Condi: The Life of a Steel Magnolia

by Mary Beth Brown

An in-depth look at the life, faith, and achievements of one of America's most fascinating women. Condoleezza Rice rose from humble beginnings in racially segregated Alabama to become an accomplished classical pianist, Stanford University professor and provost, US national security advisor, and secretary of state. In this gripping and inspiring book, Mary Beth Brown artfully explores the roles played in Condi's life by her parents, mentors, faith, and key events and how those things have prepared her for her present position of power and global influence. In 2005, Condi topped Forbes ' list of the world's most powerful women. In 2007, she topped GQ 's ranking of Washington's most powerful players. Not only does she appeal to moderates and Republicans, she draws women, African Americans, and Hispanic voters from the Democratic Party. Additionally, Condi may emerge as a strong vice presidential candidate, a possibility the book explores.

Genres: Biography, American, Politics, Nonfiction

319 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Trianna/Treereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

I am so glad I am done with this book, it was a real struggle to get through. The author paints Condi as this mythical figure who could do no wrong. It reads like this was written by her grandmother, all praise and no critiques. I would have preferred to see a more balanced representation of Condi, that humanized her.

After reading this I am left unsure how to feel about this woman. I admire so many of her accomplishments, but since the author was so biased I am not quite sure how her views of policy and actions would be viewed today. I am also quite intimidated by her.

I really should have gone and seen Condi speak when I had the chance a couple of years ago.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best biographies are authorized or written by the author and include an honest telling of their life including its hardships. This book does not fall in their category. It both endlessly glorifies her life and fails to scrutinize her political criticisms including controversies during her service in the Bush administration. Nonetheless, she overcame great odds to become a leader and I did learn more about her from this book.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter what religion, race or political party you profess to be, ALL may benefit from learning more about this amazing woman. Her accomplishments are truly remarkable; classical pianist, Stanford Professor and Provost, US National Security Advisor, and Secretary of State, to name a few. "...a skilled diplomat, a fine teacher and administrator, a lady of glamour, and a woman of character and faith, she has the rare and priceless ability to lead and inspire nations." Mary Beth Brown

To give you an idea of her faith and character here is a quote from Condi herself: "I feel that faith allows me to have a kind of optimism about the future. You look around you and you see an awful lot of pain and suffering and things that are going wrong. It could be oppresive. But when I look at my own story or many others that I have seen, I think, "How could it possibly be that it has turned out this way?" Then my only answer is it's God's plan. And that makes me very optimistic that this is all working out in a proper way if we all stay close to God and pray and follow in His footsteps."

Condi, said the Washington Post, is "easily one of the administration's most effective communicators. She's also among the least likely to come off as fanatical, cranky, intemperate, or possessed by the delusion that she and God are on a first-name basis."

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Condi my only compaint is that she doesn't want to run for President.

[Jim Dressner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must confess that my wife read this book; I only read the beginning and the end, as well as a scattering throughout.

C Rice is evidently a brilliant and accomplished person in several fields, as well as a person with a deep faith in God. Reading this biography will only increase respect for Ms Rice, although the writing tends toward hagiography at times.

The opening chapter's description of 9/11--as information came in--was interesting to me. As was the change in her views as she grew in understanding and matured. Her intense study of the soviet union actually led her to more conservative personal viewpoints, and equipped her to deal with Yeltsin and other figures at the end of the Soviet Union. Her understanding of Islam was probably not so deep; I suspect that this weakness kept her from being as successful in shaping US policy in Afghanistan and the middle east.

[Austin · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were a handful of biographies of Condoleeza Rice at the library and this one was a mistake. I got about two chapters in, and even though I learned a couple of little things (where she was from, her mother's general character, where she was during 9/11), the book was weirdly organized and not captivating enough to not want to try another book.

[Erin Jamieson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book which gives new insights into where our former Secretary of State came from. It gives a new perspective and shows the trials and tribulations she had to overcome to succeed and become the woman she is today. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to reassure their faith in political figures and humanity in general.

[Grace Lundmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book. If you've ever wondered how a young black woman rose to the position of Secretary of State, this is a must read. I learned so much from this book, and it also held some surprises.

[Tracia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning more about Condoleeza and her many accomplishments thus far. I feel that no matter ones political affiliation, we all stand to learn from the life of this woman and her amazing work ethic, determination and ability to do whatever she puts her mind to.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good. It was at times hard to follow beacuse it seemed as though the writer was jumping back and forth between various times in Condi's life.

[April Driver · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in women in politics whether a republican or democrat this in insightful book.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good biography--from growing up in segregation to Secretary of State.

[Nickie]

Inspirational.