Rating: 
Summary: Condi is a Respectable Character
Review: You don't have to agree with her views to be in awe of what this woman has accomplished. I for one am not a huge fan of the administration for which she belongs, but I figured since Condoleeza Rice is about to step into an historical position (the highest government position appointed to a black woman- Secetary of State), I better educate myself on the woman and her journey.
Condi-The Condoleeza Rice Story gives its readers an overview of this intriguing woman's life, but no more. I was pleased to find out more about her family background which is filled with scholars. Knowing more about her family history gives me a better understanding of why she is the way she is. The book goes on to detail every accomplishment Condi has made whether it be the University of Denver's "Senior Woman of the Year," Standford's provost, or National Security Advisor. I must admit that I was very disturbed and stunned to read of her connection to oil (served on Chevron's board,etc.) That definitely made me a little weary.
While this biography was very informative, it failed to shed light on Condi's personality. I would like to know more about the Condi that enjoys football and hanging out with her firends.
Rating: 
Summary: Condi boasts too much
Review: Although an accurate biographical summary of an important figure today the book lacks a fair treatment of the importance of terrorism. An intelligent person perfectly suited for terrorism from the post Soviet countries but not the Middle East menace which we confront today. I didn't feel secure before 9/11 with Condi as N.S.A. and now most of the experience she gains will be on the job at a cost to how many more people being victims. Address the issue of Palestine to end terrorism against Americans Jews and the disenfranchised. Read the book and decide!AJ FAL
Rating: 
Summary: Tough-as-nails American Miracle
Review: Can Condoleeza Rice really be just one person? National Security Advisor, Former Stanford Provost, Tenured Stanford Professor, Hoover Fellow, accomplished classical pianist, figure skater, football fanatic, and the list goes on... Felix does a good job chronicling Rice's ascension from Birmingham to Denver to Palo Alto and eventually Washington D.C. The book is chock full of insights from family, fellow professors, and Washington colleagues. One the more interesting vignettes described a Old West style "staredown" between Rice and Boris Yeltsin at the White House steps. A fascinating read about a potential Presidential candidate.
Rating:
Summary: Objective and Entertaining
Review: Condi is an objective biography of Dr. Rice, beginning with her childhood experiences in Alabama, and continuing on with her rise to the White House. The most interesting part of the book is the history of her family, and how they shaped her into the ambitious and intelligent woman she now is.
Rating:
Summary: Of a strong-willed and remarkable black woman
Review: Condi: The Condoleezza Rice Story by author, historian, and biographer Antonia Felix is the engaging story of the strong-willed and remarkable black woman, Condoleezza Rice, who served Present George Herbert WalkerBush as his National Security Advisor, and a continues to serve in that same capacity (as well as being a close personal confidant) to President George W. Bush. Biographer Felix draws upon exclusive interviews with dozens of people from Condoleezza's life in highlighting her character, ranging from her deep commitment to her religious faith, to her personal loyalty and passions for music, football, and Russian culture. Condi: The Condoleezza Rice Story is an amazing portrait of a great woman and is very highly recommended reading for students of current events, Black Studies, and contemporary political science.
Rating: 
Summary: Will the Real Sistuh Please Stand Up?
Review: Condi: The Condoleezza Rice Story by biographer Antonia Felix paints a picture of a life divine. This is the story of how a little black girl from the segregated south rose to prominence to become one of the most powerful women in political history. A woman whose impact may affect America forever. Hers however is not a story of a poor little girl scuffling from the ravages of poverty to a top level Presidential appointment. Not a rags to riches story here. No, Rice was raised in the comfort of the educated middle class, a privileged daughter of the south, the quintessential BAP, (Black American Princess). Born to a third generation college-educated family in Birmingham, Alabama, Rice knew well the family history of her paternal grandfather's journey from sharecropper to college graduate and she knew the legacy she inherited was not to be taken lightly. Both the Rices and The Rays (maternal line) were proud, educated folk. Her mother, Angelena Ray Rice, was an accomplished musician and school teacher when she met John Rice, a young Presbyterian minister. By the time Rice was three years old she was learning French and the piano. Though she was in the midst of the most heated time of the civil rights movement-- her hometown was known as Bombingham--, the coping methods of the black middle class was one that shielded their children from the insanity and horrors of Jim Crow. Rice's parents' response to her concerns about segregated facilities was that it was not her problem. When the amusement park opened one day of the year for blacks, they did not patronize it. Summers were spent at college campuses where her parents took graduate courses, one being the University of Denver. They eventually moved there when John took a position as professor and administrator. Rice excelled in music and ice skating though she was informed that she did not have the aptitude for college. Of course her parents dismissed the notion and Rice proved them wrong by excelling in her studies at private schools. After entering the University of Denver at age fifteen, where she challenged a professor on the intelligence of blacks, Rice realized that while she was a good pianist, she was not great and therefore shifted her interests elsewhere. She took a class in Russian Studies and there she found her passion. She went on for advanced degrees and eventually ended up at Stanford University as a professor and then a provost. It was there she came to the attention of President George Bush. But it is under the present President George W. Bush's regime that she has flourished and received world wide attention as the National Security Advisor. The book, in tedious detail, chronicles Rice's academic and political career, however, nothing was really revealed that could have been culled from articles and other media outlets. This reviewer anticipated reading this book to get a real picture of the Condoleezza Rice that the public is not privy to and have my knowledge expanded about this hard-to-read woman. I wanted to get into the head of this woman with the plastered smile and perfect demeanor. I wanted to know the real woman. But maybe the façade is just what it is. Dera Williams
APOOO BookClub
Rating:
Summary: Shows us the career superwoman but not the person
Review: Condoleezza Rice was the object of intense curiousity earlier this year during the controversial 9/11 hearings. Although she revealed nothing except the standard public relations talking points, Rice maintained her poise in the onslaught of intense scrutiny. So it's no wonder the Bush administration has increasingly leaned on her to argue their position about the war in Iraq. Antonia Felix's biography of Rice reads like an elongated resume of her subject and not much more. It's very much a public relations work as she dutifully cites Rice's accomplishments. However, anyone who has paid scant attention to Rice has heard it all before. Sure we learn of Rice's childhood in Birmingham during the height of the civil rights struggle, her love of football and classical music but we get no sense of what really makes her tick. Is she an icy, cold blooded schoolmarm as many have suggested or is there in fact a personality behind the image she presents? Does she wholeheartedly believe in the policies she argues for on behalf of her employer or does she entertain any doubts? Rice is obviously an intelligent woman and I strongly suspect she's a more complex individual than her press, good or bad, lets us believe. I'm sure many would love to know how she reconciles her personal views and beliefs as a preacher's daughter and African American with some of the stands and policies of the people and institutions she has served as a spokesperson for. Read this book if you want a recitation of Rice's career accomplishments but if you're looking for more you'll have to wait for another biography.
