Colin Powell Book Signing in McLean, Virginia Thursday night, 5/31

McLean Patch ^ | May 21, 2012 | Bobbie Bowman

[HokieMom]

Former U.S. Secretary of State and McLean resident Colin Powell signs his new book "It Worked for me: In Life and Leadership" at a downtown McLean bookstore this evening.

The book signing will occur at 7 p.m. at Books-A-Million on Chain Bridge Road across the street from the McLean Giant.

Here's what you need to know. Perkins McDowell, one of the managers at Books-A-Million, has this advice for their customers.

1. What do I need to do to see Colin Powell? You need a ticket and a book. Books-A-Million started handing out tickets last week. They will continue to give out tickets and sell books up until 6 pm.

2. Get there early. The book signing starts at 7 pm. McDowell suggested arriving no later than 6:30 pm.To get in line you must have a book and a ticket number. Guests will be lined up according to their numbers.

3. How many tickets have been given out? More than 100 tickets had been given up by Wednesday afternoon.

4. Powell, a retired four-star general and former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has written a book revealing the lessons that shaped his life and career, according to The New York Times.

The book, “It Worked for Me,” is a collection of lessons and personal anecdotes that have driven Powell's legendary career in public service, the Times reported.

5. Have your book open and ready. Be prepared to spell your name.

Powell is doing this for his McLean neighbors so he will stay until all books are signed.

[mass55th]

"...Colin Powell signs his new book "It Worked for me: In Life and Leadership..."

Is this a book on Affirmative Action?

[N. Theknow]

He looks almost like a Cherokee Indian with those high cheek bones.

[HokieMom]

Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and McLean resident Colin Powell signed his new book for more than 200 fans who crowded into a downtown McLean bookstore Thursday evening.

Powell chatted amicably with the guests who lined up around the Books-A-Million on Chain Bridge Road to meet one of the most respected men in America.

A couple near the front of line had six copies of his new book, "It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership." "I hope some of these are gifts," he told the couple. He was assured they were.

Grandparents brought their grandchildren. There was lots of picture taking: wives snapping husbands with the retired four-star general. Husbands snapping wives.

Powell spent two hours signing and chatting in the evening hours. Earlier in the afternoon he had spent an exuberant few hours at the White House.

The occasion: The unveiling of the official White House portraits of former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.

Powell, one of Bush's two Secretaries of State, joined other Bush administration cabinet officers and advisers for the ceremony and Bush reunion.

[goat granny]

amen, I wouldn’t walk across the street to see him, much less give the racist my money....

[cynwoody]

Hmm. What has Colon Bowel done for me lately?

Lessee... helped get Barack Obama elected in 2008 ...

Go to hell, Colin!