Rice, Condoleezza. Extraordinary, Ordinary People A Memoir of Family. 2010 Crown Archetype (no indication of edition), 342 pages, Dust Jacket. Signed by the former Secretary of State.
I’m going to ruin the ending of this book review…I REALLY enjoyed reading this book and would encourage everyone who hasn’t done so, to do so.
This book is not a political memoir. In fact, in ends with her being asked to become the national security adviser. It is a story of a black woman (and her family) growing up in Alabama during some of the worst of 20th century segregation. More often than not, where she discusses policy, she goes to lengths to note her disagreements with current Republicans on issues such as affirmative action.
I consider myself well read on most aspects of Canadian and American political history and history at large…especially 20th century history. After reading this book, I realized that there is still a great deal that I don’t know.
The book is about Ms. Rice’s life up until she accepts a major position in the White House under President George W. Bush. She lived in area and era where Blacks and Whites did not live together or shop together. Yet, her parents went out of their way to ensure that her upbringing would appear (to her, at least) to be as normal as possible.
She also goes into great detail about her extended family, such as her aunts, uncles and cousins. In a difficult circumstance, the entire family came together and worked together. Many of the family and their friends were deeply involved in the civil rights movement in the 60s. Others chose to participate in less public ways. She was raised to believe that all people were equal. Turn the other cheek. Everyone can succeed if they are willing to make the effort to do so. This is what she learned from the “Extraordinary, Ordinary People” in her life.
What makes this book so enjoyable is that it is a real life story of how one person overcame a difficult circumstance (made difficult through no fault of her own, or anyone around her). She had a support system in place and used it. She persevered. She rose to serve the highest office in the land. She never suggests that she did it on her own. What a great message for all who start out at a disadvantage.
I would encourage everyone to go out and get this book and read it.
P.S. Her first vote for president, in 1976, went to Jimmy Carter, the Democrat. It’s REALLY not a partisan book.