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Queen Noor of Jordan
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Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life Hardcover – Bargain Price, March 18, 2003

German Edition by Queen Noor (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 351 ratings
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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.
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  1. Print length
    480 pages
  2. Language
    German
  3. Publisher
    Miramax
  4. Publication date
    March 18, 2003
  5. See all details
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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
351 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an engaging read with insightful commentary on politics, history, and culture. They appreciate the well-written, diary-like style. The story is described as personal and brimming with feelings and wisdom. Readers describe the characters as endearing and remarkable. However, some feel the book is biased in favor of the King and that the text size is too small or magnified.

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Select to learn more
ReadabilityInsightWriting qualityStory qualityCharacter developmentFaithBiasText size
26 customers mention "Readability"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an engaging read. They describe it as a fascinating memoir and one of the best they have ever read. Readers also mention it's a quick read and worth the purchase and time.

"Queen Noor is inspiring. The book (because it is so interesting)..." Read more

"This book is absolutely amazing! Written so poignantly and eloquently about Queen Noor's life in the Middle East...." Read more

"...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." Read more

"...it’s more about the extraordinary love story, and it is an excellent read. But, don’t buy the paperback; save your vision!" Read more

25 customers mention "Insight"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and interesting. It provides information on politics, history, culture, and current issues in Jordan. They find it insightful and helpful for understanding the Middle East. The author's perspective is valuable to learn from.

"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...." Read more

"...It is an easy book to read and will provide another perspective from which to view Arabs, Muslims and the Middle East - something which is greatly..." Read more

"Most importantly, this book provides excellent insight into the life of an Arab leader including his relationship with other Arab leaders as well..." Read more

"...Knowledge is an eye opener, read this and learn the history of that part of the world and see how the people of of America have been lied to in so..." Read more

15 customers mention "Writing quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written with personal details in a diary-like style. The book is easy to read and understand for an average person. Readers appreciate the author's honest, simple style and her portrayal as a sincere and loyal woman.

"This book is absolutely amazing! Written so poignantly and eloquently about Queen Noor's life in the Middle East...." Read more

"...She presents herself as both a sincere, independent woman but a loyal wife as well...." Read more

"Queen Noor is a good writer and her compassion and empathy for people of all religions is inspiring" Read more

"...This was a very well written book. I am always intrigued by stories coming from this part of the world because I know so little about it...." Read more

14 customers mention "Story quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and personal. They appreciate the author's insights and genuine portrayal of events and families. The book provides readers with a perspective on the Queen's choices and values, as well as her relationship with the King.

"...LOF is not history. It is a highly personal memoir from an Arab-American uniquely situated in the heart of the conflict...." Read more

"...Really impressed with her memory of events and her stories about her family and the families of others around her...." Read more

"...However, it’s more about the extraordinary love story, and it is an excellent read. But, don’t buy the paperback; save your vision!" Read more

"This is the story of the author and how she became the Queen of Jordan, and her work in that role...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters endearing and fascinating. They describe Queen Noor as inspiring, powerful, and knowledgeable about both the US and the Middle East. The writing style is described as earnest and they like the author's voice.

"...However, Queen Noor is easily the most fascinating figure in this story and I'm so glad she wrote her story now, not later as she contemplated...." Read more

"...This is a powerful lady with a lot of knowledge about both the US and the Middle East...." Read more

"...King Hussein is portrayed not as an invincible deity, but as a very decent man trying to make the world a better place...." Read more

"...Sabine's characters are a endearing and the story is brimming with feeling and wisdom...." Read more

3 customers mention "Faith"3 positive0 negative

Customers like the faith in the book. They say it allows blessings to be bestowed and is a leap of faith.

"...It is faith that allows blessings to be bestowed! I was very pleased with my purchase "Leap of Faith: Memois of an Unexpected Life"...." Read more

"Leap of Faith..." Read more

"Leap of Faith..." Read more

3 customers mention "Bias"0 positive3 negative

Customers dislike the book's bias. They say it's biased in favor of the King.

