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Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell
The first full biography of Colin Powell, from his Bronx childhood to his military career to his controversial tenure as secretary of state, with a new afterword detailing his life after the Bush White House.
Over the course of a lifetime of service to his country, Colin Powell became a national hero, a beacon of wise leadership and one of the most trusted political figures in America. In "Soldier," the award-winning "Washington Post" editor Karen DeYoung takes us from Powell's humble roots as the son of Jamaican immigrants to his meteoric rise through the military ranks during the Cold War and Desert Storm to his agonizing deliberations over whether to run for president. Culminating in his stint as Secretary of State in the Bush Administration and his role in making the case for war with Iraq, this is a sympathetic but objective portrait of a great but fallible man. "From the Trade Paperback edition."
Over the course of a lifetime of service to his country, Colin Powell became a national hero, a beacon of wise leadership and one of the most trusted political figures in America. In "Soldier," the award-winning "Washington Post" editor Karen DeYoung takes us from Powell's humble roots as the son of Jamaican immigrants to his meteoric rise through the military ranks during the Cold War and Desert Storm to his agonizing deliberations over whether to run for president. Culminating in his stint as Secretary of State in the Bush Administration and his role in making the case for war with Iraq, this is a sympathetic but objective portrait of a great but fallible man. "From the Trade Paperback edition."
624 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 24, 2011
Colin Powell was obviously an astounding fellow. Son of Caribbean immigrants who rises to the top of the military and political systems. He is described as a very bright, extremely self controlled charismatic leader. Reading about the workings of the White House in the 2 Iraq and 1 Afghanistan wars was interesting.
This book should be titled "The Good Soldier." At crucial turns Powell willingly participated in illegal, immoral things because he was in essence a company man. My admiration of Powell was tempered by the information in the book about 1. His participation in the coverup of the Mai Lai massacre (He arrive as an officer in that sector of Vietnam a couple of months after the massacre. That something terrible had happened there was common knowledge but when asked about it early on by an army investigator he simply read the action report and criticized the whistle blower.) 2. His participation in the Iran Contra Deal 3.His following the party line in the presentation of the need to invade Iraq by Bush 2 and his lending his gravitas to the presentation before the UN with data he suspected. It reminds me of McNamara's later admissions that he knew V. Nam was a lost cause while he vigorously pursued it. To people with great power comes great responsibility and if Colin refused to go along with being manipulated by the G.W Bush administration there might be a lot fewer dead American soldiers. But in the end he was a loyal company man.
This book should be titled "The Good Soldier." At crucial turns Powell willingly participated in illegal, immoral things because he was in essence a company man. My admiration of Powell was tempered by the information in the book about 1. His participation in the coverup of the Mai Lai massacre (He arrive as an officer in that sector of Vietnam a couple of months after the massacre. That something terrible had happened there was common knowledge but when asked about it early on by an army investigator he simply read the action report and criticized the whistle blower.) 2. His participation in the Iran Contra Deal 3.His following the party line in the presentation of the need to invade Iraq by Bush 2 and his lending his gravitas to the presentation before the UN with data he suspected. It reminds me of McNamara's later admissions that he knew V. Nam was a lost cause while he vigorously pursued it. To people with great power comes great responsibility and if Colin refused to go along with being manipulated by the G.W Bush administration there might be a lot fewer dead American soldiers. But in the end he was a loyal company man.
April 17, 2007
I have always admired Colin Powell, but as the Iraq debacle unfolded, I had to ask, "WHY??!?" The whole thing is so un-Powell-esque. No clear reason, no attempt at diplomacy, no exit strategy, etc.
When I finished this book, I was torn between admiring him for refusing to smear a former employer and being completely flummoxed as to how someone so intelligent can be so inculcated in military culture that he put up with that nonsense as long as he did.
When I finished this book, I was torn between admiring him for refusing to smear a former employer and being completely flummoxed as to how someone so intelligent can be so inculcated in military culture that he put up with that nonsense as long as he did.
July 20, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. I did the audiobook version and it was interesting to hear more details of his early life and some of the happenings during his time as secretary of state.
Much of the secretary of state details I had heard about through a TV documentary called "Bush's War", which I highly recommend for those interested in the decision making and dynamics that went on during those times... it's worth the 3 hours. :)... But I found the early parts of his life equally as interesting and admire his demeanor on things.
