1 comments about Lights of Madness: In Search of Joan of Arc.

1. Joan of Arc has been a hero of mine for more than fifty years. Over those years I have read every book on her I could find. Many of these carry with them, naturally enough, the point of view of the author(s). Joan is one of those very rare personalities in history who seem to arrive out of thin air and turn the times on their head. Her short life is one of the most documented of her age, yet for many she remains an enigma. If one accepts the Roman Catholic view, there is a faith-based explanation. Other approaches to come to grips with this all too human teenage woman may reflect a gamut of ideas that cover the entire human experience, from romance to science.
   
   Doctor Russell's thoroughness in exploring the various possibilites take on an intriguing trek. He first recounts Joan's life as it is documented, without dwelling on any certain aspect, such as military. His purpose seems to be "let's agree on what is undisputed" as we begin to search for any non faith-based explanation as to how a previously unknown teenage woman, who had no education, could motivate first a knight, then a baron, then the French prince and most remarkedly, his dismal army and it's commanders. I believe it is a fair statement that without Joan, France as we know it today, would not exist.
   
   Modern researchers have a new arena to debate Joan's behavior, that of medical science. This is where Dr. Russell's work has it's greatest strength. He probes all of the modern theories that medical science has provided yet makes it understanble to the non-medical mind (like mine). I found the book a real page-turner, as if I was on a road to uncover a mystery, which I was. It has opened up some new possibilites I had not really considered. What better success can an author seek other than he made his readers think?
   
   Joan is still a hero of mine. Dr. Russell has not tarnished her memory, but revived it in a modern light. Make sure your personal library contains Dr. Russell's book. Mine does.

4 comments about Ghosts in the Garden: Reflections on Endings, Beginnings, and the Unearthing of Self.

1. The author of this small book, that would so easily fit the hands while walking a garden, ready to open while perhaps sitting on a fallen log or stump or among flowerbeds, is a poet in prose. Kephart has written an ongoing essay, covering the seasons of a garden as she covers the changing seasons of her own life. On her 41st birthday, she has a sobering moment of realization. She is about to enter midlife with all its reassessments and transformation and growth, all the realizations of changing roles as wife, mother, woman, writer. Discovering the garden called Chanticleer near her Philadelphia home gives her contemplations a beautiful backdrop, if not a solid grounding to view herself as she views the natural world around her.
   
   Kephart walks the paths of the public garden and observes, then translates poetically to us, her readers, how she gradually learns to accept the changes inevitable in life. She observes nature as she observes the gardeners themselves. On occasion, she takes with her on her walks her young son, other times her husband, who captures Chanticleer in his own art medium - photography - adding his black and white images to Kephart's text.
   
   Perhaps one moment so captured that might sum up Kephart's process of midlife transformation is a short essay about the garden after a storm:
   
   "The garden had been put in its place by weather, and so had the rest of us; we are so entirely miniscule in comparison to wind and rain and hail. We were aware of how everything was angled newly. Made jagged or raw. Thinned out. We were reminded of other storms that had blown in, then turned and vanished.
   
   "On that day only the gardeners seem brave - hauling broken branches and clumps of errant leaves from wherever they had gotten to, straightening the stakes and invisible ties, suggesting, by the way they carried things, that the world would be made right again. The gardeners were muddy and burdened and resilient because love is the only chance a garden's got. For the moment, and in the moment. Now because of then."
   
   The walk through Kephart's garden of words is a path well worth taking.



2. I am always worried where I send for little reflective books that the writing will be flat and the thoughts dull. This one shimmers on the page and the simple, wise writing is pure poetry. I also walked in the garden through the pages and found that, as the author learned and grew with the seasons and her brief encounters with others, so did I. I am keeping this one on my night table to dip into often.



3. Kephart again uses her beautiful gift of prose to bring us these reflections from Chanticleer. I deliberately took my time with this book, for I wanted to savor each page. The accompanying images add to the peaceful feeling of the book. I highly recommend this book.



4. This book is lovely. It is beautifully written, reflective - you want to take your time and savor it. The photos are a wonderful complement to the book. I think it would be a perfect Mothers Day gift. Make a cup of tea and read this book. I loved it.

5 comments about Forever Young : The Life, Loves, and Enduring Faith of a Hollywood Legend ; The Authorized Biography of Loretta Young.

