My American Journey (Mass Market Paperback)

~ Colin L. Powell (Author), (Author) "I USUALLY TRUST MY INSTINCTS..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, New York, Soviet Union (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

General Powell may have undertaken this book as a form of paid political test marketing, but it turns out to be a success of an altogether different kind. We don't learn from this book if Powell is presidential material, but his recounting of the various steps of his career give us an unrivaled view of the ins and outs of military bureaucracy and shows how the modern American military, with its consistent emphasis on can-do attitudes and actual results, is a much more congenial place for realizing one's talents than our still-alarmingly pigeonholing general society. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

YA?The eminently readable journey of one African American boy from a close-knit neighborhood in the South Bronx through his rise to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to civilian retirement. Powell was neither an athlete nor a scholar; his childhood centered around his home, friends, and church. Later, in college, he found his niche. ROTC offered structure and purpose. A recounting of his army career and the support offered by family and friends are the primary focus of this work. Challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities opened by each posting are shared. Commanding officers, selected business contracts, and four presidents are introduced and evaluated, almost all in a positive light. Powell's involvement with and analysis of national and international affairs, from Vietnam to the Clinton administration, are succinctly and objectively recounted. Scattered throughout the book are personal rules of conduct and occasional incidents of particular kindnesses and of racism. Teens are given an opportunity to spend some time with a thoughtful, positive leader. They can share one participant's view of recent history and gain one perspective on our country's current needs.?Barbara Hawkins, Oakton High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 656 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (June 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345407288
• ISBN-13: 978-0345407283
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #587,997 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great American, Yes; Great Book, No, March 30, 2001

By	"booshkindoggin" (Santa Clara, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My American Journey: An Autobiography (Audio Cassette)

RE: AUDIO TAPE VERSION READ BY POWELL. I am a Colin Powell admirer but a definitive biography would better be told by a skilled independent writer, and after more "chapters" in his life are complete. Powell may indeed be a man of few faults but we can't be sure of that from his own words. I disagree however with reviewers who postulate that Powell has puffed-up his own accomplishments, on the contrary he's excessively modest. Rising to the highest position in the most powerful military in world history (and now to US Sec. of State) without benefit of a West Point education & connections describes a truly extraordinary individual. And far from savaging his detractors and the many incompetants he must have encountered along the way, Powell offers only a few token, and generally mild, criticisms. This book displays insight into Powell's background, development and beliefs but sidesteps tough questions of who screwed up and when. In that sense it is highly Politic - burns no bridges - and gives one hope that Powell may yet consider an Eisenhower-like leap to the highest civilian office.

52 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living the American dream - From Bronx to the White House..., March 27, 2001

By	Hilde B (Norway) - See all my reviews

"My American journey" is the story of Colin Powell. He is the living symbol of the American dream. Powell was born in Harlem, and grew up in South Bronx. His parents were hard-working immigrants from Jamaica. He went to school in New York, and later joined the ROTC.

"My American Journey" is a very well written biography. Together with lots of pictures from Powell's personal life, from his childhood in Bronx, and ending with his official career in the White House, the easygoing writing style makes this an interesting read. I truly enjoyed learning more about the Vietnam War and the bravery of the US soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War. Additionally, after reading what Powell and Schwartzkopf experienced during the Vietnam War, I can better understand Powell's Gulf goals and actions. Previous to reading this book, I did not have a lot of knowledge about Panama and the invasion, therefore I found this part to be very interesting too.

The book provides us with a great study of leadership, while it also is a good study of military history and politics. "My American Journey" is an excellent story and example that shows us what possessing a strong motivation and integrity can lead to. You certainly do not need to be an American to appreciate the positive attitudes and the message that Powell sends through his book.

I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read about an interesting life, leadership, military history, and politics.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait for the sequel, January 5, 2003

By	Wesley Mullins (Kentucky) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: My American Journey: An Autobiography (Hardcover)

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.