Condi: The Condoleezza Rice Story [Hardcover]

Antonia Felix (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2002

The first biography on the most important woman in U.S. government today, National Security Advisor to President George W. Bush, by the author of Laura: America's First Lady, First Mother.

As National Security Advisor to the president and winner of the NAACP Image Award, Condoleezza Rice has never wasted time getting where she wants to go, and for the first time, this biography tells the story of her remarkable life—from her precocious childhood to her dreams of becoming a concert pianist to her role as the president's most trusted advisor, following a distinguished career as scholar, professor, provost, and foreign policy advisor—all by the age of 47.

Condi, as she is known, was named after a musical term, con dolcezza—to play "with sweetness"—by her music-loving parents who, both educators, set forth a standard of excellence for their only child that would give her the "twice as good" edge that was necessary to be on an even standing with her white peers in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, in 1954.

Topics covered include: • A sweeping, intriguing look at the Rice family legacy, from slave owners and slaves to "evangelists of education" and finally to a prominent government figure and presidential advisor
• The big switch: why Rice changed her career goal from concert pianist to scholar
• Point-by-point look at Rice's foreign policy outlook on Russia, China, Israel, Afghanistan, and other nations

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Felix presents a well-written, highly readable portrait of national security adviser Condoleezza "Condi" Rice. It's hard to resist the story of a black woman born in segregated Birmingham, Ala., in 1954, who broke down every barrier to excel in an arena dominated by white men. Felix (Laura: America's First Lady, First Mother) credits an extraordinary upbringing-parents wholly devoted to their only child's achievement through education and public service. Her father, John Rice, a Presbyterian minister and academic, was her primary role model, while her mother, a pianist and teacher, instilled in her a continuing love for piano playing. Felix explores the woman behind the powerful position: her diverse passions, from football to music, weight training to Russia; a fluent reader by age five and at 38 the first black, first woman and youngest person to become provost at Stanford University; the first woman national security adviser. Although Felix didn't interview Rice, this informative biography draws on a thorough list of secondary sources and on interviews with family, friends and colleagues. Because her media profile has risen dramatically since September 11 and there has been talk of her running for office in the future, those wanting to find out more about the most prominent woman in foreign policy today won't be disappointed with this thorough and engaging profile. 16 pages of b&w photos.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In this portrait of President Bush's national security advisor, Felix (Laura: America's First Lady, First Mother) presents Rice as perhaps the most influential woman in the history of the U.S. government. Rice has had a distinguished career as scholar, professor, and provost, but here her passions for music, football, and Russia get equal play.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Newmarket Pr; 1st edition (October 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557045399
• ISBN-13: 978-1557045393
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #519,637 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Competent introduction to Dr. Rice, November 22, 2002

By 

J. SHARP (Alabama - United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Condi: The Condoleezza Rice Story (Hardcover)

This biography provides an overview of the life, education, and career of Condoleezza Rice. While not an in-depth psychological profile or scholarly critique, it is a more than adequate comprehensive gathering of facts from articles and interviews. There is a plethora of quotes from both Rice and her acquaintances and family members. Further analysis and deeper treatment will come after her tenure in the White House, but - for now - this is a good brief introduction to this impressive American.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating life of a fascinating woman, January 28, 2005

By 

Bonnie Fitzpatrick (Matawan, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Condi: The Condoleezza Rice Story (Hardcover)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A dynamic individual, November 25, 2003

By 

Chris Salzer (Gainesville, GA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Condi: The Condoleezza Rice Story (Hardcover)

Condoleezza Rice, in what amounts to a relatively short amount of time spent in public service, has seen her political stock literally catapult of late. From being a child piano prodigy to entering the University of Denver at age 15, to becoming the youngest Provost ever at Stanford, to becoming the first female National Security Advisor ever, Condi has not only met, but conquered all incoming challenges. Through the adversity of war and liberal critics, she has maintained her customary charm, intelligence, mental fortitude, and the ability to hold her own with anyone.

This book provides a brief, yet somewhat lacking, look into the maturation of Condoleezza Rice from a piano prodigy to that of a Russian virtuoso and superb foreign relations advisor. From a young age, her parents instilled in her values that she not only talks about, but lives by, in her life today; such values as self responsibility, equality and freedom for all, unwavering adherence to one's moral principles of right and wrong, a strong faith in God, and of course, a tireless work ethic that is to be lauded, if not emulated, by all. Dr. Rice is, without question, the most powerful woman in America. She has been intrumental in the unification of Germany under Bush 41, has been indispensable in her meetings with Vladimir Putin, has been resolute and positive during times of adversity, and has maintained her belief in the ideals and principles on which America was founded.

With her background and abilities, she no doubt has a bright future - possibly as Secretary of State, VP, Senator, or maybe even President. This book, despite its quasi-adequate background of Dr. Rice, provides little of her exploits as NSA. Overall, a good and insightful read about a fascinating individual - albeit without much substance.