• My American Journey

  • An Autobiography
  • By: Colin Powell
  • Narrated by: Colin Powell
  • Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (639 ratings)

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My American Journey  By  cover art

My American Journey

By: Colin Powell
Narrated by: Colin Powell
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Publisher's summary

“A great American success story...an endearing and well-written book.” (The New York Times Book Review)

Colin Powell is the embodiment of the American dream. He was born in Harlem to immigrant parents from Jamaica. He knew the rough life of the streets. He overcame a barely average start at school. Then he joined the Army. The rest is history - Vietnam, the Pentagon, Panama, Desert Storm - but a history that until now has been known only on the surface. Here, for the first time, Colin Powell himself tells us how it happened, in a memoir distinguished by a heartfelt love of country and family, warm good humor, and a soldier's directness.

My American Journey is the powerful story of a life well lived and well told. It is also a view from the mountaintop of the political landscape of America. At a time when Americans feel disenchanted with their leaders, General Powell's passionate views on family, personal responsibility, and, in his own words, "the greatness of America and the opportunities it offers" inspire hope and present a blueprint for the future. An utterly absorbing account, it is history with a vision.

Praise for My American Journey

“The stirring, only-in-America story of one determined man's journey from the South Bronx to directing the mightiest of military forces... Fascinating.” (The Washington Post Book World)

“Eloquent.” (Los Angeles Times Book Review)

“Profound and moving... Must reading for anyone who wants to reaffirm his faith in the promise of America.” (Jack Kemp, The Wall Street Journal)

“A book that is much like its subject - articulate, confident, impressive, but unpretentious and witty.... Whether you are a political junkie, a military buff, or just interested in a good story, My American Journey is a book well worth reading.” (San Diego Union Tribune)

“Colin Powell's candid, introspective autobiography is a joy for all with an appetite for well-written political and social commentary.” (The Detroit News)

©2006 Colin Powell (P)2006 Random House, Inc.

What listeners say about My American Journey

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AWESOME !!!

I truly enjoyed listening to this production. I am proud to be an American citizen.With all it’s problems,I consider myself fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world .

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Awesome person, great story teller and author

fantastic account of what I experienced as a military wife during that time. must listen

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Good Abridged Autobiography

Great representation of Colin Powell's life and career- and of the model American citizen, soldier and human being he was.

I didn't realize it was an abridged version when I downloaded, but it was an easy listen and includes a lot of the most important and formative situations that defined his life.

As someone fascinated by military history, I appreciated the recount of all the US military involvements of his lifetime from his unique perspective (which is most of the book).

I really appreciated how much I learned about him in such a short audiobook and how inspiring his life story is.

In hindsight, I would definitely listen to this again and highly recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Impressive

Enjoyed hearing Colin Powell himself tell his life story. He told it like it was - no fluff.

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A great story

If you could sum up My American Journey in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, engaging, revealing

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

Hearing Colin Powell's voice makes the story more personal

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Growing up in America: how the boy next door ended up advising Presidents of the United States

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A four hour outline to whet your appetite!

I have always admired Colin Powell. He speaks quietly, intelligently, and with strength. He reads this 4 hour audiobook which leads you through what I feel like could be an outline. I am left now to want more. I highly recommend this audiobook, and further recommend hearing what he has to say.

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A Great American

Colin Powell delivers a total picture summary of his life in a way that provides inspiration and wisdom for Americans of all cloths. His attention to "having a clear purpose" for any military action stands as the most salient point, in my opinion.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Colin, the Great American Hero

Love it ! Great book. Colin would be a great POTUS. I'm glad I got to listen to this book.

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A Great American Life

I’ve always greatly admired Colin Powell, so I have no idea why I waited until after his death to take this book. My only complaint is that I felt it could’ve been longer, more detailed. His life was certainly worthy of a few more chapters. His focus, dedication and emotional intelligence took him to the top in his field, in lightning speed. Today more than ever, the world needs more people like him.

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Great book!!

Great book and a Great story.

Gen Colin Powwll did a great job reading his story!!!

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