"...It was, however extremely biased in favor of the King. He could do and did no wrong from the Queen's point of view...." Read more

"Way too wordy and definitely biased!" Read more

"Biased and boring..." Read more

3 customers mention "Text size"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the text size too small, magnified, and voluminous.

"The size of the print in the paperback is way too tiny! I’ve read this in the hardback version and very much enjoyed this autobiography...." Read more

"...It turned to be a photocopy, not an original book! The text size is magnified which I don't know why!..." Read more

"...documenting the inaccuracies after five or six pages, they were far too voluminous...." Read more

Another side of the Arab - Israeli story previouly untold
5 out of 5 stars
Another side of the Arab - Israeli story previouly untold
I found Truth in this book that was never shared about King Hussein and the efforts to lead to lasting peace in that region. Things shared in this book were kept from us by the US Govt. and the US News reports about the Israeli aggression and blocking a lasting peace with the behind the scenes collaborations between the US and Israel. King Hussein was a man much like Ghandi and other modern day saints. His efforts for peace were always obstructed by Israels refusal to completely return to only the land given them in the 1948 aggreement establishing the nation of Israel which was done unfairly for the Palestinians. We only have our US Govt. and the Israeli Govt. for the hatred of the Jews and the rise of terrorism in the world. All they wanted was an equal distribution of the land and the Palestinians right to independence as a nation. You can easily deduct this from reading this book for yourself. Before WWI the US kept out of world politics. Since then our involement has created many Problems for us at home and abroad, a huge war machine and many of our men and women dying for what?We have plenty of injustices in our own country to resolve instead of undermining stituations elsewhere in the world! Queen Noor,thank you for writing your account of your husbands peace efforts!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Ginger, New Orleans
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2004
    Verified Purchase
    Queen Noor is inspiring. The book (because it is so interesting) leaves the reader wanting to know more about her, the Royal family, Jordan, and the Middle East. However, Queen Noor is easily the most fascinating figure in this story and I'm so glad she wrote her story now, not later as she contemplated. After reading the entire book, the only criticism I had was that she compared the American GOVERNMENT'S views with European CITIZENS' views (concluding that Americans are more narrow minded about the situation with Israel). My reaction was that she should compare governments with governments and people with people. Although our government is pro-Israel to an extreme, I think most of the general citizens believe our government should be neutral (just as the European citizens believe). However, we never have any political candidates who stand on that platform. Anyway, I'm sure it was an unintentional mis-comparison and though it struck a nerve, this was a good read. The reviewers who say she does not open up enough (in my view) miss the point of her reserved character, the Muslim honor and privacy belief system, and Noor's dignity. For goodness sake, she even said she almost never held hands with her husband in public. Why would she disgrace her family honor now by publishing a tell-all book? Instead, she showed her intelligence, but also her respect for her husband, family, and country. I agree her politics are slanted to her view (and to her country's view) but face it, it's her book.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Dr. Steve
    5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Seller/ Good Book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Just started reading 📖 it. Interesting that the first person she thanked for research assistance was Linda Bird Francke. Without benefit of Googling, I surmise Linda Bird may be LBJ’s daughter. In the seventies, I did a lot of research in original presidential documents at the LBJ School of Public Affairs library at UT Austin, and to this day remember reading original papers initialed by LBJ himself making reference to Lisa Halaby, daughter of Najeeb Halaby, Chair of the Federal Aviation Administration. So, there may be a connection between Queen Noor and LBJ’s daughter.

    I want to thank especially the seller, wayneduz, for secure, prompt delivery and impeccable condition of the book. First Ed. from 2003, and book is still brand spanking new.