1. This book is pretty straight forward. Like the title says this is a book about Loretta Youngs life; loves, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracey, Tom Lewis, etc, etc.; and faith one of the mainstays in her life threw all the good and bad times she experienced.
   
   All in all a very good book about Loretta Young. The best part about it is that finally Loretta admitted that Judy Lewis was her biological child with Clark Gable.



2. The book was interesting and I learned more about Loretta Young's life. I agree, it was a bit "candy coated", but I think it explains the "sign of the times" and that is where she was in her life. I think it is great that she had such a strong faith in God and that her religion played a very important part of her life. Her life is a good example for others. In this day and time, we let too much just "hang out there". It would be nice if our world was a little more "reserved".



3. Whilst Loretta Young unquestionably lead an interesting life, you would not know it from this whitewashed, saintly version. This book would have been far better promoted as a commentary on Loretta Young and her relationship with god. Certainly those readers wanting to know about her experiences in Hollywood in the 1930s would be disappointed. Her screen career was largely glossed over - we are talking about a woman who worked with pioneers such as Lon Chaney - you'd barely know it from this book. Similarly, there was little on her relationship with her sisters or any comments of substance about their lives or careers. Even the more 'scandalous' elements of her life were only worth a couple of pages - the rest of the book was more like a conversion exercise. Whilst the religious element was obviously something that influenced who she was as a person, the author did not delve beyond this. It is an injustice if this is the best that can be offered in her memory.



4. She is not like you would have imagined from the TV Show. She had a lot more going on than the glamour that she displayed with her swirling entries each week.
   She was not the angel one might think either but she was human and she faced it, or not, within the pages of this book. She sometimes came off as a saint and sometimes as naive but you did not always believe she could be THAT naive. Other times she came of as competent and adult, which, in my book makes her as real as a Hollywood siren can be.



5. This book is written through Ms. Young's eyes and appears to be her somewhat romanticized and (more importantly)spiritualized take on life. She tends to gloss over the tawdry or questionable aspects while dwelling on the spiritual aspects. Having read her daughter Judy's book, I can clearly see that there was a lot of moral conflict in her mind and this book was clearly a good way to absolve herself of most of the negatives in her life. That said, the book is an o.k. read once you begin to differentiate the truth from the romantic fiction.

4 comments about Walking With the Great Apes: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas.

1. This is a tender, touching, love story of epic proportions. The love and feminine worship of the Trimates by the author, Sy Montgomery is apparent and the loves both human and primate of each woman is so masterfully told by Montgomery. We can't help but feel a kinship to the three wonderful women who are celebrated in this Leakey led sisterhood of Montgomery's biographical tale of primatologists Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Berute Galdikas. Not unlike her other works, Montgomery has allowed us to follow her...NO! This time, walk along side of her throughout her journey to tell the stories of these three women scientists who spent their lives in the service of Louis Leakey until his death in 1972, and the primates they each chose to bravely live among and almost change into their respective Animagus form. Montgomery has taken three biographies and woven them poetically together like the intertwining lives they each lead, without gossip, but of obvious sincere heroine worship.



2. An astonishing writer named Sy Montgomery thoughtfull wrote Walking With The Great Apes. Montgomery's captivating novel portrays three women who are fasinated about how primates live and care for one another. In a dire world of poaching and murder, these three scientists attempt to protect and preserve the world and nature of humanity's closest cousins. All together Walking With The Great Apes is a thought-provoking book and a must read for anyone interested in the Great Apes.



3. A very well written book and a great introduction to those who want to know more about the lives and studies of these 3 extremely remarkable woman Jane Goodall, Birutas Galdikas and last but not least for me THE woman of the 20th century Dian Fossey.



4. Sy Montgoemry writes extremely well, and as a consequence, her book is compulsively readable. Not only that, but the subject matter is pure fascination, as she sheds light on each of these great apes, their extraordinary environments, and the daring women scientists who study them - their unique approach to science, their trials and tribulations. A great book.

5 comments about From the Poorhouse to the Penthouse.

1. This book is such a blessing. Thank you to Kay who shared how God can work in your life for change that we can't achieve by ourselves. God is good and thanks for helping put pieces to the puzzle together for those of us broken and stuck in a rut. If you are open to a change of mind in conjunction to a change of heart, read this book and APPLY it.



2. This book is totally worth it!!! I could hardly put it down and read parts of it several times. It has made a huge impact on my life!



