The first full biography of Colin Powell, from his Bronx childhood to his military career to his controversial tenure as secretary of state, with a...
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Sep 19, 2011
Javer
rated it: 
Portraying in words the life of one of America's most notable military personnel is a very arduous task to accomplish, yet one that the author did very well. The way the story begin with the description of humble beginnings up to the position of Secretary of State in the Bush administration, says a lot about the character and moral values of a person. All of those characteristic were well represented in the book by the author. I believe Mr Powell himself was probably satisfied with the work of M
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Jul 19, 2011
Sheldon
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I really enjoyed this book. I did the audiobook version and it was interesting to hear more details of his early life and some of the happenings during his time as secretary of state.
Much of the secretary of state details I had heard about through a TV documentary called "Bush's War", which I highly recommend for those interested in the decision making and dynamics that went on during those times... it's worth the 3 hours. :)... But I found the early parts of his life eq More...
Much of the secretary of state details I had heard about through a TV documentary called "Bush's War", which I highly recommend for those interested in the decision making and dynamics that went on during those times... it's worth the 3 hours. :)... But I found the early parts of his life eq More...
Nov 27, 2010
James
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Like many Americans, I have a deep and abiding respect for Colin Powell. He is a man that should perhaps have been President and as this book mentions, it was given consideration. It's a rare black man in America that can unite our diverse country, but Colin Powell is such a man. His military service is exemplary and honorable. My only quarrel with him (who am I to judge? I know) is pointed out several times throughout this book. He would seriously disagree with the Bush Administration on m
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Apr 16, 2007
Julz
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I have always admired Colin Powell, but as the Iraq debacle unfolded, I had to ask, "WHY??!?" The whole thing is so un-Powell-esque. No clear reason, no attempt at diplomacy, no exit strategy, etc.
When I finished this book, I was torn between admiring him for refusing to smear a former employer and being completely flummoxed as to how someone so intelligent can be so inculcated in military culture that he put up with that nonsense as long as he did.
When I finished this book, I was torn between admiring him for refusing to smear a former employer and being completely flummoxed as to how someone so intelligent can be so inculcated in military culture that he put up with that nonsense as long as he did.
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Mar 12, 2009
Jason
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I found this book terribly disappointing. I thought I was reading a biography about Colin Powell, but instead it turned out to be a book focused on the failures of the American military and its administration, taking time now and then to mention Powell. The author leaves little doubt about what her political views are, taking a very negative view of republican administrations and either glossing over democratic administrations or making excuses for them. And by the time you finish the book you t
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Jan 08, 2012
Kyle
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This book is an exceptional book about one of the greatest political figures of our time. For me, Powell seemed to come "out of nowhere" and lead the US during the Gulf War. His name and face became commonplace during that war, but I never knew who he was. As discussion centered around his possible future political opportunities, I was always amazed with what I learned and wanted to know more. This book provides that chance. Though at times it provided almost too much detail for me, it
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Sep 24, 2011
William
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One of the best biographies of a political character that I have ever read. There are times where I lose track of who the players are and what a particular politician or officer's title means. Yet, overall I was able to follow what was going on and how it affected our nation. Powell did an excellent job of speaking at the Speaker Series. He was smooth and easy to follow with quips and humorous antidotes throughout the evening. He reminded me of that member of everyone's family who is easy to tal
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Jul 23, 2011
Bob
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Colin Powell was obviously an astounding fellow. Son of Caribbean immigrants who rises to the top of the military and political systems. He is described as a very bright, extremely self controlled charismatic leader. Reading about the workings of the White House in the 2 Iraq and 1 Afghanistan wars was interesting.
This book should be titled "The Good Soldier." At crucial turns Powell willingly participated in illegal, immoral things because he was in essence a company man. My More...
This book should be titled "The Good Soldier." At crucial turns Powell willingly participated in illegal, immoral things because he was in essence a company man. My More...
