Product Description

This is the number one international bestseller. Colin Powell is the embodiment of the American dream. He was born in Harlem to immigrant parents from Jamaica. He knew the rough life of the streets. He overcame a barely average start at school. Then he joined the Army. The rest is history - Vietnam, the Pentagon, Panama, Desert Storm - but a history that until now has been known only on the surface. "A Soldier's Way" is the powerful story of a life well lived and well told. At a time when Americans feel disenchanted with their leaders, Powell's passionate views on family, personal responsibility, and, in his own words, 'the greatness of America and the opportunities it offers' inspire hope and present a blueprint for the future. An utterly absorbing account, it is history with a vision.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #453358 in Books
• Published on: 2001-11-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 656 pages

About the Author
Colin Powell was born in New York City. He was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he won numerous US and foreign military decorations and rose to the rank of Four-star General. In December 2000, he was nominated by President Bush as Secretary of State, the first African-American to hold such high office. Joseph E. Persico is the author of biographies on Nelson Rockefeller and former CIA chief William J. Casey. His work Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial was hailed by Howard K. Smith as the 'best account' of the trial.

Customer Reviews

An Amazing Story of Hope and Courage
Colin Powell's Autobiography is an astonishing portrayal of a life of war, peace, laughter and, at times, sadness. Powell, the current US Secretary of State, recalls his memories of working within both the American political and military systems, culminating in his rise from a child of Harlem to becoming the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Whether recalling his childhood, his strong belief in family, or his time fighting in the Vietnam war, Powell's writing demonstrates dignity, charisma and courage. Jumping back and forth from political to military positions, Powell is perhaps best remembered for his role in the 1990 Gulf War as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. His recollections of this time underline a man of incredible restraint and pragmatism and it is almost as though you have gained access to classified information, so little is held back.

On the whole, Powell writes in a particularly open and readable way and his anecdotes, at times amusing and at other times devastating, are not only entertaining but also effective in offering an insight into the workings of international relations. Occasionally the book does get somewhat bogged down in both political and military detail however it is difficult to see how this could have been avoided.

Upon reading this Autobiography it is obvious why Colin Powell commands such respect in the US and across the world. In an age of American intervention across various regions of the globe, my own confidence in the George W. Bush administration, within which Powell is currently so pivotal, was certainly boosted by the reading of this book. If you have any remote interest in the politics of the world today read 'A Soldier's Way' now for its insight, intelligence and ultimately hope

One of the best autobiographies of all time
I really like this book. I re-read bits of it frequently. The descriptions of the early years of the Vietnam war are particularly immediate and atmospheric. It also opens a window on how the Pentagon and the U.S. Army work as Powell's career criss-crosses between them. The book as a whole tells of a great, action packed life and career with wit and easy grace - probably just like General Powell in person. No wonder he is one of the most respected Americans of modern times. He battled from humble beginnings and against thoughtless racism to reach the very top of America's armed forces as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Before that he had been the last of President Reagan's National Security Advisors. After the publication of this book, he went on to become Secretary of State.

A Good Read!
Much better than I expected. I'm not usually one for political biographies, but this was the exception. Colin Powell is a soldier at heart, but he did reluctanly spend years involved in Washington politics. What could have been very dry, was told in a very human and interesting way. He comes across as a very nice man. What was surprising was that he taught Sunday school, and had a passion for rebuilding old Volvo cars!

The discriptions of how to manage people and situations were inspiring.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in human nature!