One Sentence Summary:
A captivating memoir by Queen Noor detailing her unexpected life as the wife of King Hussein of Jordan.
Book Genre:
Memoir, Autobiography, Biography
Main Topic of the Book:
Personal experiences of Queen Noor as she navigates her life as a queen, activist, and humanitarian.
Key Ideas:
- The complexities and intricacies of royal life
- The impact of political unrest on a nation and its people
- The importance of cultural understanding and bridge-building
- The role and responsibilities of being a public figure and humanitarian
- The power of love and faith in overcoming challenges
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary:
- Part 1: Becoming Queen Noor – Introduces the reader to Lisa Halaby, an American woman who meets King Hussein and becomes Queen Noor of Jordan.
- Part 2: The Unexpected Life – Explores Queen Noor’s transition into royal life and her efforts to adapt and succeed in her new role.
- Part 3: Love and Loyalty – Focuses on the Queen’s personal life and the challenges she faced in her marriage to King Hussein.
- Part 4: Seeking Solutions – Chronicles Queen Noor’s humanitarian work and activism in Jordan and the Middle East.
- Part 5: New Beginnings – Reflects on Queen Noor’s life after King Hussein’s death and her continued dedication to peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of love and faith can help overcome any obstacles in life.
- The importance of cultural understanding, especially in times of political unrest.
- The weight of responsibility that comes with being a public figure and the impact one can have as a humanitarian.
- The complexities and challenges of royal life.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Born in the United States, Lisa Halaby met and married King Hussein of Jordan in 1978, becoming Queen Noor. Throughout her life, she has been actively involved in humanitarian work and peacebuilding efforts, earning her numerous awards and recognition. She is also a successful writer and speaks five languages.
Target Audience:
Individuals interested in memoirs, biographies, and the inner workings of royal life, as well as those interested in Jordan and the Middle East. Readers who are seeking inspiration and insights on how to navigate unexpected challenges in life will also find this book compelling.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life was published by Miramax Books in 2003.