Generally Speaking: A Memoir by the First Woman Promoted to Three-Star General in the United States Army [Paperback]

Beginning in a Women's Army Corps still largely restricted to clerical duties, Kennedy finished three-plus decades in the army as a senior intelligence officer during a period when military intelligence was no longer an oxymoron, but a critical element of national security. Her memoir says the expected from a successful senior officer. It stresses the importance to a soldier of physical, mental and spiritual fitness. It offers a few generalizations about the future of the army and the world, making familiar points about the increasing likelihood of asymmetric violence by substate actors. Readers, however, are unlikely to seek out this book for its perspectives on national security. Kennedy was known within the army as a determined advocate for women soldiers. She gained national recognition for successfully blocking the promotion of another general, on the grounds of his having sexually harassed her. More significant, however, is Kennedy's principled commitment to creating a more domesticated army, a female-friendly force whose male soldiers wish neither to drink to excess, to use bad language, nor to consider women as sexual objects. The possibilities of this kind of civilized force are more important than whether a particular general engaged in inappropriate touching. They should be the focus whenever Generally Speaking is discussed. PW's readers are advised not to hold their breaths waiting for that to happen. (Sept. 20)Forecast: This book has been under "semi-embargo" in anticipation of a Barbara Walters appearance on Sept. 19. That interview will be followed by Good Morning America on pub day, while a subsequent author tour takes in New York, Washington, D.C., and various military base areas, as well as a 25-city radio satellite tour. Look for a huge spike in sales, followed by a relatively quick drop.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Kennedy rose from the ranks of the Women's Army Corps, eventually becoming the army's first woman three-star general and serving as the deputy chief of staff of intelligence. During her 32 years in the military, she saw much change and turmoil, including her own encounters with sexual harassment. This book begins with her life story and then focuses on how her army experience shaped her and how others can take the skills she learned and use them in their lives. As Kennedy discusses specific issues such as being a good mentor, dealing with difficult supervisors, and the future of army intelligence, this standard biography takes on a new and interesting slant that makes it much more enjoyable. Unfortunately, it might have been more effective with a professional narrator. Also, the drums and martial music indicating section and chapter changes get in the way of the tale. Public libraries may want to add this to biography sections or wait for the unabridged version to see if its problems are less evident.
Danna Bell-Russel, Library of Congress
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Claudia J. Kennedy retired as the first female three-star general and the highest ranking woman ever in that branch, overseeing 45,000 soldiers worldwide. This is her biography, charting her struggles and triumphs over the years.

In 1997, Claudia J. Kennedy became the Army's highest-ranking woman ever as a three-star general. She lives in Virginia. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.