Extraordinary, Ordinary People

A Memoir of Family

By: Condoleezza Rice

Narrated by: Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice has excelled as a diplomat, political scientist, and concert pianist. Her achievements run the gamut from helping to oversee the collapse of communism in Europe and the decline of the Soviet Union, to working to protect the country in the aftermath of 9-11, to becoming only the second woman - and the first Black woman ever - to serve as Secretary of State.

But until she was 25, she never learned to swim - not because she wouldn't have loved to, but because when she was a little girl in Birmingham, Alabama, Commissioner of Public Safety Bull Connor decided he'd rather shut down the city's pools than give Black citizens access.

Throughout the 1950s, Birmingham's Black middle class largely succeeded in insulating their children from the most corrosive effects of racism, providing multiple support systems to ensure the next generation would live better than the last. Condoleezza's father, John, a minister and educator, instilled in her a love of sports and politics. Her mother, a teacher, developed Condoleezza’s passion for piano and exposed her to the fine arts. From both, Rice learned the value of faith in the face of hardship and the importance of giving back to the community.

As comfortable describing lighthearted family moments as she is recalling the poignancy of her mother’s cancer battle and the heady challenge of going toe-to-toe with Soviet leaders, Rice holds nothing back in this remarkably candid telling. This is the story of Condoleezza Rice that has never been told, not that of an ultra-accomplished world leader, but of a little girl - and a young woman - trying to find her place in a sometimes hostile world, and of two exceptional parents, and an extended family and community, that made all the difference.

©2010 Condoleezza Rice (P)2010 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"[R]ecords a thrilling, inspiring life of achievement."(Publishers Weekly)

"Looking for a blow-by-blow account of Condoleezza Rice’s years as George W. Bush’s secretary of state? You would do well to find one of the many Rice biographies already on the shelves. In this remarkably clear-eyed and candid autobiography, Rice focuses instead on her fascinating coming-of-age during the stormy civil rights years in Birmingham, Alabama." (Bookpage)

Inspiring

I really enjoyed this book and have a new respect for Condoleezza Rice. The book gives great insight into her personal and professional life. The book was inspiring and interesting. The narrating was also excellent.

Very Nice Read

Wonderful to hear in Condolezza's voice. Her parents would be proud. A good reflection on life.

Amazing life story....

Regardless of your political views, Condoleezza Rice's story illustrates the american dream. Raised during a time of horrible racial tension, through education and being raised with a strong sense of self, she became a power presence in american politics and culture. Prior to reading this book, I knew very little about her, aside of the fact that she is a very polarizing individual. After reading this book, I must admit that I am now a bit smitten with Condi. She is a powerful women with the courage to stand by her beliefs. I may not agree with all of her views, but I respect her immensely. The sacrifices her parents were willing to make for her seem limitless. The fact that she admits not being as appreciative as she should have been and to being a procrastinator endeared her to me. In my mind, she is much more approachable and she is truly an extraordinary, ordinary person.

Inspirational

Prior to listening to this book, I didn’t know anything about her life. It was inspirational. I was surprised when she mentioned she learned how to swim in California and not Alabama because of segregation issues. I too, experienced the same due to Jim Crow laws in Virginia. At 27, I learned how to swim in California because I served in the USAF and had access to a pool. I was surprised of the similarities. Thank you for sharing your life story.

Loved this book!

This is an excellent book that details the early life and inspiration to the later successes of Condoleezza Rice. Her parents are immortalized in it's pages. One can see the love, commitment and passion that they had for their daughter. A beautiful book that speaks to the soul of every child fortunate enough to have parents that loved them beyond measure.

Extraordinary

This is story, I can relate to. This is a biography, I could not stop listening to. Engrossing!

Bravo!

Well written biography. Reinforce the importance of family and community. Reminds me how far we have came and not to take things for granted.

Inspiring

An inspiring look into the life, values, family, and accomplishments of a true American legend.

Refreshingly honest

I bought it on a whim and i was delighted. Wonderful book that presents a view of the past that i have been sheltered from.

Exceptional

I was a liberal democrat when Condoleezza Rice came onto the political scene. I was quite prejudice of her. Now I am a conservative. I have an appreciation for Condoleezza, I never had before. I wish hadn't been so narrow minded. Her parents were miracle workers. She is blessed to have had them.