theGrio’s summer 2012 books round-up: Great beach reading on black love, African-American history and more!
theGRIO REPORT - Whether you are looking for words of wisdom from a top chef or a former of secretary of state -- or perhaps a little history or just a great story -- theGrio has your summer 2012 reading list covered...
It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership, by Colin Powell with Tony Koltz, Harper, $27.99.
“Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.” This is the third of Colin Powell’s Thirteen Rules, which have served him well over the course of his legendary career. The book opens with these affirmations before moving into chapters — really strong leadership parables — that address everything from the value of kindness to the importance of being responsible for your actions. The four-star general and former secretary of state is a masterful raconteur, and the book is full of thoughtful, sometimes funny, reflections on both his personal and professional life. He addresses the infamous United Nations “weapons of mass destruction” speech and realizes that his statements would be “…a blot, a failure,” and “will always be attached to me and my UN presentation.
“But I am mad mostly at myself for not having smelled the problem,” Powell continues. “My instincts failed me.” Many will want more answers, but they won’t really find them here; nevertheless, this is an inspiring memoir from a fascinating man.