3. i have read this book and changed my own life by following the instructions. this is not a hard thing. you just have to be motivated and faithful to follow thru.
   i went from driving a 10 yr old pathfinder to a new hummer H2. i make 2 int'l trips per year, and also travel for fun in the cont'l USA.
   after watching me, someone approached me just a few days ago to ask me to teach him how to change his life.
   read the book: do the book. enjoy your life.
   change not only your wealth, but also your health and spirit.



4. This book was very good it is easy to apply in many areas of life. It is also very informative in a way that will help you to understand even in the deepest of parts, Kay also does an amazing job in relating all her material to the word of God. This book is a must read book for anyone wanting to see some real changes in there life!



5. I have read this book several times actually and LOVE it each time I pick it up! If you truly devote the time to putting her steps into action you will see results. This is a definite must read if you are in a stuck place in your life. It will help you to become unstuck and move into a whole new realm in your life. I recommend you purchase several copies and give them to friends who want to change their lives for the better.

5 comments about Danica--Crossing the Line.

1. I originally purchased this book for my daughter as she has recently turned 15 and involved with cart racing.
   
   I read it first and was impressed not only with the racing aspects that my daughter can relate to but the life lessons to be learned by someone who has been there. It seems it's sometimes better coming from someone other than DAD.
   
   To have my daughter passionate about racing is a godsend and I am so proud of my daughter just like the Patrick's must be of their daughter.
   
   I recommend it to any parent of a teenage daughter AND as a gift to a teenage daughter. The boys are on their own!



2. I like one of the previous reviewers was a great supporter of Danica and her accomplishments on the track. However, like he, I was also soured by the ego and general attitude and tone of her personality. Not as enthused about her as I was earlier



3. I had been quite taken by Danica's exploits on the race track and thought getting some insight about her in this book would be interesting.
   
   Instead I got a book written by a woman with an ego so huge as to almost be unbelievable. She has never won a race in any car series, yet she professes to be talented enough to be the best. Always complains that her losses are a result of inferior equipment.
   
   She professes to owe a tremenous amount to Bobby Rahal for believing in her and giving her a chance, yet leaves his team for next year in hopes of again, "beter equipment." She quit racing in Europe when she felt she wasn't getting good enough equipment and says she hasn't contacted the people who sponsored her there since. Claims they told her maybe she should quit when she was frustrated with the equipment she was being provided. She took them up on it,not realizing that they were perhaps tired of her "poor me" attitude.
   
   I think for someone who has never won a race, perhaps she should show some more loyalty and a little bit of humility.
   
   This is unfortunate as I was really liking her racing and wanted to be a fan, but the book has soured me on her attitude.



4. Danica Patrick is currently THE star and main attraction on the IRL racing circuit, being a 24 year old, good looking driver who shows great promise and who happens to be female. She is currently in her second season on the IRL, but despite several great finishes (including a rousing 4th place at the Indy 500 as a rookie in 2005), has yet to win in the IRL.
   
   I saw "Crossing the Line" (219 pages) at my local library, and the curiosity factor was such that I simply had to pick it up. Danica tells her life story (such as it is, at age 24) and it's nice but simply does not make for great reading. The more interesting pages are when she explains her decision to do certain picture shoots that show off her femininity, for which she (rightly so) doesn't apologize (drawing the line at requests from Playboy and the like). But she doesn't have a lot of life experiences to share, and how could she, at age 24? This book was released in late April of this year, to coincide with (cash in on?) the build-up for the buzz of this year's Indy 500...
   
   All that said, Danica, after teasing with jumping to the NASCAR circuit for 2007, has signed on with a new IRL team for next year, and whatever (big) money they are paying her, I'm here to tell you that she's underpaid, as she is almost single-handedly is keeping the IRL circuit from falling off the cliff. Danica shows great promise as a drive, and I'll be interested to see if she can fullfill those promises, but "Crossing the Line" is not a great book, and I'm being mild.



5. 
   I bought this book because I race.....at a much lower level. I was interested in how she came up in racing in Europe. In addition, she is good....rookie of the year is impressive.
   
