Pre-Summer Reading

Now that income taxes are out of the way, perhaps you have a little more time for reading. Following are a trio of nonfiction titles that have been on the bestseller lists in recent weeks that might be worth a look. Queen Noor's Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life is the fascinating story of the former Lisa Halaby, American-born woman who married Jordan's King Hussein in 1978. She served as Queen of Jordan until Hussein's death in 1999.

If you have seen her on the talk shows, you will know that she is an articulate, intelligent woman who understands both the Arab and American cultures. Her story has been compared to The King and I. Don't expect a lot of gossipy, lurid stories, but you will get a close look at her adjustment to instant royalty, and learn a great deal about King Hussein's efforts to find peace in the Middle East, not to mention a view of her own opinions on the search for peace. This book is highly recommended.