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)

Engrossing

This was truly a fascinating book and gave one a true appreciation for the "public servant" we all take for granted. Unlike other "tell all books", Rice doesn't whine nor point fingers, either at her boss or the media that made everyone's job harder. Nor does she whitewash the mistakes she, herself, made. She EXPLAINS what went into her decisions and her actions...and what comes through is a woman that could have, should have been our first woman president.

This is a novel of grand scale where the people are headline makers and the behind the scenes are almost juicy in their priviledged access.

Highly recommend this for gift giving and sharing.

Maybe the best audible book ever!

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

This is a fascinating book written by and about a fascinating person. The author's voice is an essential part of this powerful book.

Great Book, Read by AI

It was a great book. A little heavy on 9/11, but this is her story not my interview! It was also apparent a few times from the audible blunders that this book was narrated by AI, not the Stanford Provost!

Stunning Details

Ms. Rice gave me an education in matters of my country that I never knew. My respect for her stand for democracy has grown exponentially through this tome of discovery. Her courage, achievement and forthrightness has stirred me deeply. I cannot recommend this book higher or I would.

a well-told, gripping account of diplomacy at work

i really enjoyed her account of the tremendous behind the scenes work that went into the hot cauldron of US foreign policy during the 8yrs of the GWB term. Very insightful, particularly given her even handed and clear retelling of the chain of events that started even before 9/11 and through the isreali/hezbollah conflict and even into the Arab spring. gained a much better understanding of the mindset that lead us into the iraq quagmire. i really learned alot about US foreign policy and enjoyed the human touch that she added to what could have been a dense topic.

A woman to be admired, Condoleezza Rice

An amazing account of some of the toughest years in our recent history: 2001 to 2008. Condoleezza Rice does an excellent job outlining the most important aspects of diplomacy, policy and government. She is somebody to be admired.

A Must Read For Geopolitics Enthusiasts

Would you listen to No Higher Honor again? Why?

Yes, I would. This book provided copious details regarding the Bush years, and stands as an historical primer on that time period.

What did you like best about this story?

Condi was always very honest about both the successes and failures that occurred during her watch. This, like all administrations, is a story that is very human at its core.

What about Condoleezza Rice’s performance did you like?

She is genuine and sincere. She does not pull punches, yet is able to remain classy and professional.

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

A Perspective From Someone Who Was There

Any additional comments?

As a history buff and proud American, I can say without a doubt that Condoleeza Rice was and is a great American and a great human being. She is brilliant, eloquent, and a shining role model for all of us. This book is a huge treasure trove of detailed information pertaining to people and events during one of the most tumultuous time periods in our nation's history. One gets a very deep impression that she did the best she could with the information and resources she had, and constantly worked tirelessly for the higher good. Hearing this book in her own voice was truly a treat and an honor. Thank you Dr. Rice, for all you have done on behalf of this great nation that both you and I love so much.

Modern History Matters!

This was extraordinarily comprehensive. As this was a time I lived through, I noticed how I was far enough removed to see how the decisions of yesteryear bear on the present. There was no whining or defensiveness and the pace was given at a rate I took to be designed for information retention (read by the author). While I do not believe it to be fully intentional, one overarching takeaway I had was political management - not in terms of message or policy management, but political personality management within and between government officials. It is an unenviable job, but one that certainly matters.

Great, very informative

Dr. Condaleeza Rice is wonderful at explaining the goings on of our diplomatic corp. great

Great Book

Though I think she'd be great, this book confirms my belief that Condoleezza is too smart to run for president.