    👍🏾👍👏🏻🙏
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Patricia L. Daniel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely amazing!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2007
    Verified Purchase
    This book is absolutely amazing! Written so poignantly and eloquently about Queen Noor's life in the Middle East. She gives an inside look, or backstage pass, if you will, to her life. Which at times can be very mundane and funny and sad. Queen Noor is someone I would love to have lunch with I think she is so fascinating in her accomplishments as a Queen to a country that most of us don't understand. I, too, would have hesitated marrying someone that is head of a country and already has 8 kids where 4 of them still lived at home. She has handled her life with the upmost grace that I think even Grace Kelly would have been in awe of her presence. I thank her for allowing us to see a glimpse of her life and I feel honored. I have walked away with a new understanding that not all leaders of the Middle East think alike and thank goodness for that!! What a gift she has given the World!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Mcgivern Owen L
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Pleasant-and unexpected-Surprise.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2004
    Verified Purchase
    "Leap of Faith" was a very pleasant surprise to this reviewer. I picked it up because my wife enjoyed the story, half expecting a mushy "girl" tale. To describe LOF in that fashion is inaccurate, derogatory to the authoress and unfair to females in general. Queen Noor was born Lisa Halaby, an American of Swedish/Arabic descent. She went to the best schools, was well traveled. She was no ingenue. Lisa was working in the Middle East when she met the then recently divorced King of Jordan. LOF details the Queen's life after her 1978 marriage until the King's death from cancer in 1999. It must have been terribly difficult for an American woman, even one with Arabic father, to adjust to a new life. She was a highly public figure in a strange land, a stepmother to children form 2 previous marriages and wed to a man who was quite "occupied" with the affairs of state. Noor skillfully alludes to these problems without dwelling on them or glossing them over. She presents herself as both a sincere, independent woman but a loyal wife as well. The strongest point to LOF is its' perspective on the Israel/ Palestine conflict. Let there be no doubt! Readers get the Muslim viewpoint here! The Queen is not a neutral obersver-nor should she be! Noor was an Arabic monarch and makes no apologies, not that any are due. Noor plainly sees her late husband as an under appreciated moderate, constantly striving for peace. The Queen firmly and fervently makes the case that Israel is the aggressor in the Middle East, has seized far too much Palestinian land and that her leaders (the late Mr. Rabin excepted) are not interested in peace. She takes dead aim at Messrs. Begin and Netanyahu. Virtually every reviewer who gave LOF low rankings seized this point to criticize LOF. This reviewer takes the Queens' side for 3 reasons: 1) She may be correct. 2) Americans need to be exposed to the Arabic view. The Israeli slant is far to dominant in the USA. Pat Buchanan has labeled this condition the "Amen Corner". 3) LOF is not history. It is a highly personal memoir from an Arab-American uniquely situated in the heart of the conflict. (Credit to previous reviewer "Darleen" on that vital point). LOF has 2 minor weak points: 1) It recounts too much travel, too much coming and going. There are too many high level receptions and state visits. Granted, Noor was a busy woman but too much ink is devoted to these activities. 2) We don't find out what happened to her after her husband died! Is she still Queen? Is she back in the States? How did her husband's succession play out? What are her plans for the future? She is still a relatively young woman! She still has much too offer the world. Since portions of LOF are so intense, this reviewer hated to see the story end so vaguely. This reviewer's minor criticisms or those of others on the Arabic/Israeli conflict should deter no one from reading LOF. This is a fine story of a smart and sensitive lady who chose a difficult and challenging path for herself. She performed a diplomatic balancing act extremely well. She and her biography deserve respect
    19 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ingrid Koenig
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jordanian history
    Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2023
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    Liked her understanding and explaining of the Palestinian situation
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  • IsabelaL.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
    Reviewed in Brazil on July 22, 2023
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    Very good
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  • Agnesa
    5.0 out of 5 stars An almost forgotten history of dance in Australia by a woman who was there at its beginning.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this book with all its surprising revelations of the world of Dance born in its early days in Australia. Such a personal story, I read it in tandem with the autobiography of Eileen Kramer "Walkabout Dancer" and was transported to another era. These women were pioneers of dance, and of courage, and I hope they will be remembered as such.
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  • Brenda Powell
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book was very interesting and shed a lot of ...
    Reviewed in Canada on June 5, 2018
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    This book was very interesting and shed a lot of light on the history of the Middle East and their battles.
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  • L. R. Pritchett
    5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant little story that kids will love!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    This magical book tells a very entertaining story that i think your kids will love. The main character Faith the pixie get herself in trouble with her curiosity about humans and has an exciting adventure because of it! Obviously there's more to it, but wont spoil your reading by saying any more. I'd definately say its worth a read.
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