I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir from General Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State. It basically consists of him telling stories from his life and career experiences, and then reflecting on the lessons learned (and counsel to be derived) from those experiences. They run a wide gamut, but there wasn't a single one that didn't engage me and make me think about how I could apply the lessons learned in my own life. I could wish that I had read it in my teens or twenties, rather than in my sixties, but I still found it valuable. As a college professor (of leadership), I will certainly bring much of it into my classes for the benefit of my students. My only wish is that I could find a way to bring the man himself to visit with my students.

I plan to find a copy of his first book, My American Journey and read (or listen to) that one as well. In his epilogue, he mentioned thinking about writing a third book, because he still has stories to tell. I would read that book, but I would also like to see him expand on the lessons learned from these stories, and give his readers deeper insight into the "how to" of some of them. His life story is inspiring, and I think of him as one of the most honorable and devoted public servants of recent years. I wish he were still serving in that way. We need as many of those great souls as we can get in public service.

Worth reading!

Glad I read this.. fortunate to experience Mr Colin Powell's life- working with the US gov. Some of his advise are quite general which serve as a nudge; others doesn't seem to be of use in my daily life but v interesting. This is the book for you if you like having a cool uncle telling you his life stories, experience and advice. :)

Disappointed. This felt like so many leadership/self help books by charismatic successful people. A third or later book pushed out with little new - pasted together to fulfill a book contract. It wasn’t awful- it just wasn’t good.

I didn't agree with everything, but I admired his forthright style. It was refreshing to read someone who doesn't waste words. And it was an interesting explanation of military life (3/4 of his stories have to do with the military). I would be curious to see if his "why's" behind the action or mentality transfer to today. Or, perhaps, they might be just his opinions.