• My American Journey

  • An Autobiography
  • By: Colin Powell
  • Narrated by: Colin Powell
  • Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (634 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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Audio book is abridged!

The audio book is not the same as the original written book. This should be noted in the description.

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7 people found this helpful

  • 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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4 people found this helpful

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General Powell is an American Gentleman .

My favorite general Powell book, it worked for me, is so outstanding that I recommend it to every young person I meet, who is trying to pursue a better life. This book is a great catalog of the general’s life, and all the people that helped mold him. He is a great storyteller of the people he respected along his journey. This book sets the record straight from all the hearsay about the general. He continues to inspire me in his narrations because he believed in always doing the right thing. it never failed him!!
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Interesting

Whether you agree with him or not, certainly an interesting story of an important American historical figure. Should note that this only talks about his life up to about 1994, nothing about the George W Bush years.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Thank you!

Thank you for sharing your story and for your service to our country, sir! What an honor to listen to the journey.

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This is a true American success story.

I loved Colin Powell's narration of his life. I highly recommend it. Educational, historic, poignant.

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Excellent book.

General Powell’s wisdom, courage and counsel is much needed today. Definitely recommend reading or listening.

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Great story...

What can I say...I'm a fan and enjoy listening to General Powell's informative and inspiring recollections.

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Deeply moved and inspired

This book has moved me and inspired me to do even more with what I have as a Citizen and Soldier. Colin Powell is the embodiment of an epic American tale, and a life transformed by God.

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About American conflicts as his role in them

This book is 99.9% about Powell's leadership while he served his command while in the white house under presidents. I 100% thought it was going to be about his development as a youth and the connection he made to his success. The book is easy to understand. Now I know the names of all kinds of generals. Bonus I now know how they came up with the name Desert Storm. Just when I thought a private person was going to open up. It should be called his time working with the president.

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