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Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family Audiobook
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(3.02) - 1,388 listener ratings
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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, of two exceptional parents, and an extended family and community that made all the difference.
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, 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 1950's, 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. But by 1963, Birmingham had become an environment where blacks were expected to keep their head down and do what they were told--or face violent consequences. That spring two bombs exploded in Rice’s neighborhood amid a series of chilling Klu Klux Klan attacks. Months later, four young girls lost their lives in a particularly vicious bombing. So how was Rice able to achieve what she ultimately did? Her father, John, a minister and educator, instilled 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. Her parents’ fierce unwillingness to set limits propelled her to the venerable halls of Stanford University, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become the university’s second-in-command. An expert in Soviet and Eastern European Affairs, she played a leading role in U.S. policy as the Iron Curtain fell and the Soviet Union disintegrated. Less than a decade later, at the apex of the hotly contested 2000 presidential election, she received the exciting news--just shortly before her father’s death--that she would go on to the White House as the first female National Security Advisor. 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.
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"I have always liked reading biographies and autobiographies as long as they are interesting, clean, and well-written. This one fit the mold. My only complaint is that the chapter titles made the content of the book so predictable. Because I didn't know anything about Condolezza Rice before picking up the book, there were a lot of events that could have suprised me and kept my interest in the book had they not been given away in the chapter titles. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable to read a good book about quality people with strong moral and family values."
— Bonni (4 out of 5 stars)
Extraordinary, Ordinary People Listener Reviews
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" Very interesting. I listened to this book as an audiobook, and it was lovely to hear Condoleezza reading it herself. "
— Anna, 2/18/2014 -
" really interesting, especially her recounting of the dissolution of the Soviet Union during Pres. Bush (the first one) presidency. "
— Donna, 1/31/2014 -
" This was a great book. One of the reasons I was drawn to this book was that Ms. Rice is one of my personal role models. I felt like this book would give me some insight into her life, and I was correct. I really liked how Condoleezza Rice captured the personalities of her parents and others around her. If you are looking for a great book about growing up, overcoming adversity, and/or have an interest in foreign policy and politics, this book will fail to disappoint. "
— Theideallife, 1/29/2014 -
" I am quite impressed with the hard work and ambition of these "ordinary" people. I loved the commitment to family, high ideals and education even in the face of adversity. "
— Ruth, 1/19/2014 -
" A nice tribute to her parents. Being raised in the South myself, I could understand a lot of what she went through as a child. It's amazing all that she's accomplished. "
— Darlene, 1/18/2014 -
" I enjoyed it more than I thought I might. I was relieved the book ended before getting into her years in the W administration. "
— Pam, 11/23/2013 -
" I have always admired Condoleezza Rice. I enjoyed reading about her childhood and her amazing parents. "
— Smoesinger, 10/18/2013 -
" The writing certainly didn't carry me away, but it was clear and easy to read. I wanted a little more depth and a little less name dropping. However, it made for some great conversation and, like usual, getting a glimpse into someone else's life was rewarding. "
— Sandi, 6/28/2013 -
" Well written and an incredible story even if you don't like her politics it's worth reading this book. "
— Ploni, 6/21/2013 -
" I love this book. It is well-written and a fascinating exploration of the African-American experience in Birmingham AL in the 1960s. "
— Suzanne, 6/17/2013 -
" Actually, I thought it was very good. Interesting and fairly well told. "
— Shawna, 1/27/2013 -
" Great history by and about a great woman. "
— Rob, 11/22/2012 -
" Always liked Condi, this just reinforced that. Easy read. Appealing and charming title. "
— Barbara, 8/18/2012 -
" I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! CR is amazing and I wait for my daughter to be able to read about this extraordinary woman. "
— Paula, 6/12/2012 -
" Condoleezza Rice's family was willing to sacrifice anything to see that she received the education she needed to succeed. Their family values were heartwarming, and I identified with her since both of us hold graduate degrees from University of Denver. Enjoyable, down-to-earth reading! "
— Rita, 3/3/2012 -
" Interesting view from a black republican. "
— Cdenning5, 1/31/2012 -
" A very interesting read from a fellow Birminghamian and Presbyterian, albeit in very different circumstances. "
— Sarah, 6/7/2011 -
" Interesting view from a black republican. "
— Cdenning5, 5/22/2011 -
" I really respect Condoleezza Rice, but the book is "just the facts", not very revealing about her feelings. Read it if you have a particular interest, but it's not what you'd call "gripping." "
— Linda, 5/8/2011 -
" Great history by and about a great woman. "
— Rob, 5/4/2011 -
" i have always respected the former Secretary of State -- after I read her memoir I was in awe too! "
— Summisse, 5/1/2011 -
" Interesting how changing your major in college from Music to International Relations, after taking one course, brings all sorts of good luck to Condoleeza Rice. "
— Mark, 4/25/2011 -
" I admire and respect Condoleezza Rice. Enjoyed the story of her upbringing and success. "
— Gina, 4/19/2011 -
" Powerful read about a powerful lady! "
— Mary, 4/12/2011
About Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice was the sixty-sixth US Secretary of State and the first black woman to hold that office. Prior to that, she was the first woman to serve as National Security Advisor. She is a professor at Stanford University and co-founder of the RiceHadley Group. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family.