It’s difficult not to admire Condoleezza Rice.  Even if you disagree with her political or geo-political viewpoints, she is a remarkable person who has met every challenge in her life with skill, intellect and grace.  Dr. Rice will be speaking at my alma mater in a few months, so that was motivation to pick up her latest book and learn a bit more about her.

The book met my expectations in many ways.  Like a lot of books written by political figures, it utilizes a family reflection to thinly disguise a biography (think Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama, or Faith of My Fathers by John McCain).  Dr. Rice has weaved the story of her incredible parents into a narrative about her rise from Birmingham, Alabama, to the National Security Council.  At times it was truly touching as she described the sacrifice they made for her.  But most of the time it was more common for her to share how she made certain decisions when she did, and the excitement (and often surprise) she had at her rapid climb to success.

It’s a good book.  Not great, and it covers little new ground, but it was good.  I enjoyed learning more about her life and look forward to hearing her speak soon.