Rating:
Summary: A dynamic individual
Review: Condoleezza Rice, in what amounts to a relatively short amount of time spent in public service, has seen her political stock literally catapult of late. From being a child piano prodigy to entering the University of Denver at age 15, to becoming the youngest Provost ever at Stanford, to becoming the first female National Security Advisor ever, Condi has not only met, but conquered all incoming challenges. Through the adversity of war and liberal critics, she has maintained her customary charm, intelligence, mental fortitude, and the ability to hold her own with anyone. This book provides a brief, yet somewhat lacking, look into the maturation of Condoleezza Rice from a piano prodigy to that of a Russian virtuoso and superb foreign relations advisor. From a young age, her parents instilled in her values that she not only talks about, but lives by, in her life today; such values as self responsibility, equality and freedom for all, unwavering adherence to one's moral principles of right and wrong, a strong faith in God, and of course, a tireless work ethic that is to be lauded, if not emulated, by all. Dr. Rice is, without question, the most powerful woman in America. She has been intrumental in the unification of Germany under Bush 41, has been indispensable in her meetings with Vladimir Putin, has been resolute and positive during times of adversity, and has maintained her belief in the ideals and principles on which America was founded. With her background and abilities, she no doubt has a bright future - possibly as Secretary of State, VP, Senator, or maybe even President. This book, despite its quasi-adequate background of Dr. Rice, provides little of her exploits as NSA. Overall, a good and insightful read about a fascinating individual - albeit without much substance.
Rating:
Summary: A dynamic individual
Review: Condoleezza Rice, in what amounts to a relatively short amount of time spent in public service, has seen her political stock literally catapult of late. From being a child piano prodigy to entering the University of Denver at age 15, to becoming the youngest Provost ever at Stanford, to becoming the first female National Security Advisor ever, Condi has not only met, but conquered all incoming challenges. Through the adversity of war and liberal critics, she has maintained her customary charm, intelligence, mental fortitude, and the ability to hold her own with anyone. This book provides a brief, yet somewhat lacking, look into the maturation of Condoleezza Rice from a piano prodigy to that of a Russian virtuoso and superb foreign relations advisor. From a young age, her parents instilled in her values that she not only talks about, but lives by, in her life today; such values as self responsibility, equality and freedom for all, unwavering adherence to one's moral principles of right and wrong, a strong faith in God, and of course, a tireless work ethic that is to be lauded, if not emulated, by all. Dr. Rice is, without question, the most powerful woman in America. She has been intrumental in the unification of Germany under Bush 41, has been indispensable in her meetings with Vladimir Putin, has been resolute and positive during times of adversity, and has maintained her belief in the ideals and principles on which America was founded. With her background and abilities, she no doubt has a bright future - possibly as Secretary of State, VP, Senator, or maybe even President. This book, despite its quasi-adequate background of Dr. Rice, provides little of her exploits as NSA. Overall, a good and insightful read about a fascinating individual - albeit without much substance.
Rating:
Summary: Chevron named a tanker after me, beeyatch!
Review: Direct quote from Bush intelligence official, 2004 interview: Contrast December '99 with June and July and August 2001. In December '99 we get similar kinds of evidence that al-Qaida was planning a similar kind of attack. President Clinton asks the national security advisor to hold daily meetings with attorney-general, the CIA, FBI. They go back to their departments from the White House and shake the departments out to the field offices to find out everything they can find. It becomes the number one priority of those agencies. When the head of the FBI and CIA have to go to the White House every day, things happen and by the way, we prevented the attack. Contrast that with June, July, August 2001 when the president is being briefed virtually every day in his morning intelligence briefing that something is about to happen, and he never chairs a meeting and he never asks Condi Rice to chair a meeting about what we're doing about stopping the attacks. She didn't hold one meeting during all those three months.
|