I think the title of the book is great because it seems to speak to what some thing is great about him and what may be his biggest flaw. He's a man who was proud to have served, and seems to take service to "the People" as a very high honor but at times (and it really showed during his time as State Secretary) I think he may have been too much "the good soldier" and that damaged what some think of him.
I remember in elementary school saying that I thought he would be President some day and I still believe he would have been a far better president than any of the one's I've experienced in my lifetime. I'll chalk it up to me being wise beyond my years :)
Much of the secretary of state details I had heard about through a TV documentary called "Bush's War", which I highly recommend for those interested in the decision making and dynamics that went on during those times... it's worth the 3 hours. :)... But I found the early parts of his life equally as interesting and admire his demeanor on things.
I think the title of the book is great because it seems to speak to what some thing is great about him and what may be his biggest flaw. He's a man who was proud to have served, and seems to take service to "the People" as a very high honor but at times (and it really showed during his time as State Secretary) I think he may have been too much "the good soldier" and that damaged what some think of him.
I remember in elementary school saying that I thought he would be President some day and I still believe he would have been a far better president than any of the one's I've experienced in my lifetime. I'll chalk it up to me being wise beyond my years :)
June 7, 2012
I really admire Colin Powell. I saw him speak once at a conference and it is clear how much he loved his country. Through all of the nonsense in the Bush administration (and I am a Republican but I do not like the way Cheney and Rumsfeld controlled Bush), Powell remained a good soldier. In a lot of ways, he was used by that far right administration. I am more of a moderate, like Powell.
Bottom line is that he always did his duty. I wish he would have run for President. Maybe, just maybe, the party would have gone back more to being the party of Abe Lincoln, another leader I admire.
I believe this book was to vent and get his side of the story out. I think the Bush administration tenure and the request for his resignation left him with unfinished business.
Bottom line is that he always did his duty. I wish he would have run for President. Maybe, just maybe, the party would have gone back more to being the party of Abe Lincoln, another leader I admire.
I believe this book was to vent and get his side of the story out. I think the Bush administration tenure and the request for his resignation left him with unfinished business.
September 20, 2011
Portraying in words the life of one of America's most notable military personnel is a very arduous task to accomplish, yet one that the author did very well. The way the story begin with the description of humble beginnings up to the position of Secretary of State in the Bush administration, says a lot about the character and moral values of a person. All of those characteristic were well represented in the book by the author. I believe Mr Powell himself was probably satisfied with the work of Mrs DeYoung. The genre is simple an autobiography. The many elements used to describe the many hardships the Mr Powell had to endure during his life are well portrayed in the book through some great imagery and vivid description of events. After reading this book my already highest respect for Mr. Powell stood unchanged. A truly hero of our time, a person deserving of all the merits and awards that the military could give someone. This book taught me a different angle to use in my own writing whenever I decide to write my own story. The language used was very adequate taking into consideration who the main character is and how he wanted to be represented.This is something I paid closed attention to since I do too have a military background,not as extense as Mr. Powell, at least not yet. I believe I can say that I will be using somethings I have learn from this work by Mrs. DeYoung.
November 28, 2010
Like many Americans, I have a deep and abiding respect for Colin Powell. He is a man that should perhaps have been President and as this book mentions, it was given consideration. It's a rare black man in America that can unite our diverse country, but Colin Powell is such a man. His military service is exemplary and honorable. My only quarrel with him (who am I to judge? I know) is pointed out several times throughout this book. He would seriously disagree with the Bush Administration on many an issue, especially Cheney and Rumsfeld, but would stand with them united over and over if W. asked him to. His reasoning was that he would not disrespect the Commander in Chief. Admirable, but even Powell himself acknowledges that the President was wrong or misguided on issues of dire consequence at home and abroad. Was Powell heroic for taking one for the team or would he have been more honorable for standing up for what he believed instead of being the face and mouthpiece for what Halliburton, er, I mean Cheney believed? Still working this one out in my mind. . .
October 4, 2017
There is much here for people to admire as well as carp at, I suppose. I served at State under Powell, and found service in his Department to be very enjoyable. I recall some of the career Foreign Service types sharpening their knives almost as soon as he was sworn in. DeYoung describes an exchange recalling that Madeleine Albright had real problems, as well, with the career FS types - I guess it goes with the bureaucratic landscape.
