Content area
Full text
Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell by Karen DeYoung New York: Alfred Knopf, 2006. 610 pp. $17.95 paperback
Washington Post reporter Karen DeYoung covers the arc of Colin Powell's military and political career in this well-researched 600-page biography. The son of Caribbean immigrants who would serve two tours in the Vietnam War, be chosen National Security Advisor (1987-1989), rise to the rank of four-star general in the United States Army (1989), become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-1993), and serve as secretary of state (2000-2004) during President George W. Bush's first term is widely considered one of the most highly regarded military figures of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Of the three books that I have read about Colin Powell, I found Soldier the most informative and, to some extent, most compelling. Of course, DeYoung had the benefit of both Powell's autobiography, My American Journey (1996), and Howard Means' Powell: Soldier/ Citizen/ Statesman (1992)- two works that undoubtedly served as the foundation on which DeYoung's work was built. Consequently, DeYoung's book goes beyond both Means' and Powell's texts, but not as much as I would have liked. DeYoung's account of Powell's childhood is, for the most part, ground that has been plowed over and again. There is some fresh material, though, that expounds on the strong ties between the U.S. Powell clan and those who live in Jamaica, the birthplace of his father and mother. We see that Powell's Jamaican relatives are as proud of him as he is of them. Although not prominently featured in the book, Powell's pride in his Caribbean heritage is clear. The writer also makes clear that while the Powell story is a great American tale, his is not a Horatio Alger fable. From day one, Powell had the benefit of strong and loving parents, and his extended family provided a solid support network. This upbringing would form the basis of Powell's constitution that would mesh nicely with the military life he would eventually lead. Although neither of Powell's parents was college educated, they emphasized getting a good education. Not surprisingly, the Powell children were expected to go to college. While Powell was by no means an honors student, at the working class City College of...