Jun 18, 2011
Jason
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Excellent book depicting the life of Colin Powell from childhood to post-Secretary of State. I think the best parts of this book were Powell's lessons on managing people. The book also goes into detail about the weeks leading up to Powell's UN speech on Iraq and the process by which he attempted to decipher the C.I.A. intelligence. A must read for anyone interested in becoming an effective leader and those interested in why a person like Powell would put his reputation on the line over the suppo
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Jan 16, 2011
Matt
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I have always been a fan of Colin Powell and so anticpated enjoying this book a great deal. The first half of the book was excellent. It dealt with his 35 years in uniform and was exactly what I had been hoping to read.
The second half of the book was not that great. It dealt entirely with his four years in the Bush administration. This was frustrating for me to read because I have no respect for Bush and the way he ran (or didn't run) the country. Primarily this stems from the f More...
The second half of the book was not that great. It dealt entirely with his four years in the Bush administration. This was frustrating for me to read because I have no respect for Bush and the way he ran (or didn't run) the country. Primarily this stems from the f More...
Feb 23, 2010
Heather
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Great authorized biography of Powell that ends with his departure from politics at the end of Bush's first term. Far more moderate than the republican party would have his fans believe!
Jun 17, 2011
Jennean
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This book is just waaay too long. I found it interesting but started to get bored during the second half of the book. It became tedious.
Jun 13, 2011
Daniel
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I have great respect for what I consider one of the finest leaders in recent history.
Aug 06, 2010
Summers
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Very, very good. I'm listening to the CD as I drive back and forth to work. This is the first time I've really understood Vietnam and what happened there, and other military interventions. He wasn't "political" but he definitely influenced politics and presidents. Did get a little long at the end but very much enjoyed this one.
Jan 27, 2008
Andy
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A great book. I was surprised at the relationship General Powell and President Bush had, I thought it was much closer. You can see the divide between the State department and the VP. The General takes his shots at Cheney & Rumsfeld. Anyone interested in the Iraq was would find this book interesting.
Aug 15, 2007
Kunwar
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A good book about an interesting character. Looks not only into why Colin Powell acted the way he did in the lead up to the Iraq war, and how his reputation has been tarnished but also traces his entire career and offers tantalizing observations for his future redemption.
Jul 09, 2008
Beth
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I listened to this one on our drive to pensacola. Really interesting. I have a lot more respect for the man. I have to admit that I slept through some parts, but over all very informative. Don't know if I could get through the entire things as a read though.
Sep 21, 2008
Penny
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This book took some time read but I enjoyed learning more about Powell and the events that occurred while he was head of the State Department. You learn more about his view of the war and the role he took in the administration.
Aug 06, 2010
Tim
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Great book with a true rags to riches story!!! It tells how a young black man can overcome adversity throughout his distinguished military career and ultimately become more popular that the president.
Apr 23, 2011
Jaime
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Enjoyed this a lot, especially Powell's early life. Good historical context while also being entertaining and easy to read.
Feb 14, 2011
Robert
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Makes you wish that Colin Powell wasn't the fall guy for the Iraq War, at least in the eyes of most people.
Aug 06, 2010
Kevin J.
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A book that goes beyond the life of Colin Powell and examines the context for which he has lived and worked.
Oct 24, 2008
Paula
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reminded me of forest gump...everything happened for no particular reason...
Jan 15, 2008
Josh
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Colin Powell is a great American, and this is a very good telling of his story.
Oct 13, 2009
Shawn
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Although this book takes a harsh look at the Bush White House, I would have to say that this book is about as unbiased as one can get. It never goes off on a "Bush is clueless" tangent, (which I personally believe), and had some quite harsh words about Albright's running of the State department.
This book was highly informative, and although it glossiness over some years of Colin's life I guess that would be inevitable over such a long career.
In the end, Colin i More...
This book was highly informative, and although it glossiness over some years of Colin's life I guess that would be inevitable over such a long career.
In the end, Colin i More...