   However, I had to put the book down after about 20 pages because I could not stand to hear her talk any longer about how great she is. How unstoppable she is...how determined, bulletproof, supreme, brilliant, ultra talented. I was waiting to hear about her experiences coming up as a driver. But every topic change was another opportunity to tell me how incredible she is.
   She is good, young, and hasn't won an Indy race yet. I'm sure an amount of confidence is required for a driver.....but she is over the top.

5 comments about Hidden Power: Presidential Marriages That Shaped Our Recent History.

1. I was extremely impressed with "Hidden Power," which explores 20th century presidential marriages and the impact that first ladies have had on White House politics. The book begins with a chapter devoted to Woodrow and Edith Wilson and culminates in an epilogue about George W. and Laura Bush. Author Kati Marton gives readers a fascinating (albeit a bit light) account of the lives of these famous political couples and explains how each first lady coped with being married to the most powerful man in the world, handled the duties and expectations that come along with being a presidential spouse, and adjusted to the ever-changing roles that women have in this country.
   
   This isn't a super intense or scholarly book and much of the information in it has been presented before, but I've never encountered a book that's solely dedicated to the influence first ladies have had on the American presidency, and I enjoyed every page. "Hidden Power" is not a boring history book: It's an exciting compilation of the lives of this country's first families, and I couldn't put it down.



2. This was an enjoyable light, but informative book about presidencies from a different perspective than most. I differ from one of the panning reviews in that I thought it was refreshingly not leftist liberal journalism. The author seemed to take a non-political view of the characters with an expected sympathetic eye towards the first ladies. I also found some factual discrepancies that a fact checker should have found which - as always - puts a cloud on the author's credibility; i.e.: Ford was an All-American center for Mich, not a star quarterback at Yale. But her countless quotes from insiders were well chosen, very informative and interesting. She did her homework on those. If there were half stars to give, I'd give this a three and one-half. Certainly worth the time.



3. Kati Marton's book, HIDDEN POWER, examines the marital relationships of twelve couples who occupied the White House between 1916 and the present. This book has a number of good aspects. First, it is fascinating and holds the reader's interest from the introduction through the epilogue. Second, Ms. Marton succeeds in humanizing some larger than life personalities (for the first time, I saw an appealing, sympathetic and human side to FDR). I constantly found myself relating to the couples featured in this book. Third, Ms. Marton draws interesting comparisons between the presidential marriages and discusses the impact of those relationships upon history.

   I must say that I noticed a surprising number of factual errors, exaggerations and authorities cited out of context. For example, Ms. Marton begins her chapter on the Nixons with an anecdote that Pat Nixon had a cup of cottage cheese sent up to her bedroom on her first night in the White House while Richard Nixon had a celebratory steak dinner with his daughters and their husbands (Nixon did not have two sons-in-law in January 1969 -- Tricia didn't marry until August 1971 in memorable Rose Garden ceremony). I understand that Ms. Marton was trying to demonstrate the pathos in Pat Nixon's relationship with her husband. However, the obvious misstatement in that anecdote made me wonder what else was erroneous. Also, Ms. Marton cited J.B. West's UPSTAIRS AT THE WHITE HOUSE out of context in at least one instance. There were additional inaccuracies and exaggerations in the chapters on the Wilsons, Nixons and Fords.

   HIDDEN POWER is an insightful and enjoyable work in spite of the inaccuracies. Read this book for the general themes, but double-check the facts before quoting this book or using it as an authority for a research paper or thesis.




4. This was an enjoyable light, but informative book about presidencies from a different perspective than most. I differ from one of the panning reviews in that I thought it was refreshingly not leftist liberal journalism. The author seemed to take a non-political view of the characters with an expected sympathetic eye towards the first ladies. I also found some factual discrepancies that a fact checker should have found which - as always - puts a cloud on the author's credibility; i.e.: Ford was an All-American center for Mich, not a star quarterback at Yale. But her countless quotes from insiders were well chosen, very informative and interesting. She did her homework on those. If there were half stars to give, I'd give this a three and one-half. Certainly worth the time.



5. This is a fast read, but also nicely written, and very enjoyable. It is not exactly a scholarly work. A more scholarly work would probably cover all the most influential presidential marriages, or all the presidencies of the 20th century. Instead,Kati Marton pays word service to the likes of Abigail Adams and Mary Todd Lincoln, and assumes (rightly so) that we would have little interest in reading about Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge,or Herbert Hoover. I was a little disappointed, however, that she skipped so summarily over the Eisenhowers. She justifies this by saying that "[Mamie]played no significant role in her husband's administration." (11) However, I can't imagine anyone playing less of a role than Marton attributes to Pat Nixon, and yet their marriage is covered at length.

