Rating: 
Summary: Reassures you that some in gov't still have a clue
Review: Captivating. Gen. Colin Powell tells you of his life; from his humble beginnings to his audiences with Presidents, Queens, Kings and others in power. Until I read this book the way our government works was a mystery to me. After reading it I am relieved to find out that there are still people there who care about what happens to this country, and the average person. Colin Powell may have been a military man working in Washington, but his roots gave him some insights as to what needed to be done. The American dream actually is still alive and well. This book should be on everyones reading list
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Summary: Hard work, perseverence, duty and honor equall Colin Powell.
Review: In reading General Powell's account of his life, I am struck by the very real possibilities our country provides its'
citizens. I found the book to be a blueprint for success for those who have dreams and goals. The General's presentation of his life, with universally know historical markers along the way, is a delight to read. I found myself looking back to my own formative years wishing I could have had the drive for success that Powell has exhibited throughtout his life in general, and his career in particular.
I would recommend this book to any young adult who wants to read about the virtues of hard work, vision and perseverence. But I recommend it to all Americans who take pride in the achievements of their leaders
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Handbook Of Leadership
Review: A great handbook on what it takes to be a leader. Through examples his example of good leadership and the examples of those he served with Gen. Powell teaches what is takes to help others the be there best. He shows that it does not matter where you start from you can always acheive what you want to accomplish
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Summary: He's lived an interesting life and written a FANTASTIC book!
Review: This book deserves praise on so many different levels. Powell
has told a wonderful story about his life, but that's what an
autobiography is supposed to do. He has given us many of his
opinions and insights into the Washington political and military
culture, but that's what everyone expected him to do. He has
also provided us with a readable and thoroughly enjoyable modern social history. This is what makes the book a "must read."
This book is not a dry historical text. It is nostalgic or new,
culturally, politically and militarily, depending on the reader's experiences.
For example, Powell's story of driving through the South, alone,
during the height of America's racial and civil unrest will undoubtedly
cause some readers to stop and think about related events in their
own lives. However, for younger readers the passage may be more of
an educational awakening. Either way, all readers will be touched. The reason this book succeeds is because Powell does not only what is necessary or expected, but what is interesting as well.
And he does it in a down-to-earth, conversational way. This book is for anyone of any age, political party, race or occupation. This book is for anyone who wants to learn not only about Colin Powell and his "American Journey," but also about OUR American journey.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating autobiography of a man who should be president.
Review: Colin Powell's autobiography is a testament to the fact that
the "American Dream" is possible to anyone willing to work
hard and deal with life head-on. While co-written with
Joseph E. Persico, the book has the feel of General Powell
just telling his story directly to the reader, without
embellishment. A must-read for people sick of the
pre-packaged bios produced for so many celebrities.
Rating:
Summary: The General who kept it "REAL"
Review: I learn much about General Colin Powell by reading this book. The book is well written and provides me with enough information that I was left me feeling that I know the General personally. The book revealed the side of the General that most of America can identify. I am able to sense the his pride my his accomplishments (the Buffalo soldier statue, providing the house that his wife enjoyed, his daughter performance, his son choice of career, etc.). I would not have ever invision him working on a "busted" car for resale.
Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: I used to 'despise' Colin Powell for he was one of the few people to oppose U.S. military action against Serbian terrorists who while wearing police and army uniforms slaughtered hundreds of thousands inncoent people's lives in Croatia,Bosnia and Kosovo.
'He must be a pro-serb" - I thought and that's what spurred me to read his autobiography - hoping that in it there might be clues why and how come a grandfather in power do nothing or create obstacles when people's lives were at stake.
To my greatest surprise, as I read his book he became my hero!
There's no limit to my respect I have for him now! Because he is the best example of what SUCCESS or I shall better say, what LIFE is all about!
Obstacles to him were not holes that people get stuck in them all of their lives. To him obstacles were nothing more then Challenges. He was discriminated and intimidated because he was black but that didn't make any difference on him. To him that meant Challenge, again.
His autobiography is over 600 pages. The three long, yet very fast days, that it took me to finish Colin's book - were definitely my best reading days ever so far. Colin writes so honestly and so beautifully that he made me feel that I know him and his lovely family personally.
No Stephen Covey or Anthony Robbins or any self development writers can raise your self-esteem better then Colin Powell - my hero.
Remember his over 600 pages book is a re-readable book. There's heaps to be learned not only about success, him and his family but about other people too such as President Regan, Bush and so many other prominent figures.
ENJOY
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: Back in the early 90's, I didn't understand America's love affair with Colin Powell. It was only after he was named Secretary of State by George Bush that I read My American Journey, originally published in 1995. While the book obviously doesn't provide much insight into Powell's sudden about-face in early 2003 on whether to invade Iraq, it does provide a great deal of background and context to allow Americans to understand that Powell probably felt he exhausted his options and had no choice but to support Bush's policy or to resign. It also makes plain Powell's disdain for Dick Cheney. Clearly, Powell did not expect to be working again so closely with Cheney when he published My American Journey.Powell's lessons are inspirational. There is a reason that Colin Powell is one of the most admired leaders in America, and his autobiography makes clear that he cares about his troops and his employees. Strange, then, that he would have forced his Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs to "retire" in 2002 rather than stand up to the pressure he must have been under from the press and other government colleagues, including, perhaps, his boss, in the wake of numerous visa scandals. That she was one of the most respected and successful Foreign Service Officers shows that even such bigger-than-life heroes as Powell are only human after all. My American Journey includes some of Powell's setbacks as well as his achievements. His vignette about a poor efficiency report he received at a crucial stage in his career helped me deal with a similar run-in with my boss. I practically quoted Powell to my boss, but was a bit more active than Powell has himself come across. (Powell essentially resigned himself to finding a new job.) In the end, Powell's first rule prevailed: "It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning."
Rating:
Summary: An Inspiration for All People!!!
Review: Upon reading "My American Journey," I felt an enourmous sense of pride for the United States of America. Secretary Powell is an example of what people can be become through hard work and determination. In his autobiagraphy, Powell allows the reader to become aware of the challenges this country has endured and how he has over come obsticles that have been placed throughout his life.
Powell lets the reader become aware of where he stands on various important issues that have been part of both United States international and domestic policy. Even if one does not agree with him politically, we can all gain from his sense of respect and devotion to ones country. This is a must read for any one interested in the life of a great American hero.
Rating:
Summary: A Hero For All Seasons
Review: It seems everywhere you go these days, there is Secretary of State Colin Powell, "America's Promise." This book shows why. Secretary Powell's character shines through and will continue to do so despite his detractors, who are truly attacking President George W. Bush (who is distantly related) as well as anything the ultra-agenda-driven media, with their WMD (Words of Mind Destruction) 24-hour anti-Bush shark attack. Secretary Powell's lessons on life, his devotion to his wife Alma, his service to his country and his fond recollections of being "Luther and Arie's Son" create a portrait of a multifaceted man who planted the seed, via Jamie Sepulveda-Bailey, of "The Valley's Promise," a remarkable youth organization in Palm Springs, Secretary Powell's family, including his cousin Sir Rupert A.L. Perrin, author of his own inspiring story, ORDINARY MIRACLES: My Incredible Spiritual, Artistic and Scientific Journey, are undoubtedly as remarkable as he is.
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