I did learn a bit about race in this volume. Powell and his family, hailing from Jamaica, had quite different views on race, even growing up in Brooklyn, that American Blacks did not share. My guess would have to be that some American Blacks would not allow Powell among their ranks.
On balance, I admire Powell's performance; however, (and here I see similarities to my own military service), our generation had quite different outlooks on what it takes to succeed from that of WWII vets. Powell should have been GREAT, I pose, and was really only VERY, VERY GOOD. The descriptions of the infighting in the (Dubya) Bush WH, with the Cheney, Rumsfeld, Armitage, and Rice crowd reveal to me that he was really a political neophyte - and I wonder if, had he served in WWII, he might have been quickly replaced in a really important campaign for being less than effective.
crowd
In any case, a very interesting look at a true soldier and patriot.
I did learn a bit about race in this volume. Powell and his family, hailing from Jamaica, had quite different views on race, even growing up in Brooklyn, that American Blacks did not share. My guess would have to be that some American Blacks would not allow Powell among their ranks.
On balance, I admire Powell's performance; however, (and here I see similarities to my own military service), our generation had quite different outlooks on what it takes to succeed from that of WWII vets. Powell should have been GREAT, I pose, and was really only VERY, VERY GOOD. The descriptions of the infighting in the (Dubya) Bush WH, with the Cheney, Rumsfeld, Armitage, and Rice crowd reveal to me that he was really a political neophyte - and I wonder if, had he served in WWII, he might have been quickly replaced in a really important campaign for being less than effective.
crowd
In any case, a very interesting look at a true soldier and patriot.
September 4, 2015
Fast-moving biography of a great man, a patriot, a clear thinker, a man of honor, a man who is a piece of living history. I always respected him, but now I do so to even a greater degree. He was a voice of reason in dangerous and difficult times. The book roars through his younger days, but slows down as he begins to be involved in government. Probably close to half the book concentrates on his time as Secretary of State in the second Bush administration, where he was constantly at odds with (the crazed and extreme) Cheney and Rumsfeld. I find it worth noting that this decorated, combat- tested soldier was the voice of reason and peace in the Bush administration; the draft-dodging Cheney and Rumsfeld were, of course, war hawks ready to send thousands to their death (because they did not count the personal cost to the individual soldier the way Powell did). Very interesting reading, and a life that is worth examining closely and even emulating.
January 8, 2012
This book is an exceptional book about one of the greatest political figures of our time. For me, Powell seemed to come "out of nowhere" and lead the US during the Gulf War. His name and face became commonplace during that war, but I never knew who he was. As discussion centered around his possible future political opportunities, I was always amazed with what I learned and wanted to know more. This book provides that chance. Though at times it provided almost too much detail for me, it was a great look into the life of someone who was several times discussed as a possible Presidential candidate. I was particularly interested in his time as Secretary of State and his speech to the UN advocating war with Iraq. I think this moment definitely led to a political down-spiral, and it was interesting to hear his version of events.
November 2, 2012
This is a surprisingly good biography of the former General, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Secretary of State. It comes across as an authorized biography but does not gloss over some of the more controversial aspects of Powell's life in government, such as his role in the leadup to the Iraq War on WMDs and his relative ineffectiveness at State in Bush's cabinet. Overall, he comes across to be as a reasonable and capable professional who is committed to his country. The story is also a testimonial to the difficulty of public life at the top and the real problems that reasonable people encounter in times of conflict and overblown ideology.
Powell's life growing up in the army is also engaging and provides a look at a side of American and its culture for both military and for African-Americans that is missing from many accounts. I found this a surprisingly good book.
Powell's life growing up in the army is also engaging and provides a look at a side of American and its culture for both military and for African-Americans that is missing from many accounts. I found this a surprisingly good book.
September 25, 2011
One of the best biographies of a political character that I have ever read. There are times where I lose track of who the players are and what a particular politician or officer's title means. Yet, overall I was able to follow what was going on and how it affected our nation. Powell did an excellent job of speaking at the Speaker Series. He was smooth and easy to follow with quips and humorous antidotes throughout the evening. He reminded me of that member of everyone's family who is easy to talk to and one who people are drawn to. That is probably why he has been such a great leader of our generation.
