Condoleezza Rice, one of the most powerful and controversial women in the world, has until now remained a mystery behind an elegant, cool veneer. N...
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reviews
Dec 29, 2008
Jenny
rated it: 
I was fascinated to read that Condoleezza Rice was taught by Madeline Albright's father, Josef Korbel - and I would like to read more about him now!
The Elisabeth Bumiller book provided me with some knowledge about Condoleezza Rice. I was particularly interested in reading about her family background and early life. This material was handled well.
The book did not however, deliver the same level of understanding to Condoleezza's career in National Security and as Secretary More...
The Elisabeth Bumiller book provided me with some knowledge about Condoleezza Rice. I was particularly interested in reading about her family background and early life. This material was handled well.
The book did not however, deliver the same level of understanding to Condoleezza's career in National Security and as Secretary More...
Apr 13, 2011
Melanie
rated it: 
I chose this book for several reasons, one being that I had wanted to read a biography, another that I spotted this book at the library in February (and thought I could do something in honor of Black History Month), and most of all because Condoleeza Rice has been a person who has fascinated me and in some ways has reminded me of my mother with her apparent class and grace.
I was a bit disappointed with this book, however. The accounts of Rice's childhood and family background and ed More...
I was a bit disappointed with this book, however. The accounts of Rice's childhood and family background and ed More...
Nov 09, 2009
Mary
rated it:
I picked this book up because I wanted to know what makes Condoleezza Rice tick. Unfortunately, this biography doesn't provide a lot of revealing information beyond what we all know. The early chapters describing Rice's childhood as a minister's daughter in segregated Birmingham are interesting. But the book soon devolves into an analysis of all the missteps leading up to 9/11 and the Iraq war. I'm glad I read it, but still feel like something is missing.
Aug 07, 2011
Cyndie
rated it: 
As if I don't say it enough, I really enjoy biographies. And I prefer a biography over an autobiography if I have mixed feelings about the subject. So I enjoyed Bumiller's story of Rice's life. She had sufficient access and cooperation of Rice as well as many of those who worked and lived closely with her, those who have been supportive and those who have been critical.
Feb 01, 2012
Having read Rice's two well written memoirs, which were honest and direct, I can already see that this book is digging for dirt and some level of discrediting her. Book club selection by someone who felt this would be a better look at her than her own writings.
Jul 12, 2010
Bryan
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This is probably the best biography on her to date. She actually conducted some interviews with her and her colleagues. If you want to learn more about her and the Bush administration, it is worth a look.
Mar 14, 2008
John
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Condoleezza Rice is a historical figure in her own right as well as a formidable fixture on the current political scene. Her accomplishments are so significant, numerous and far reaching that they are difficult to completely assemble into recognizable categories. Unfortunately, this author could not appreciably fathom the stature of the individual before her and this book, lacking much original thought, falls far short of any recommendation to read it. Condoleezza Rice is an intriguing individu
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Jun 08, 2011
Cortino
rated it:
A comprehensive and somewhat unbiased chronicling of Condi's life and career, but in the end I felt myself asking, "To what end was this book written?"
Jul 30, 2010
Stacey
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Not completely a tell-all, but I found it an interesting look at a very accomplished woman. Her family's history is fascinating.
May 31, 2011
LS
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A 50-50 split of info about her and developments in US history. A very topical view.
Mar 22, 2008
Michelle
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Very interesting, though biased (I thought) at times. I enjoyed learning about what Rice did before she became NSA and Secretary of State. I wasn't aware of how close she was to the bombing victims in Birmingham, AL.
Feb 24, 2008
Kamae
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I enjoyed learning about Condoleezza but I didn't think the book was very well written.
Feb 04, 2008
Nadine
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This month's ward book group read. Still waiting for it to get to the library.
Feb 12, 2012
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