Extraordinary, Ordinary People

A Memoir of Family

By: Condoleezza Rice

Narrated by: Condoleezza Rice

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Beautiful!

Rice’s parents were the ideal American we all wish we can be. I thoroughly enjoyed the true blue blood Black American story of the century.

Condoleezza Is The REAL DEAL

What did you love best about Extraordinary, Ordinary People?

Wow This family, these people, their love, their work. What a special flame they ignited. Can you imagine what she still can do? Role models to us....one and all.

What does Condoleezza Rice bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She was sitting in the room with me and speaking to me. Thank you.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I cried when she told me of her loss of her mother and father.

Powerful Story of a Great American

I had started to read this book and was enjoying the text a few years ago but when the audio version came out read no less than by the author, my heart ♥ was overjoyed.
The book was appropriately named and what a great story of how Condi Rice's parents nurtured and supported their daughter to the point that she achieved great success despite the huddles and obstacles.
Condi takes us on a grand tour of not only her life but through history. She is a role model to all young people but especially children of color that faith plus hard work will take you a long way.
By the end of the book the was something special hearing the former secretary of the US call her father, "daddy". I while heartily recommend this book to all as it is a story of some great Americans without being preachy or political.

Authentic and inspiring story

The love of her parents was so much a part of who she was and so neat to see the sweetness in her gratitude.

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.

Enjoyed this book immensely!

Where does Extraordinary, Ordinary People rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

I have listened to many biographies and this one definitely ranks very high. I loved the way Condoleezza wove the story of her parents, grandparents and her own growing up and career seamlessly together....good, good writing and very interesting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Why Condoleezza Rice, who else?

Which scene was your favorite?

Too many to choose, but I think when the Stanford students were having a sit-in to object to a policy that Provost Rice had implemented...Condoleezza's response was priceless. You'll have to listen to find out. :-)

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both laugh and cry...just a very enjoyable book especially because she reads it herself.

Any additional comments?

I'm going to see if her latest book is on Audible. I sure hope so.

absolutely brilliant!

a great tribute to family, education, God and this journey we call life well done!

A true hero

What did you love best about Extraordinary, Ordinary People?

She is incredibly gifted, very insightful, I enjoyed her deliberate attitude about making decisions and a fair balanced assessment of the world.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Extraordinary, Ordinary People?

I wept when she recounted the death of her mother and then father.

Which character – as performed by Condoleezza Rice – was your favorite?

Herself

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Must read/listen book. Life changing. I love her.

Unexpected Jewel!

Loved the narration. Inspired by the fascinating memoir and colorful experiences that shaped her life. Truly extraordinary, ordinary people! #excellent

Good story

Condoleezza Rice is an extraordinary person with an extraordinary life and extraordinary parents. This book offers insight and enlightenment on her as a person and her history, not otherwise obtainable.