June 17, 2012
Good book about a very complex man. I really want to read his autobiography. In DeYoung's biography, Powell comes across as a fairly casual politician who declares himself a Republican but isn't sure why. He quite possibly could have beaten Clinton in 1992. However, when joining Clinton's cabinet as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Powell really liked Clinton! He admired his super-intelligent mind. Clinton and Powell are kind of a mutual admiration society. I'm going to wait til I can find his newly published autobiography before I amke any final judgments.
January 27, 2008
A great book. I was surprised at the relationship General Powell and President Bush had, I thought it was much closer. You can see the divide between the State department and the VP. The General takes his shots at Cheney & Rumsfeld. Anyone interested in the Iraq was would find this book interesting.
August 15, 2007
A good book about an interesting character. Looks not only into why Colin Powell acted the way he did in the lead up to the Iraq war, and how his reputation has been tarnished but also traces his entire career and offers tantalizing observations for his future redemption.
June 13, 2011
I have great respect for what I consider one of the finest leaders in recent history.
February 7, 2024
Title: Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell
Author: Karen DeYoung
Narrated by: Coleen Marlo
Publisher: Random House Audio
Length: Approximately 23 hours and 12 minutes
Source: Checked out with Libby through the Kewaunee Public Library. Thank-you!
What modern day political or military figure would you like to learn more about? I was in middle school during the Gulf War when I first heard of Colin Powell. I admired him and his career after that, but I realized when he passed away that I did not know that much about his life.
Solider: The Life of Colin Powell tells the story of Colin’s life from his birth through his role as Secretary of State in the George W. Bush administration. I learned a lot from this book. I thought it was very interesting that Powell’s parents were Jamaican immigrants in the Bronx and that very much shaped his personality and ethics. He had very different views on race because of his parent’s heritage. He joined the ROTC while earning his geology degree in college and joined the Army after graduating. He loved serving his country and found that he was able to rise up the ranks in the army through his abilities. He eventually became a four-star General, the National Security Advisor, the Joint Chief of Staff Chairman, and finally the Secretary of State. He served in Vietnam and successfully lead the military through Desert Storm in the early nineties.
Listening to this audiobook was a good review of modern U.S. history. Powell was a very popular person in the United States and was an independent before becoming Republican in 1995. He considered running for President and I know my Dad always regretted that he didn’t as he really wanted to vote for him. Powell had a very successful career which only seemed to have a downside when he became the Secretary of State. The George W. Bush administration had a lot of internal problems that hampered Powell. After Powell gave his speech to the United Nations calling for war in Iraq, he faced a lot of political fall-out when no weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq. It was a very unfortunate end to his otherwise great career. It was also very un-Powell like as he had always stressed being prepared for such action and making sure the United States was successful and had an exit strategy. He was a good soldier overall and always followed the direction of his commander in chief.
I enjoyed that author Karen DeYoung interviewed a wide swath of people for this book and was able to put together a riveting biography.
I enjoyed listening to this on audiobook, except for one item. The audiobook was obviously originally on CD as it kept saying, “end of Disc X” all of the way through the audio. I thought this was very annoying.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2024...
Author: Karen DeYoung
Narrated by: Coleen Marlo
Publisher: Random House Audio
Length: Approximately 23 hours and 12 minutes
Source: Checked out with Libby through the Kewaunee Public Library. Thank-you!
What modern day political or military figure would you like to learn more about? I was in middle school during the Gulf War when I first heard of Colin Powell. I admired him and his career after that, but I realized when he passed away that I did not know that much about his life.
Solider: The Life of Colin Powell tells the story of Colin’s life from his birth through his role as Secretary of State in the George W. Bush administration. I learned a lot from this book. I thought it was very interesting that Powell’s parents were Jamaican immigrants in the Bronx and that very much shaped his personality and ethics. He had very different views on race because of his parent’s heritage. He joined the ROTC while earning his geology degree in college and joined the Army after graduating. He loved serving his country and found that he was able to rise up the ranks in the army through his abilities. He eventually became a four-star General, the National Security Advisor, the Joint Chief of Staff Chairman, and finally the Secretary of State. He served in Vietnam and successfully lead the military through Desert Storm in the early nineties.
