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Summary: Read it for pleasure or for the history, but read it.
Review: This book should be required reading in our high schools. It gives invaluable insight into the workings of our government and military, as well as one man's view of our history in the last half of the 20th century. The reader may not agree with all of General Powell's positions, but is sure to come away with a greater understanding of how decisions are made and implemented (or not). Perhaps most importantly,the book is fascinating and enjoyable reading.
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Summary: An excellent autobiography.
Review: This book is really good! I am in the 7th grade and think it is fascinating.
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Summary: A must-read for all.
Review: This book should be mandatory reading by ALL school-aged children. A totally inspiring book.
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Summary: Not enough stars for the reviewer to use.
Review: I read this book not just as a member of the military assigned to the Pentagon for three years, but as someone wanting to learn more about a man I saw once a week or so (on the average) for so long a period of time. General Powell's honesty and integrity come through in this work. If you never had the pleasure of knowing him personally, the book tells the reader who the real man is. It is the genuine article, and should be read by all who preach racism, segregation, or alienation. Gen. Powell is "a man for all seasons," and his compassion for his troops and human kind in general, even in time of war, should become the standard by which all leaders are measured.
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Summary: I'd give it ten stars, if I could.
Review: I do not know the origin of the military term "general" (I'll have to look that up), but considering Colin Powell, if the word is not rooted in saintly lore then it's not good enough for him- with or without stars. I'm grateful he's shared his journey with us; it's an interesting and inspiring one.
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Summary: Wonderful Leadership
Review: This book is a must-read for anyone who wonders how to rise through the ranks. There are numerous quotable quotes and anecdotes to inspire leaders across America.
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Summary: Tactical insights from the so-called "political" General
Review: Its surprising to learn some tactical points from Gen. Powell who is often refered as being political: having his ARVN troops wear flak jackets on point in Vietnam, his attention to detail while jumping with U.S. Army PATHFINDER School come to mind. His principles in the back of the book are good to post on everyone's wall and bulletin board. But readers need to be very careful about pitching Gen Powell's story as proof positive that being good will garner you success. His encounter with the bigoted CO at Fort Carson almost ruined his career had it not been for "mentors" looking over him and protecting him. There are a lot of "Colin Powells" in the military or have been in the military who when they meet this career threatening jerk-of-a-co; find noone to save them, and we lose their brilliance. We do a great dis-service to our young people when we push blind naivete' and ambition as the answers to life without telling them of the jealousies and back-stabbings that are sure to follow. Gen Powell clearly understands this because he always tries to remind everyone that the "U.S." in "U.S. Army" means US--all of us, that one person's success means everyone's success. I like Gen Powell's egalitareanism shown in the book, and I hope people who read it be like him. I wish the U.S. Army would create a required reading list for its Soldiers, place this book on that list and give their people correspondance course credit after answering questions on the book (should be some essay questions to make them think) to jump-start the professional revival we need starting from the bottom up, by all ranks not just high-brow officers.
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Summary: I found this book fasinating. It's the story of his life.
Review: My American Journey is Colin Powell's story of his life in the bronx growing up and the values his parents instilled in him and his siblings. It showed Colin to have a great sense of humor and great strength of mind to overcome any problems that were in his way.
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Summary: Awe-Inspiring!
Review: As a US Air Force Officer, I am proud to recommend this book to all. Gen Powell's experiences have re-energized my ideals. His insights into leadership and service to country are magnificant! His story is a testament to hard work and a willingness to take responsibility for ones own actions. He proves to us all that we can make mistakes, learn from them, and lead others down the right path. A true, must read biography for all Americans.
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Summary: An uplifting book that can help America heal its wounds.
Review: Six hundred seventeen pages about a contemporary general? This is one of the few modern biographies I have read and I was amazed at how enjoyable it was. Powell's life is a traditional rags-to-riches story, the American Dream come true. His writing is clear, suscinct, and entertaining, giving you a feeling for the man behind the uniform. He offers an interesting perspective on America's leaders and provides an insider's view on how decisions are really made in our government. His career provides a parallel for the re-making of the American Armed Forces. He offers us Powell's rules, and
peppered with cameo appearances by contemporary celebrities, he unravels the story of a how a boy from the Bronx can rise to hold the highest position in the Armed Forces today. At the outset of his book, he dabbles with the topic of racism, but by the end he is revved into high gear delivering a clear message: every single American should be proud of his heritage, but he should be proud to be American, too. This is an uplifting book, with a message that needs to be heard by all Americans.
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