and his efforts to get everyone, including other countries on board as well. The Queen tried to assist her husband in subtle, though politically correct ways and get involved on an "inside" level, and they were treated with rudeness and disrespect. But in true Queen Noor grace, she always seems to have something good to say about those who had turned their backs on the King and his ideas, dreams, and hopes for his country and its people. This book will introduce you on a more "personal" level, to a Queen who tried to exact change in a country difficult to change. The Queen was a loving mother, devoted wife, and caring friend. She seemed to have friends no matter where she went and made more friends in every corner. Her loving words about her feelings for her stepchildren were touching. Even though things were not always perfect (an admission on her part) she took on a brood of children who had no mother figure and loved them as she did her own. Though she was a woman with her own ideas and thoughts, in a country that doesn't always encourage such, she was so respectful of the culture and somehow tried to intersect a sense of style and grace without overpowering the resident culture of the people. She stated in the book that she felt uncomfortable at some public gatherings wearing elaborate and expensive dresses, when so many of the people in the country were poor and struggling, so she went with dresswear that was more fitting within the culture and much more affordable. Though there may be times when the political speak gets a little overwhelming, keep reading! This book is an awesome tribute to a wonderful woman and her husband the King. But even more, its a tribute to the country of Jordan. Through much of the middleast troubles of recent years, I learned more about the conflict in the middle east, and its basis than I would have watching several hours of CNN. The dynamics of Jordan's relationships with its neighboring countries were insightful and eye-opening. This is a MUST read for everyone wanting to feel a little more educated about the conflict that our world is in at this time. This doesn't mean that we would in any way approve of war, conflict and violence. But it definately leaves you with a better understanding of it's background.
Rating:
Summary: Different Perspective but Unbelievably Biased
Review: I purchased this book to read because I really wanted to like Queen Noor; I was fascinated by her life, but no longer. To read and believe this book, one would have to think that King Hussein of Jordan walked on water at the very least. She paints a picture of him as being a saint surrounded by those less worthy, such as President Bush (the first one). She points to atrocities committed by Israelis vividly and often, and completely leaves out horrible terrorist crimes where Arabic people were the perpetrators such as Saddam Hussein's use of chemical weapons on his own countrymen, the bombing of the World Trade Center, and countless other incidents. The most inflammatory and unbelievable remark in her book is where she uses the names, "Saddam Hussein" and "George Bush," in the same sentence, and makes them sound synonomous to one another! I would like to give this book negative 10 stars if there was such a thing, but that wasn't a choice. She gets one point for her ease of reading writing style.
Rating: 
Summary: A shallow fairy tale
Review: If you're 14 years old and believe in Cinderella than maybe you'll believe that Lisa Halaby meets King Hussein, starts hanging out with him, goes to his house for dinner every night, has him picking her up at her apartment and spending time with his children and then had no idea of why the King "wanted to speak to her father." According to the then Lisa, the King never held her hand, kissed her or made any indication that there was a romantic involvement until he "popped the question" through her dad. Nor was she apparently concerned about other woman and one of the worlds most eligible batchleors. And no one in Jordan suspected anything. The other odd part of the story is that according to Lisa, she never had a boyfriend of any kind. Now, she does not come out and say that, but she never mentions one male friend: not a date to the highschool prom, a classmate or co workers, not even a casual date. Now that's a little hard to believe. According to her, she had no male friends and no female friends either. The reader also has to realize that Lisa's story was not a rags to riches. Her father made lots of money in the airline industry and was the FAA director for JFK although her mother was always complaining. That's why I was a little surprised when then Lisa's mother had reservations about her daughter marrying one of the riches men in the world. For a perspective of the Arab/Israeli question for the Arab and Jordianian point of view, Queen Noor's story is interesting and gives a good perspective. However, I would have though that she would have had better ghost writers. The Queen, who does a good bit of name dropping, is suddently best friends with all of the worlds royalty. However, she starts the book saying that she can't make friends and has no friends to discuss the forthcoming marriage to Hussein. She never deals with her lose of American citizenship, or her change in religion which would seem to be a crises in most peoples lives. She just did it. According to her, everything thing in her life with Hussein was pretty great. She mentions a few problems with step children and rumors of the King and other women, but everything according to her was blissful. She marries the king, everything is happy and she has babies. The only problems she discusses are political. As a resident of the City of Cleveland, I was pretty surprised when the Queen mentions in passing that her husband went to a "clinic in Cleveland" when he was ill. In the next paragraph she does mention the Cleveland Clinic, but as I recall the city and the clinic did a lot for the King when he was here. Only in a letter that the King wrote to her on their 10th anniversary to you get in feel for Hussein's feelings for the Queen and the final part of the book regarding the king's illness, which I thought was too short, was touching. All in all the book is a defense of Hussein's position in the Middle East and in history. It touches only lightly on the real Lisa Halaby/Queen Noor. Americans are fascinated with Grace Kelly and I guess that Queen Noor falls in the same category. However, all in all, she comes across in the book as extremely shallow. It would be interesting to read a bio of the wife of an Israeli prime minister and compare the two but for telling her story, Queen Noor didn't do a very good job in convincing me. You don't see Lisa Halaby change to Queen Noor. She see Queen Noor telling you what she wants you to hear and believe. I was also disappointed that she gave no information about her current life post-Hussein. That would have been interesting and could have made a good conclusion. She ends her story with the death of her husband. Maybe that's the way she sees life.
Rating:
Summary: Learn Mid-East History from Arab-American
Review: Queen Noor is a class act. Ivy League educated and the daughter of an Arab American, she became the queen of Jordan before age 30. This book details her life, but really focuses on 20th century Middle Eastern history. So if you're hoping for some deep insight into her life, forget it. And if you're hoping for an objective exam into Mid-East issues, forget it too. As expected, she is very pro Arab. I earned more respect for her and her work, as well as that of her late husband, King Hussein. One of the most eye-opening parts is her explanation of her husband's role during the Gulf War; he wasn't pro-Saddam Hussein as the media portrayed.
Rating: 
Summary: What an eye opener
Review: This is a book to enjoy from beginning to end. Filled with facts not before known but often suspected in the way politians arrive at decisions that are not best for the country nor the world but bring the most money into their next run for office. Everyone should read.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read For Anyone Involved in The Middle East
Review: One of the best memoirs I have ever read. Not a lot of political stuff in this one. Lots of what should be in a memoir. Thoughts, feelings, history, personal perspective, reflection, and love. This is a powerful lady with a lot of knowledge about both the US and the Middle East. The Queen really had to be diplomatic and tactful in a country where women are not seen in leadership terms. She is compassionate and understands both sides of a very awful conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians. She provides wisdom and her feelings from the Jordanian side. Really impressed with her memory of events and her stories about her family and the families of others around her. Great information into how the domestic life goes on in the Jordan. You may or may not agree with her observations but this is a good read and a book to enjoy not try to destroy politically.
Rating:
Summary: warm, interesting, and maybe a little too biased.
Review: This couple is fascinating. I've always been intrigued by the two. It was wonderful to see inside their daily life. The most interesting parts, though, for me, was about the Israel - Palistine conflict. It was refreshing to see it from a different side. I have been to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain, as well as Israel. Sadly enough, the Arabs made me feel as if I had a disease; the Israelis made me feel as if I was a long lost friend. The only friendly arabs (besides shop owners I was spending money at) were the Jordanian soldiers I had met at their border with Israel. The American public needs more books like this to remind us that folks like bin Laden are the exception, not the rule. And, no, I don't want to read a book about the Palestinians plight that is written by a NY Times writer. I want to hear from arabs. And Arabs should make an effort to realize that all Western society isn't necessarily bad, just different. (stepping off my soapbox) This book, however, changed many of my opinions, and my mind is more open. Although understandable coming from Her Majesty, the book made it appear as if King Hussein never made a single mistake, politically or personally, in his entire life. That made me skeptical of some of the "Israelis are the bad guys" stories. I still recommend the book, if only because it is a warm and loving story of a fascinating family. (I do wish Her Majesty had talked more of her American family and their opinions of these events over the years...)
Rating:
Summary: Read it!
Review: It's a fast read, and very interesting. Queen Noor knows the region because she has lived it. I find her point of view refreshing in this time of war and hatred.
Rating: 
Summary: Carefully guarded autobiography.....
Review: Queen Noor manages to convey her love for Jordan and its king in very guarded, very carefully worded terms. My overwhelming impression is that though she might have much to say, her caution in expressing herself (after all, she continues to live there) made me think that she chose every word and thought with the idea of not making any Jordanian or Middle Eastern waves. It struck me that it would be a far more interesting read if she could have been more free in expressing herself - surely this is not free thought, freely expressed.
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