Listening to this audiobook was a good review of modern U.S. history. Powell was a very popular person in the United States and was an independent before becoming Republican in 1995. He considered running for President and I know my Dad always regretted that he didn’t as he really wanted to vote for him. Powell had a very successful career which only seemed to have a downside when he became the Secretary of State. The George W. Bush administration had a lot of internal problems that hampered Powell. After Powell gave his speech to the United Nations calling for war in Iraq, he faced a lot of political fall-out when no weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq. It was a very unfortunate end to his otherwise great career. It was also very un-Powell like as he had always stressed being prepared for such action and making sure the United States was successful and had an exit strategy. He was a good soldier overall and always followed the direction of his commander in chief.
I enjoyed that author Karen DeYoung interviewed a wide swath of people for this book and was able to put together a riveting biography.
I enjoyed listening to this on audiobook, except for one item. The audiobook was obviously originally on CD as it kept saying, “end of Disc X” all of the way through the audio. I thought this was very annoying.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2024...
September 18, 2020
I almost gave it four stars based on my impression that it was written as a vehicle for GEN Powell to get his side of the story across, but then read the acknowledgments at the end - it is an unauthorized biography. Hence the rating.
This is an exceptional treatise on the life of one of the most popular government figures of my lifetime, but it goes beyond that to include a description of some of the inner-circle goings-on that led to the second Iraq war. As I lived through that (and had many discussions with impassioned people on the subject), this was a remarkably clear description of how we got there.
It also includes a look at how the military works (at a high level) and how people move up once they reach flag rank, again a matter of interest to me.
If you like Colin Powell or are interested in the machinations that go on in government, I recommend this book for you.
This is an exceptional treatise on the life of one of the most popular government figures of my lifetime, but it goes beyond that to include a description of some of the inner-circle goings-on that led to the second Iraq war. As I lived through that (and had many discussions with impassioned people on the subject), this was a remarkably clear description of how we got there.
It also includes a look at how the military works (at a high level) and how people move up once they reach flag rank, again a matter of interest to me.
If you like Colin Powell or are interested in the machinations that go on in government, I recommend this book for you.
June 30, 2018
Fascinating and thorough biography on Powell. Yet another book that convinces me of Powell's consistent, practical and service oriented leadership style - his sense of loyalty is apt to rock the boat, only slightly, even when he strongly disagrees with decisions like going to war in Iraq.
This book, like others, also confirm for me once again of 43's ineptitude and how dangerous people like Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Newt Gingrich and the rest of the right wing sanctioned gang of thugs are to this country.
This book, like others, also confirm for me once again of 43's ineptitude and how dangerous people like Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Newt Gingrich and the rest of the right wing sanctioned gang of thugs are to this country.
November 5, 2025
The book tells the story of Colin Powell. I enjoyed learning about what a great leader and person he was. He was a soldier for thirty five years rising to a four star general. He also served as Secretary of State, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of State, and National Chief Advisor. He worked under three different presidents.
June 30, 2023
The Life of Colin Powell Is a Very Powerful Book. The Media Portrayed Him One Way But This Guy Is the Best Example Of Leader-Servant. Being a Man With That Kind Of Power, His Humility was Amazing. He Played Strictly By the By the Rules Of The Game. He's an Example Of A True Soldier.
November 10, 2023
Great man, great leader. I learned so much. He dealt with so much in his work, and never complained. I appreciate his ability to reflect on mistakes and what could have been done better. His legacy will always continue to inspire!
July 14, 2024
He failed as a general being naive and definitely would make the country fall apart into pieces. Powell simply was doll-ragged if I wanted to see him as a president after reading this book I totally changed my mind . How can you be so blind with the open eye.
August 8, 2024
Removed the bad taste in my mouth left by Piety & Power. Excellent work of biography.
August 23, 2017
Simply a great read. A true American...and a hero
May 8, 2018
I was hoping for more background on Powell. Definitely went into a lot of details on the Bush administration.
June 9, 2019
Started off good but really dragged in the middle and had a mediocre finish.
September 9, 2020
A fine biography of a true American hero. Well-researched and finely detailed, while still engaging the reader.
September 17, 2023
very informative and entertaining account of one of America's finest soldiers and diplomat.
October 20, 2023
Learned a lot. Gave me renewed respect for the man.
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July 15, 2024Just not feeling it when listening to this audiobook. Got 10% in and the story still hadn't hooked me. Will try again later.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews