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yakihammer's review against another edition
4.0
A refreshing book from a Christian who worked in the Obama White House.
lmbartelt's review against another edition
5.0
A book about politics isn't usually first on my list, but I heard a fascinating conversation with Michael Wear on a podcast recently, so I picked up the book as well. The idea that faith and President Obama and the White House could be topics in one book might surprise some, but I found the book to be an interesting behind-the-scenes look of some of the former president's policy decisions, as well as a closer look at his personal faith. Wear paints a realistic, not an idealistic, picture of how faith and politics work together and sometimes clash. And he offers challenges to Christians in both political parties to engage in the political process. I started reading the book just after our new president was elected, and it has served as a reminder of how important it is to be involved in the political process, not just to advance some kind of moral agenda, but because doing so can be a way to love my neighbor.
shiltebeitel20's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
gaetkoguy's review against another edition
3.0
Somewhat difficult to get through. I appreciate the call for Christians to step away from zero-sum politics, but didn’t receive the full picture of hope I was looking for.
andeez's review
5.0
I needed this book. I heard about Michael Wear's work before the election. Little did I know then the sinking feeling in my gut I'd have over 2 months later. I'm losing hope.
Wear's book shares what it was like to work in a faith office under President Obama. I appreciated his reports of the good and the bad during Obamas 8 years. There are matters I had forgotten; such as the meetings with evangelical leaders Obama held at the beginning of his first term. Hearing some evangelicals talk about Obama today, you can imagine why this memory is so distant. Wear talks about Obamas movements in faith, in abortion/adoption numbers, in healthcare, and more.
But the hope...the hope for me came at the end of the book. Wear reminds me that "Christians have an obligation to be involved in politics, but we do not belong to our politics.". It's true. And while I am so overwhelmed by national politics at the moment, he gives advice in participating locally.
The election did not turned out as I'd hoped. But it did give me energy to do something about it. "Reclaiming Hope" motivates me further.
Wear's book shares what it was like to work in a faith office under President Obama. I appreciated his reports of the good and the bad during Obamas 8 years. There are matters I had forgotten; such as the meetings with evangelical leaders Obama held at the beginning of his first term. Hearing some evangelicals talk about Obama today, you can imagine why this memory is so distant. Wear talks about Obamas movements in faith, in abortion/adoption numbers, in healthcare, and more.
But the hope...the hope for me came at the end of the book. Wear reminds me that "Christians have an obligation to be involved in politics, but we do not belong to our politics.". It's true. And while I am so overwhelmed by national politics at the moment, he gives advice in participating locally.
The election did not turned out as I'd hoped. But it did give me energy to do something about it. "Reclaiming Hope" motivates me further.
alltheradreads's review against another edition
4.0
This book is an incredible read. I didn't vote for Obama and wasn't a fan for a while, but as time went on and as the political climate has changed dramatically, I've come to appreciate and respect Obama so much more. I've been interested in the intersection of his faith and politics for a while (since listening to a podcast with his faith advisor Joshua DuBois a while back) and this book was really a brilliant read. I learned a lot, was inspired and encouraged, loved the behind-the-scenes stories, and really appreciated the thoughtfulness and relatable nature of how Wear crafted this. Highly recommend this one if you're at all curious about how faith and politics coincide, if you're an Obama fan or someone who doesn't know much about the man, or if anything about the presidency interests you.
jholland's review against another edition
2.0
I waivered between giving this a 2 and a 3, but the description of 2 starts "it was ok", seemed pretty fitting. I enjoyed hearing about how President Obama talked about his faith early in the book/his presidency. The middle of the book felt like there were a few issues that were lingered on a bit too long, and in the end, I was left feeling like I really didn't know where the President stood all along. I think this may have actually been what the author was trying to convey, I just like things tied up with a bow. :)