From Publishers Weekly
Felix presents a well-written, highly readable portrait of national security adviser Condoleezza "Condi" Rice. It's hard to resist the story of a black woman born in segregated Birmingham, Ala., in 1954, who broke down every barrier to excel in an arena dominated by white men. Felix (Laura: America's First Lady, First Mother) credits an extraordinary upbringing-parents wholly devoted to their only child's achievement through education and public service. Her father, John Rice, a Presbyterian minister and academic, was her primary role model, while her mother, a pianist and teacher, instilled in her a continuing love for piano playing. Felix explores the woman behind the powerful position: her diverse passions, from football to music, weight training to Russia; a fluent reader by age five and at 38 the first black, first woman and youngest person to become provost at Stanford University; the first woman national security adviser. Although Felix didn't interview Rice, this informative biography draws on a thorough list of secondary sources and on interviews with family, friends and colleagues. Because her media profile has risen dramatically since September 11 and there has been talk of her running for office in the future, those wanting to find out more about the most prominent woman in foreign policy today won't be disappointed with this thorough and engaging profile. 16 pages of b&w photos. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
In this portrait of President Bush's national security advisor, Felix (Laura: America's First Lady, First Mother) presents Rice as perhaps the most influential woman in the history of the U.S. government. Rice has had a distinguished career as scholar, professor, and provost, but here her passions for music, football, and Russia get equal play. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
Once in a while, the author tries to stir up some emotion, but there's just not much of it in a dry biography such as this. President George W. Bush's National Security Advisor, Condoleezza Rice, is an inherently interesting individual. For example, she surprises and offends some who assume that talented black women must all be political liberals. Rice isn't, and she has good reasons, some revealed here. She is an intellectual with a deep background in languages, history, and political science. From all accounts, she is congenial and personally effective, too. However, this listener would liked to have heard directly from Dr. Rice on who she is beyond the surface of things. In this, one is disappointed. D.R.W. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Review
The Star (Chicago, IL) Compelling and hard to put down.

Oprah Winfrey There is no pretense, no power play, none of the usual false airs....She's got the power and everyone knows it.

Midwest Book Review The engaging story of the strong-willed and remarkable Rice....An amazing portrait of a great woman.


Review
Midwest Book Review The engaging story of the strong-willed and remarkable Rice....An amazing portrait of a great woman.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This is the remarkable and galvanizing true story of Condoleezza Rice -- National Security Advisor, close confidante to President George W. Bush, and the most influential woman in American political history.

Drawing from exclusive interviews with dozens of friends, relatives, colleagues, and teachers as well as scores of previous articles and interviews, national bestselling author Antonia Felix paints a compelling portrait of a born leader of resolute character who broke all barriers to excel as a black woman in an arena usually dominated by white men.

From her childhood in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, where her parents fostered a love of learning and excellence at an early age, to her rise through the political ranks to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., CONDI is a fascinating look at the past, present, and possible future of the most powerful woman in politics.

SYNOPSIS

In this first biography of national security advisor Rice (b. 1954), the author of Laura: America's First Lady, First Mother traces Rice's rise to most powerful woman in the current Bush administration from her childhood in segregated Birmingham. Includes family photos. Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Felix presents a well-written, highly readable portrait of national security adviser Condoleezza "Condi" Rice. It's hard to resist the story of a black woman born in segregated Birmingham, Ala., in 1954, who broke down every barrier to excel in an arena dominated by white men. Felix (Laura: America's First Lady, First Mother) credits an extraordinary upbringing-parents wholly devoted to their only child's achievement through education and public service. Her father, John Rice, a Presbyterian minister and academic, was her primary role model, while her mother, a pianist and teacher, instilled in her a continuing love for piano playing. Felix explores the woman behind the powerful position: her diverse passions, from football to music, weight training to Russia; a fluent reader by age five and at 38 the first black, first woman and youngest person to become provost at Stanford University; the first woman national security adviser. Although Felix didn't interview Rice, this informative biography draws on a thorough list of secondary sources and on interviews with family, friends and colleagues. Because her media profile has risen dramatically since September 11 and there has been talk of her running for office in the future, those wanting to find out more about the most prominent woman in foreign policy today won't be disappointed with this thorough and engaging profile. 16 pages of b&w photos. (Nov. 18) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

VOYA - Marian Rafal

Much has been written about her unusual name, taken from the musical term con dolcezza, "to play with sweetness," but little has been written about what it took for Condoleezza Rice to reach the upper levels of government. Arguably the most important woman in government today, as national security advisor to President George W. Bush, Rice wields power and influence almost unparalleled in U.S. history. Without analyzing Rice's political and policy decisions, this topical and well-written biography focuses on her childhood, education, and career. With a family legacy of three generations of college-educated preachers, teachers, and lawyers and a focus on achievement through education, it was almost inevitable that Rice accomplish so much. Modeling her family history, Rice developed an intense self-discipline to achieve her goals. The transition in college from music major to Soviet studies ignited a new passion within. Her meteoric rise in academia broke through many barriers. She was the first black, first woman, and youngest person to become provost at Stanford University. Excelling in a field dominated by older, white men, Rice became a Soviet scholar, mastered the Slavic language, was awarded national fellowships, and published numerous scholarly books. With Rice's close relationship with the president and her high media profile since the terrorist attacks, this book provides an excellent portrait of one of the most prominent women in policies today. Readers of current events will find a fascinating look into the world of foreign policy and one woman who influences it. Index. Photos. Source Notes. Chronology. Appendix. VOYA Codes: 4Q 3P J S A/YA (Better than most, marred only byoccasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2002, Newmarket Press, 288p,

Library Journal

Rice is an enigma. As an advisor and spokesperson for President George W. Bush, as well as part of his inner circle, she has a very public life. She is a regular fixture on the television talk-show circuit and is often photographed standing next to the Commander-in-Chief. Her parents, who were not allowed to sit at a Woolworth's counter in Birmingham, AL, believed their daughter could be President. Rice has managed to be successful in arenas that are usually perceived as a "man's world," for she is often at Bush's side when he is discussing financial as well as international affairs. From all indications, she handles high-pressure situations with grace and ease. Condi introduces Rice to listeners who would like to know more about how she came to be one of the most influential and highest-ranking African American women in recent history. Read by the author, this biography is recommended for public libraries.-Pam Kingsbury, Florence, AL Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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