Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book! A Must Read!!
Review: As a Black Man, I am truly honored that a Black Man is not afraid to adhere to his morals. Once, I started to read this book, I could not put it down. It is an excellent book. I think if some Black people would read this book, the United States would be a greater country than it already is.
Rating: 
Summary: Admire the man but dubious of his political leanings
Review: As someone who knew J.C. Watts during his days at the University of Oklahoma when he and teammate Freddie Nixon joined my church, I do not doubt the veracity of his statements on faith, conservatism, politics, and that ugly-but-relevant word, race. The book is a fascinating read, and of course parallels the lives of other African-American leaders regardless of party affiliation. The problem is that, after four terms in office, Watts' legacy is primarily as a drawing card for minorities to a party that serves them no better than the Democrats do now. And that's my problem with the book's title and tone. As a memoir, I like it; as a call to re-define America's perception of what characterizes a conservative/Republican, I found it wanting. This is not a primer for Democrats itching for a reason to jump to the GOP; this is a pat on the back for himself and his party. And, that's fine. However, those same conservatives who embraced Watts have done nothing to elevate the political playing field for members of his socio-economic background--save for the unfortunate few that get the "token" tag; he doesn't really address this. I suspect this is the REAL reason he's leaving office. He also laments how others like Colin Powell, whom I hold in the highest esteem, is not viewed as 'representative' of the African-American community (and he's not); but Watts gives short shrift to the "why" of that conundrum. I admire J.C. Watts for bearing the burden of the "sellout" tag--deserved or not--while still making a visible effort to work within a flawed system to bring about meaningful change to a party that sorely needs a makeover. The values learned as a young man in Eufala obviously served to buffer Watts against the African-American constituency he served and alienated in Oklahoma. As for conservatism? Watts suggests that conservative values are separate from partisanship. I doubt if that's true in practice, but it's a nice thought. Neither party is superior to the other in serving its underclass, but personally, I'll take philandering (Clinton) over overt racism (Lott) anyday.
Rating: 
Summary: Belongs in every Banana Republican's library
Review: File this one next to your biographies of Clarence "Uncle" Thomas, Colin "Token" Powell, and Kindasleezy "White" Rice.
Rating:
Summary: Readers Review
Review: I did not know what to expect when I picked up this book, but found it was hard to put down. I was very pleased with what I found. Watts begins the book with a background of his life growing up in Oklahoma . The rest of the book flows smoothly as he chronologically describes his college days, his marriage, professional football career, and his political years. He describes certain events in his life that led him to his conservative views. I would encourage anyone to read this book, as it causes the reader to reflect upon their own childhood and politcal views.
Rating: 
Summary: What Color Indeed
Review: I received this book as a gift, probably because I had been lamenting how Congress lost a great leader in J.C. Watts, Jr. In this book Watts asks the question: "How can a black man be a Republican, a conservative one at that?" (p. xi.) For him it is common sense; his upbringing and experience growing up on the "wrong side of the tracks" in small town Eufaula, Oklahoma, led him to become the conservative that he is today. The book is littered with examples of how his life experience controlled his voting record. What particularly interested me is a theme Watts repeatedly returned to concerning a new kind of segregation and bigotry, based not on our skin color but rather what we might believe. Many have fallen victim to the Intolerant Left - Walter Williams, Shelby Steele and Thomas Sowell are a few names - merely because they have conservative values. One reviewer below makes our point: "File this one next to your biographies of Clarence 'Uncle' Thomas, Colin 'Token' Powell, and Kindasleezy 'White' Rice." Such asinine and inflammatory comments do not deserve a reply but Watts says of this attitude: "Could there be any sadder commentary on the state of black America today than this? That one of our nation's greatest heroes [Powell], a man of unquestionable integrity, courage, and compassion, who has dedicated serving his life to others, doesn't 'reflect the African American community'? What can any of us do other than shake our heads in sadness that an articulate, extraordinary talented, brilliant woman [Rice] who has ever served both the highest echelons of our government and one of the world's leading institutions of higher learning doesn't 'reflect the African American community'?" (p. 247.) One problem though is Watts' high view of Abraham Lincoln. This is not surprising as almost everyone idolizes the man. Thus I recommend Thomas J. Dilorenzo's The Real Lincoln. But this is my only bone with Watts. The book is worth the read and you'll come out with a fresh perspective. I know I did.
