No Higher Honor

A Memoir of My Years in Washington

By: Condoleezza Rice

Narrated by: Condoleezza Rice

Length: 28 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the former national security advisor and secretary of state comes a “sharp and penetrating . . . reminder that foreign-policy choices facing the United States are complex and difficult, with no easy solutions” (The Washington Post).

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, who overcame the racism of the civil rights era to become a brilliant academic and expert on foreign affairs, Condoleezza Rice first distinguished herself as an advisor to George W. Bush during the 2000 presidential campaign, and eventually became one of his closest confidantes. Once he was elected, she served first as his chief advisor on national security issues and later as America’s chief diplomat. From the aftermath of September 11, 2001, when she stood at the center of the administration’s efforts to protect the nation, to her efforts as secretary of state to manage the world’s volatile relationships with North Korea, Iran, and Libya, her service to America led her to confront some of the worst crises the country has ever faced.

This is her unflinchingly honest story of that remarkable time, from what really went on behind closed doors when the fates of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Lebanon often hung in the balance and how frighteningly close all-out war loomed in clashes involving Pakistan-India and Russia-Georgia, to her candid appraisal of her colleagues and contemporaries. In No Higher Honor, Condoleezza Rice delivers a master class in statecraft—but always in a way that reveals her essential warmth and humility and her deep reverence for the ideals on which America was founded.

©2011 Condoleezza Rice (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“In her memoir, NO HIGHER HONOR, Rice looks back, offering unexpected candor about her tenure as national security adviser in Bush’s first term and as secretary of state…the [book’s] moments of self-doubt and regrets are a revelation…Rice offers sharp and penetrating portraits of foreign leaders…Her memoir is a reminder that foreign-policy choices facing the United States are complex and difficult, with no easy solutions…Rice has acquitted herself well in telling her side of the story; now she awaits the judgment of history.” (The Washington Post)

“Rice provides a vivid account of the tumultuous years after Sept. 11, 2001…the latest in a string of memoirs emerging from Bush administration figures trying to define the history of their tenure [this book is] the most expansive record of those eight years by any of the leading participants.” (The New York Times)

“The fascination of Rice’s memoir, and it is fascinating, is less in the broad vision put forth for a more democratic world than in the gritty description of the way decisions were made in the White House and in the State Department as the Bush Administration sought to adapt to a universe radically changed by Al Qaeda’s attacks on the United States in 2001. Rice’s account of the immediate aftermath, as seen from inside the halls of the White House, is both vivid and disturbing.” (Newsweek)

Condi for POTUS!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would highly recommend this book to a friend! Many friends, and already have! It's a wonderful account of the service this patriot has given to her country and what an insightful leader she is. She's got the creds. Let's hope she's asked to serve again in the next administration. We're gonna need honorable folks like Ms. Rice to straighten out the mess we're currently in!! This book proves that she is a solid human being. Worthy of a higher office!

A great storyteller

Where does No Higher Honor rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I was initially intimidated by the length of this book but once engaged I found it fascinating. Condoleezza knows how to tell a story and provide that human element in the big events that is tough to find in the newspapers

Who was your favorite character and why?

George Bush comes off well in book but not so for Rumsfeld or Cheney

What about Condoleezza Rice’s performance did you like?

Her version of the events we are all familiar with was very believable and she was willing to admit her mishaps along the way. Her insights into other world leaders and their motivations was very interesting.

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

An inside glimpse at people who made history

Honorable

This is a great book, it's personable and informative. The hopeful tone of Condi is evident through her retelling of even the toughest moments.

Very detailed and compelling narrative

Dr. Rice recounts her service and the major events therein with the precision her academic background enables. You may not agree, but can't help but respect her approach and analysis.

Great book!

I thoroughly enjoyed her account of her time in the bush administration.
Enjoyed listening to her reading as well. Great read I highly recommend it.



Philips Avance XL Digital Airfryer, White
Item #: 59239

Everyone should listen this

Dr. Rice is more me a true hero and a symbol for everything the US stands for. One cannot emphasise enough how important it is nowadays more than ever to stand up and fight for freedom and democracy. The truth has so often twisted around that I can only over and over repeat what her message is: democracy is not for free nor does it fall from heaven automatically with freedom. If people stop working towards it, questioning their leaders and their own information as well as opinions, it will eventually be overtaken from people who are not your friends...

Stimulating

I have read several biographies about Condoleezza Rice, now I shall obtain the information from her via this memoir. Rice always appears gracious, well poised, intelligent and well dressed. The other books I read provided a good deal of information about her childhood and education. I am most interested in learning about her time as national security advisor and Secretary of State. The book is long at 750 pages. I read these types of books to obtain knowledge therefore I keep an open mind while reading.

The book appears to be a comprehensive look at the foreign policy strategy of the Bush administration. Rice defends many key decisions; she also acknowledges the mistakes and missteps made along the way. Rice admits that the administration mishandled concerns about the Kyoto climate change treaty and failed to respond positively, after the September 11 attacks, to NATO’s invocation of the “article five” that it was considered an attack on all NATO states.

Rice reveals that the well-publicized dispute with Cheney and Rumsfeld were not personal but simply business-- policy differences. Cheney and Rumsfeld lambasted Rice in their books. She is more polite than they were insisting the difference were about policy not personality. As secretary of State she points out the nuclear pact with India and the disarming of Qaddafi, to the passionate commitment to Africa: programs to fight AIDS, development of grants, and pressure to reduce killings in Darfur. Rice did not reveal much about her personal life but I did notice two things that were important to her, prayer and exercise.

The book is written in a matter of fact style of the Academic, which of course, she is, as her professorship at Sanford University indicates. She writes as if she is an ordinary person talking to you over tea. She writes with clarity. One thing I learned from the book is what the National Security Advisor does. I compliment her on the following: that she respected other person opinions and she gave credit to her deputies and assistants, which is rare to see in memoirs these days. Rice narrated the book. I can recommend this book to anyone interested in history or political science.

Best political book I have read

Simply incredible. What an amazing woman. If you want the real story of the Bush years, THIS is the best source.

Condoleeza made the 8 years come back to me.

Would you consider the audio edition of No Higher Honor to be better than the print version?

The audio version was such a special treat because the author herself was narrating. I loved her voice. I felt she was really talking to me.

It's great when the Author Reads to you!!!

If you could sum up No Higher Honor in three words, what would they be?

This book educates people on the inner workings of the White House. The Protocols and Legality that must be attand in these Higher Offices.

What other book might you compare No Higher Honor to and why?

Bill Clintons My Life

What about Condoleezza Rice’s performance did you like?

All. I'm in love with her.

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

The Black Rose in the White House or The Black Rose

Any additional comments?

Loved her and I thank her for teaching George Bush!!!!