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My American Journey (平装)
by Colin Powell
| Category:
Biography, Personal success, American Dream, African American |
| Market price: ¥ 178.00
MSL price:
¥ 158.00
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| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Colin Powell's American success story is a must read for those who believe in American Dream and those who want to lead. |
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AllReviews |
1 2   | Total 2 pages 12 items |
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The Washington Post Book World (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-21 00:00>
The stirring, only-in-America story of one determined man's journey from the South Bronx to directing the mightiest of military forces... Fascinating. |
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Jack Kemp (The Wall Street Journal) (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-21 00:00>
Profound and moving. Must reading for anyone who wants to reaffirm his faith in the promise of America.
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San Diego Union Tribune (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-21 00:00>
A book that is much like its subject - articulate, confident, impressive, but unpretentious and witty... Whether you are a political junkie, a military buff, or just interested in a good story, My American Journey is a book well worth reading. |
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The Detroit News (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-21 00:00>
Colin Powell's candid, introspective autobiography is a joy for all with an appetite for well-written political and social commentary.
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Michael Lima (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-21 00:00>
Generally speaking, I don't like autobiographies. I find most of them to be self-serving manifestos where the subject settles scores and declares how the rest of the world was wrong or ignorant for ignoring their genius. Thus, it didn't surprise me to find more than a hint of that characteristic in My American Journey. Where that attribute is especially pronounced is in Powell's treatment of his mistakes. He frequently blames these mistakes not on errors in judgment, but on his misreading of the political situation surrounding a particular issue. The result is that Powell comes across as someone who can't admit his personal faults.
In spite of this shortcoming, I found myself growing to enjoy My American Journey as I delved further into it. Some of this enjoyment came from reading this book through the prism of history. When was written several years ago, many saw this book as Powell's extended resume in preparation for a presidential campaign. Since that didn't happen (no surprise if one reads the book), it can now be seen as an indicator of what role Powell would choose for himself after his military career ended. Thus, the book's readers will likely not be surprised that Powell accepted the Secretary of State position, preached caution regarding the war in Iraq, and stepped aside after he felt he had done all he could in the job.
While it had some of the characteristics that I dislike in all autobiographies, I grew to appreciate My American Journey for being generally informative and entertaining. Powell more than adequately conveys both his generally optimistic attitude and his overall military philosophy. He also explains his influences, thereby reinforcing the point that all of us are in many ways shaped by our experiences with others. Despite its self-serving elements, My American Journey is a useful look at one of the most prominent Americans in the last part of the 20th century. |
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K. Srinivasan (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-21 00:00>
Least we have forgotten, Colin Powell's autobiography reminds us why American is still one of the greatest countries to live in, especially if you are an immigrant. And, how if we work hard, stick to our values we can achieve the great American dream like Powell did.
It was with great reluctance that my husband parted with his copy of this book. I literally had to pry the copy away from him to read. My husband has been deeply influence by Powell's optimism and hard work and often quotes one of Powell's statement, "optimism is a force multiplier." I had listened to the audio version of the book, and wanted a chance to read it.
Powell's American Journey has been mimicked by many people, who have have found great fulfillment and happiness in the US. In this book, Powell shares in a candid manner how his hard-working immigrant parents helped him go to a school where he was an average student, and how his stint in the army helped shape him and his future.
This book is an inspirational one, and reminds us how we can achieve our dreams if we set our goals and heart to it.
The book is also about leadership, and what it takes to become a leader. Leaders are often made, and not born and this is clear in Powell's case. No one would have imagined that an average immigrant boy from Harlem would rise to become an important cabinet member in the US.
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Charents (MSL quote), France
<2007-01-21 00:00>
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."
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Ben Holcomb (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-21 00:00>
This book does an excellent job of bringing to light the trials and troubles assoicated with war, and more importantly when we should go to war and why war is neccesary. People in today's social climate need to read this book for the part alone. However this book offers much more.
Powell is truly an inspiration. His journey to Sec of State is remarkable,(although this book is only written up to his stint with George Bush Sr and his short relationship with Bill Clinton.) Powell is humble in his approach yet there are times where he sounds off against some of the people he has ran across during his carrer. He reveals a Ronald Regan who was not always there, who listened to Nancy maybe too much, and put to much faith into astrology.
Powell stands up for what he thinks right, despite what others say. You get the idea that Powell is neither confident calling himself a Rep or Dem. He is what he is and perhaps, that, more than anything, is why he did not run for president. However, after reading this book I would certainly have no qualms about casting my vote for Powell for President if he ever decides to run.
A lengthy book with perhaps too much detail in some parts. Some parts are hard to stay focused in on, however all in all a very good book. One of the best points of the book cover how you must have an objective going into a war. You have to quantify objectives so you know when results are achieved. Iraqi Freedom is an execellent display of this, and perhaps is why this war did what Desert Storm could not: topple Saddam.
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Wesley Mullins (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-21 00:00>
I first picked up this book in the months after 9-11. Like many other Americans, I wanted to know more about the people directly involved in our response to the attacks. I found it to be an enjoyable read, suitable for historical-minded young adults and interesting enough to hold the attention of anyone with a desire to know more about "An American Hero."
Powell states in his memoirs that he felt obligated to write this book, because he was witness to so many of the important events/people of the late twentieth century. Even a cursory glance at the book`s content shows his feelings of obligation were warranted. Not only does Mr. Powell have stories to tell about Iraq and Vietnam, he also gives detailed insight into subjects like the invasion of Panama and his brief tenure with Bill Clinton.
What makes this man fascinating is his political individuality. Many people will find paradoxical beliefs at work in his interior commentary. He is free to criticize members of his own party and the policies they promote, showing he is his own man (contrary to recent criticism from Harry Belafonte).
He also has a tender heart (some will say that also distinguishes him from other members of his party). His poignant reflections of his childhood and the fondness with which he speaks of his wife will only add to the admiration most readers already have for this man.
The biggest problem with this book is that it is very obsolete (and a little slow between Vietnam and Desert Storm). Powell will be remembered for the work he does after the book finishes. He speaks as though he is at the end of a great journey, but recent history shows he was only getting started.
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-21 00:00>
The best autobiography I have ever read. Collin Powell had something important to say on many topics. A well written book that had to be long. Those reviewers that contend that it is not well written are from another planet in my opinion. Assuming a long healthy life, Powell's contributions to America are far from over.
How bizarre. One reviewer complains that this is an autobiography and not a biography. The advantage of autobiography is that you get that persons unique perspective not messed up by a historian or the many reporters that now consider themselves historians since we buy their books. The true feelings and emotions of the person are precious in an autobiography.
One great strength is his ability to talk about prejudice to all races without preaching and yet provides a guide to conduct for all concerned. His insights or takes on the numerous national leaders is very stimulating and derived from close personal knowledge. Those that are put out by his Republican leanings and can't deal with the personal observations may be well served to cool off and think again. He was only one of several people that rejected the invitation to become Secretary of State under President Clinton because of the President's lack of understanding in foreign affairs. No Pun intended. Clinton receives praise on other points as to other Democratic leaders. If you don't like Powell calling it the way he sees it at this point in his life, where among the human race are we to find advise on modern day real issues.
Every human in telling their own story gilds the lily to some degree. I prefer to give those that have served with great honor and distinction the benefit of the doubt. How else are we to benefit from the first hand knowledge of a solid American. Powell came to the table to simply make his way in life with honor and dignity and instead greatly enriched our national heritage.
Assuming you care about the issues of the day, there are many insights to be gained from this book. I look forward to his return to private life and his future writing and speaking contributions. In the meantime, we are in goods hands each time Powell leads. |
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