Maureen A. Blake

Fantastic Family Film, Jan 17 2004

I never heard ANYTHING at all about this movie which my husband brought home from a clearance rack. It turned out to be the BEST film I have seen in the past year!! The dialogue was realistic and masterfully done, with a terrific cast of child actors, and wonderful direction that reminded me of "The Wonder Years" television show, all topped of with the beautiful voice of Celine Dion's music enhancing the movie. The movie was funny, engaging, moving , and full of substance as it delt with truly valuable issues and lessons in life through the unfolding of the story in a non-didactic but enjoyable manner.(Such as capacity for some to grow and change,fear of change and the unknown,… Read more

Intriguing, Entertaining and Thought Provoking, Jan 10 2004

This novel is a captivating read which I had trouble putting down. In fact my husband also started to read it at the same time,and we were quite competetive over who got the book at any given time!
The suspensful story begins with the mysterious murder of the curator of the Lourve with well defined strong characters of the investigating police, the niece of the slain curator, and an American expert in symbols who is unknowingly drawn into the mess as he had the last known appointment scheduled with the victim. What follows is the quest to discover the murderer in a story filled with fascinating details based on historical research of the Holy Grail, and a secret society of the… Read more

Honest Reflections in honor of her Husband, Jan 10 2004

I was captivated by Queen Noor's book and carried it with me everywhere as I read quickly through it. There is a credibity in her memoir as it's genesis was her personal journals which she did not intend on writing for publication. Noor later poured over them along with editors who shaped the book.
I found her honest reflections on her relationship with her husband and her family to be tactfully written, acknowledging that they, like all of us, experience challenges which she indicates at times made her wonder if the whole family would all be better off WITHOUT her. Noor openly discusses her fears in the book and how she struggled with even the idea of seeking counsel of others out… Read more