Rating:
Summary: Honest Inspiration
Review: I recently read "What Color is a Conservative". Although, J. C. Watts was not an unknown to me. I must confess that I did it with a little bit of uncertainty. Well, the gamble was worth it! This book may never receive the acclaim it deserves. It is not a spy story or a scandal. But, if you want to spend a few hours learning about America and yourself, read it. It is worth your time! Though I am sowewhat older, a different race, and from another area of the country, J. C. Watts paints a picture that I have seen; in fact, lived through. He has a gift of helping you see another's perspective with pure honesty and truth in a way that helps you understand, perhaps unlike ever before. Some may be turned off by his frequent use of football analogies. But, most will not, because sports is not the issue. It is just a way to convey how hard work, determination and team work has worked in America and always will. Though I was born uder different circumstances, J. C. Watts speaks for me on many issues. His comments transcend race and politics and gets to the essence of what makes America great! I recommend this book to everyone who wants to be challenged and wants to grow. If you ever yearned to be a part of the solution, read this book. It will not tell you how. But, it will tell you why. The power of America truly rests in each of us. J. C. Watts inspires us at a time when our country truly needs it!
Rating:
Summary: Honest Inspiration
Review: I recently read "What Color is a Conservative". Although, J. C. Watts was not an unknown to me. I must confess that I did it with a little bit of uncertainty. Well, the gamble was worth it! This book may never receive the acclaim it deserves. It is not a spy story or a scandal. But, if you want to spend a few hours learning about America and yourself, read it. It is worth your time! Though I am sowewhat older, a different race, and from another area of the country, J. C. Watts paints a picture that I have seen; in fact, lived through. He has a gift of helping you see another's perspective with pure honesty and truth in a way that helps you understand, perhaps unlike ever before. Some may be turned off by his frequent use of football analogies. But, most will not, because sports is not the issue. It is just a way to convey how hard work, determination and team work has worked in America and always will. Though I was born uder different circumstances, J. C. Watts speaks for me on many issues. His comments transcend race and politics and gets to the essence of what makes America great! I recommend this book to everyone who wants to be challenged and wants to grow. If you ever yearned to be a part of the solution, read this book. It will not tell you how. But, it will tell you why. The power of America truly rests in each of us. J. C. Watts inspires us at a time when our country truly needs it!
Rating:
Summary: Even Better than I Expected!
Review: It's a shame that one anonymous person can lower the overall rating of such a well-written, inspirational book. It's also obvious that the coward didn't read the book at all, for such hateful generalizations on the part of people incapable of an original thought are exactly what J.C. Watts has dealt with both in Washington and throughout his life. Fortunately for the country, he has never lost his sense of humor or his perspective about his origins. Do read this book to learn about a very talented and humble young man. I only wish there were many more like J.C. Watts, and perhaps through this book some will be emboldened to take a chance or two like he has.
Rating:
Summary: An Inspirational Autobiography
Review: J. C. Watts' book can be read on two levels. On the one hand, it is an inspirational story of a boy from a small town who grew up to achieve the American Dream. On the other, it is a manifesto which boldly describes how a "compassionate conservative" approach to solving problems can make America "a better place." Watts, who is black, grew up in a rural community in eastern Oklahoma and came of age before racial segregation and Jim Crow policies had completely died out. Although he faced formidable obstacles to success, he found inspiration from his parents, his coach, the legendary Barry Switzer, and others who molded his character and instilled in him the virtues of faith, personal responsibility, hard work, and tenacity. Armed with these virtues, Watts found success on the football field, where he become a star quarterback for the University of Oklahoma, and on Capitol Hill, where he quickly gained a reputation as a mover and shaker after his election to Congress. Throughout his book, Watts emphasizes his formula for success: focusing on an objective, acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve that objective, and maintaining the right mental attitude. Watts describes how his conservative beliefs are a natural outgrowth of the virtues and values in which he had come to believe and from his growing realization that the Welfare State has been a failure. His views appear to fall into the school of thought which Ronald Reagan dubbed "the Creative Society" in 1967, and which George W. Bush later rechristened "Compassionate Conservatism." He believes that the federal government's approach to solving domestic problems should be to set an agenda for action and then remain in the background while private and faith-based organizations do most of the work aimed at carrying out the agenda. This approach, argues Watts, can be effective in dealing with issues ranging from social security reform to pollution abatement. Accordingly, Watts calls for removing government restrictions on such organizations so they can act effectively. Although he is a committed conservative, Watts remains an independent thinker, and he recounts the occasions in which he has crossed swords with his fellow Republicans and conservatives. Whether or not readers agree, Watts' arguments should inspire them to think "out of the box" and consider new approaches to solving social problems. In any case, readers should find his life story to be inspirational.
Rating:
Summary: the book is worth reading
Review: J.C. Watts discusses issues in our world today that really puts one to think. It mainly has to do with race today in America, and how skin color comes into play. I think that a sterotypical person will change their views after reading this book.
Though the book is about his life and his politics, it has to do more about his life--his role in politics are also included, but only briefly. Overall, it was a book worth reading.
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