Rating: 
Summary: Simple Book About a Complex Person
Review: I bought this book out of curiosity. I don't share much of Dr. Rice's political philosophy. However, she and I are the same age and I was interested in her background. This book will serve as an adequate source of information for those, like me, mildly interested in Dr. Rice and her background. In no way does this book cover the more private aspects of her personality or motivations in life. Perhaps there's no way it could, being so contemporary. Certainly the book documents Dr. Rice's life from her early days in a segregated society all the way to her appointment at the NSA. After reading this book I can understand much better why she is so comfortable with the Bush and Cheney families. She came from the elite black society of segregation, then moved into wealthy white society. It is clear that Dr. Rice has been a person of discipline and achievement her whole life. This book doesn't delve into her personal life; it's not one of those 'intimate' biographies at all. In fact, the lack of insight into her personal life is rather noticeable, providing less information than the average biography. This book could certainly serve as one of those quick-and-easy documents meant to fuel political campaigns. It's a light and quick read, which is all I wanted on the subject.
Rating:
Summary: Simple Book About a Complex Person
Review: I bought this book out of curiosity. I don't share much of Dr. Rice's political philosophy. However, she and I are the same age and I was interested in her background. This book will serve as an adequate source of information for those, like me, mildly interested in Dr. Rice and her background. In no way does this book cover the more private aspects of her personality or motivations in life. Perhaps there's no way it could, being so contemporary. Certainly the book documents Dr. Rice's life from her early days in a segregated society all the way to her appointment at the NSA. After reading this book I can understand much better why she is so comfortable with the Bush and Cheney families. She came from the elite black society of segregation, then moved into wealthy white society. It is clear that Dr. Rice has been a person of discipline and achievement her whole life. This book doesn't delve into her personal life; it's not one of those 'intimate' biographies at all. In fact, the lack of insight into her personal life is rather noticeable, providing less information than the average biography. This book could certainly serve as one of those quick-and-easy documents meant to fuel political campaigns. It's a light and quick read, which is all I wanted on the subject.
Rating: 
Summary: "Highly readable" but too easy?
Review: I collected this book from a Newmarket Press sales rep at the ALA convention in Philadelphia, and she billed it as "the first adult biography on Condoleeza Rice." I was of course intrigued since all the other Newmarket books in the display catered to younger audiences. After reading this book on the train home, I have this observation: This is a book which easily bridges the gap between public school easy reader books and grit-you-teeth boring "adult" biographies. While not totally child's play (there are great insights into Dr. Rice's personality and upbringing), author Felix's style is so accessible, I felt talked down to a number of times in the book. I look forward to more a more mature biography of this truly fascinating woman.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed in this book. Being an admirer of Condoleeza Rice, I was really looking forward to reading her life story. However the book reads more like a very very long and protracted resume rather than a story about someone's life. I think I expected to learn more about Dr Rice the person, rather than all the political accomplishments. For me, (and perhaps many others who like biographies/ autobiographies) reading stories about people, how they think, how they approach life, their dreams, their joys and sorrows and of course their accomplishments has always been inspirational. One gets the sense however, that the author of this book does not really know Dr Rice and writes about her "from a distance" per say. I guess I'll just have to wait for the autobiography.
Rating: 
Summary: Elementary level reading.....lacks a mature structure
Review: I may not totally embrace Ms. Rice's political philosophy, but I have deep respects for her professional background and her work. I expected a more mature, well developed, well structured, well presented book on Ms. Rice's life. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the book written by Antonia Felix. For whatever reason or reasons Ms. Felix presented Ms. Rice the way she did in her book, it lacks a mature structure. This will not discourage me from looking for other books on Ms. Rice. It is also presented for a middle school or high school readership.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating life of a fascinating woman
Review: I picked up this book to learn more about the woman who is our new Secretary of State and I'm glad I did. It seems she's been on the track to get where she is almost from the time she was born.
Although born in segregated Birmingham, her parents tried to shield her from those realities and instead focused her upbringing on scholastic achievement and church. Her parents, very accomplished and community involved people, made sure Dr. Rice had every opportunity growing up.
The fact that Dr. Rice initially studied to become a concert pianist, until she realized she didn't have what it takes to be a success didn't surprise me. Neither did the fact that she was bright enough to skip two grades and was very young when she graduated college. I was suprised to learn that Dr. Rice initially registered as a Democrat and voted for Jimmy Carter. It was that administrations Soviet polices (and her belief in small government) that turned her into a Republican.
This book details the public face/life of Dr. Rice (the schooling, jobs, etc). Her private life is barely mentioned (no gossip here). For example, the fact that she's dated several football players is mentioned (briefly) but not discussed in any depth (the gentlemen's names aren't even included). What finally emerges is a portrait of an extremely bright, accomplished woman who loves her job, her friends and family and football.
Rating:
Summary: Public Relations 101
Review: I read the book with both admiration and agitation. I admire Dr. Rice's accomplishments. She's definitely not your average American, black or white, male or female. But the book was written to convince the American public that she is a reputable and capable presence in the White House, a "testing of the waters" to see if the public will consider her on a Presidential ticket. While Dr. Rice has accomplished much, her contributions to the human public have been just as orchestrated as her formal education. The author's style will keep a middle school reader entertained(My 11 year old is reading it now). But the entire book reads like an advertising brochure. I suspect in 50 years, Dr. Rice will be canonized!
Rating:
Summary: The progress of a token
Review: It is amazing to me how someone of her background by being in Birmingham during the bombing and knowing at least one of the girl victims could be so insensitive to the plight of black people in this country. One of the main weaknesses of this book is that the author never interviewed her. Condolezza has been very careful not to say anything on race by concentrating only on foreign affairs she thinks she has removed herself from the national scene which is imposssible in D.C. It is also notworthy that her major promotions have come from the Conservatives from her time at Stamford, the Hoover Institute and the Bushs who are using her very effectively against any progressive politicians. Her pathetic image is one of a lonely woman who has no social life other than to spend her weekends with Pres.Bush and his family says a great deal about her lost of self.
Rating: 
Summary: CONDI
Review: Monumental in-depth research make this work a 'must read' for students of international relations, politics or just plain folks who want a deeper insight into the people who are doing our job in Washington.
The only thing this book may lack is perhaps a personal interview with Ms. Rice. However Ms. Felix, an accomplished author of many books before this has presented a very clear picture of Rice, the person; Rice, the politician and Rice, the educator in her easily read, smoothly written style. (I am an author and professional reviewer for PBS. This is my 101st book/author. Chek out my website www......com for more information)
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: The person who was talking about how terrible a person Condi is is obviously just someone who doesn't agree with her political views and thinks that if you're black and you're conservative... you're a traitor. This person obviously hasn't read this book. It's the best biography I've ever read and one of the best books I've ever read. I highly recommend this book. Why don't you read it for yourself and decide what kind of person Condi is.
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