   With a few exceptions, I didn't find any surprises here. For the most part it just gave me more details about what I already knew or suspected. The surprises were how badly Richard Nixon treated Pat, to the extent that H.R. Haldeman felt free to send her press secretary scathing memos; how truly "out of it" Ronald Reagan was by the end of his presidency (more than it even appeared); and the stubborn and sanctimonious attitude of Jimmy Carter. Of course, the last chapter, about the younger Bushes, is necessarily dated, having been written before Sept. 11.

   While this book seems to be based more on heresay, and the author's observations, than in-depth research, to Marton's credit, none of this is kiss and tell expose. Those looking for sordid little details will have to go elsewhere. Even the Kennedys' and Clintons' marriages are handled with decorum.

   I am an avid reader of history who appreciates tomes based on several years of research. However, as a break, now and then, I enjoy a "light" history, especially when it's based on recent events with which I am familiar. If you feel the same, or if you prefer your history simplified and easy to digest, you will certainly enjoy this book.

2 comments about Blonde Indian: An Alaska Native Memoir (Sun Tracks).

1. This gorgeous and unusual book should be required reading for both lovers of memoir and anyone who lives in "Indian Country" (which, really, is most of us.) Hayes layers narratives of self, land, history and tribe in an unusual way that feels utterly organic. She also offers real insight into both the brokenheartedness and the joy that characterize modern Native people's experience. Though it is not without minor flaws, I give this book 5 stars because it is amazing and unique.



2. Ernestine Hayes has captured what it means to grow up with one foot in white culture, the other in a native way of life she must struggle to keep alive and burning in her heart. I loved the way native stories wove in and out of her experiences. I hope she has another book in the works because I want to read more of what she has to say.

3 comments about Women Photographers at National Geographic.

1. This is a wonderful documentation of the photography by some of the great women who have worked for National Geographic. Besides the inspiring photos, the essays are well written. Great coffee table book and a must for any woman photographer.



2. The pictures are great -- a collection of the best pictures from the portfolios of some the world's best photographers.

   But photographers need to buy this book for the sake of reading the wonderful essays by Cathy Newman.

   Newman talks about the dilemma particular to professional women of all kinds -- trying to balance your work with your private life. She opens with a description of a group picture of NGS photogs back in the 20's. Every one in the picture was a man. Then she profiles a few of the first women to work for the Society. She showcases the experiences of five women who've worked extensively for the Geographic.

   I enjoyed this book. I hope that it gets put into some curriculums at journalism school. I had never considered how photojournalism might mix with a home life. The short answer is, not very well. The long answer is that the problematic issues become very central to planning a career and a marriage. This book focuses on that very question. It would have been very prescient back in school.




3. This book succeeds on several levels. As a book of photographs it follows the National Geographic tradition of high quality photographs printed in the best possible way. As a book on what it takes to be a National Geographic photographer it presents many stories behind the pictures shown. But above all that it presents to young women thinking about this as a career choice, the facts about what these women face day-to-day. It pulls no punches as it discusses how some have faced the choices of how to have a family and this as a career or to leave behind one or the other. I will certainly recommend this to the girls I work with as an up front view of this remarkable group of photographers.

5 comments about The Confidante: Condoleezza Rice and the Creation of the Bush Legacy.

1. Kessler's book, particularly for a novice, is a great introduction to foreign policy. It provides the reader with a behind-the-scene look at foreign policy and Rice's approach to foreign policy issues.
   
   I was struck by the superficial description of Secretary Rice's physical attributes: "...here was a rarity: a trim and attractive black woman" (p. 10, 2nd paragraph).
   
   This description could be construed in many ways; one perspective is: it is a slight toward women, particularly black women. This stereotype "buys" into the media's (America's) image that beautiful is being slim and attractive, and intelligence is detached from these attributes, particularly for female leaders.
   
   Dr. Rice is an intelligent, attractive woman who is black. Rhetorically speaking, what is attractive and does her being slim and attractive influence her decision-making skills as the United States top foreign policy diplomat?



