Condoleeza Rice : National Security Advisor and Musician

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-This volume looks at the woman's rise from life in segregated Alabama through her advancement to the position of National Security Advisor. Rice's life has been a host of accomplishments, including becoming a concert pianist; serving as Provost at Stanford University; becoming an adviser on foreign policy to George Herbert Walker Bush, and obtaining her current position in George W. Bush's administration. Ryan also notes criticisms by her detractors. The book takes readers up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the decision to restrict the role of the United Nations in establishing a new Iraqi government. The author also projects that the future of this dynamic individual might hold a run for the presidency or (her dream job) of becoming commissioner of the National Football League. Appendixes include resources to learn more about Rice and career profiles for college administrators, musicians, and federal or state officials. Christin Ditchfield's Condoleezza Rice (Watts, 2003) is more visually appealing and has boxes of historical information that put Rice's life in context. Nonetheless, Ryan's title is still a solid addition for general collections and would be a useful tool for reports.-Tracy Karbel, Glenside Public Library District, Glendale Heights, IL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.