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'd say it's essential reading for anyone who follows current events on any level. The writing is both direct and engaging and the author provides background and context in each chapter without overcomplicating. I really felt like a Washington insider with access to fascinating accounts of behind-the-scenes negotiations. Kessler's treatment of Rice is even-handed; he highlights her dedication, drive, poise and intelligence but also holds her accountable for failed outcomes and missteps. Reading the New York Times is a whole new experience now - I have a much deeper understanding of the issues and people in the news. Highly recommended!



3. No one denies that Condi Rice is a talented and hard-working diplomat, but Kessler's excellent book chronicles a series of missed diplomatic opportunities during her tenure, inviting one to consider how effective Rice has been as Secretary of State during Bush's second term. Rice initially built a strong and brilliant team under deputy secretary Robert Zoellick, and some of the success stories Kessler describes took place while Zoellick was at the helm.
   
   While Rice had a public profile and was popular with the public during her time on the NSC, once she ascended to role of Secretary of State, she sought systematically to raise her public profile, and to do so largely through a series of media spalshes accompanied by high fashion statements. Rice focused heavily on image. Perhaps the most salient example of a woman in power who used fashion to great effect is Margaret Thatcher, who was a relentless implementer; Kessler demonstrates that once Rice launched initiatives, her execution and implementation were weak, and apparently style trumped substance. Rice does dress the part, carries it off well, and clearly enjoys being a leading fashionista. Dean Acheson also dressed extremely well, but this was probably secondary to his diplomatic skill, and in any case his sartorial statements were not on prominent media display during his trips abroad, although I imagine had he appeared for dinner in Saudi Arabia, as Rice did, wearing flowing white slik with gold pinstripes threaded through the fabric, that would have changed quickly. But if the most innovative fashion statement conservatives can muster is the adoption the solid-color necktie look pioneered by James Baker, then we should welcome Rice's attempts to raise the bar.
   
   While Rice is known to be extremely bright, she appears to compensate for a lack of strategic intellectual firepower with a highly developed sense of performance. Splendid performances can go a long way in diplomacy, it seems, but Rice's tenure has been marked by unlucky breaks and wrong-footed initiatives which Kessler does an outstanding job of covering, while simultaneously guiding us through some of the major foreign policy challenges of the last few years with skill and brevity. The book's title, however, suggests that a more detailed examination of the Rice-Bush relationship would be on offer, with insight into how she became so influential with Bush, if indeed she is exceptionally influential with the President. Here the book falls short, but is nonetheless an essential read for anyone seeking to understand Rice's leadership, or lack of it, during a few turbulent years. Interestingly, as she was provost of a highly complex university and managed a stable of world-class talent, she seems to have brought no managerial skill at all to the running of the Department of State, neglecting to tap the vast resources available there and demonstrating her tacit acceptance of the Bush style of a closed inner circle that doesn't look beyond its own resources or mental models. Rice brings to the table an outstanding set of personal and intellectual qualities, but if Kessler's book is accurate, she may not have the chops to take on a future leadership role in electoral politics. One can only wish her well in the remaining months of her term, but Kessler provides little comfort that major breakthroughs are to be expected, particularly in the mid-east, where Rice has declared her intent to bring peace and stability, and realize the President's stated goal of fostering a Palestinian state. Even now, her role in managing other issues, such as those presented by Iran, seems less than siginficant.



4. "In the spirit of Yom Kippur, the United States will not hold Israel to any agreements obligating them to accept Dollars as payment for their foreign aid. We will translate our obligations into Euros or whatever currency that best fits Israel's needs. We need to place our Israeli obligations at the top of our national priority list. Israel should not suffer any inconvenience due to currency fluctuations" -Condoleezza Rice 09/21/2007
   
   Soon OPEC and others will demand equal consideration and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth all across this once great country.



5. Never much one for politics, I began reading this book only because my father was reading it and had vehemently recommended it to me. However, upon picking it up and reading just a few short pages, I was hooked. The book provides a riveting portrait of one of the most important women, no, one of the most important people in our country. Rice was once believed to have had a substantial chance of becoming the first female president, but lost that chance through foolish political choices. This book shows Rice's weaknesses and her strengths, and portrays her admirable if not greatly successful attempts to fix her mistakes. The insider point of view Kessler offers as a journalist who followed Rice closely provides a wonderful personal touch to the examination of her character, and, in some ways, despite her controversial choices, one cannot help but admire her core of steel and her keen intelligence and sarcastic wit.