pjdas1012's review against another edition
4.0
It was that audacity, I thought, that joined us as one people. It was that pervasive spirit of hope that tied my own family’s story to the larger American story, and my own story to those of the voters I sought to represent.
In this book, Obama discusses his stance on many issues facing the American people including economics, foreign policy, and family life. It’s part of the stereotype of books published by someone just before they run for president. Though this was published a while ago, many of the same issues persist today. It intrigued me to hear his thoughts on various areas of politics, with the retrospect of seeing him as president. One thing that stuck out is how moderate he is compared to many of the Democrats today. I can’t picture any current candidate remotely complimenting Reagan or H.W. the way Obama does occasionally here. What is clear, though, is that Obama is an exceptional writer. He can describe the mundane with elegance and beauty. I particularly appreciate his thoughts on race, just as in Dreams From My Father. He has a nuanced and realistic perspective that puts voice to thoughts I didn’t realize I had.
In this book, Obama discusses his stance on many issues facing the American people including economics, foreign policy, and family life. It’s part of the stereotype of books published by someone just before they run for president. Though this was published a while ago, many of the same issues persist today. It intrigued me to hear his thoughts on various areas of politics, with the retrospect of seeing him as president. One thing that stuck out is how moderate he is compared to many of the Democrats today. I can’t picture any current candidate remotely complimenting Reagan or H.W. the way Obama does occasionally here. What is clear, though, is that Obama is an exceptional writer. He can describe the mundane with elegance and beauty. I particularly appreciate his thoughts on race, just as in Dreams From My Father. He has a nuanced and realistic perspective that puts voice to thoughts I didn’t realize I had.
spiffysarahruby's review against another edition
4.0
Rather than reading this book, my boyfriend and I listened to it on a long car trip. It was read by Barack Obama and I have to say, I really LOVE IT when the author reads their own books.
What I liked the most about this book is that he wrote this when he was a Senator, and of course, now he's President. It kind of makes you think, "Gee, I wonder if/how he's altered any of his political beliefs since he became President?" I've always had a lot of faith in his intelligence, but this book really gave me a sense of who he is as a person, and where his political philosophy comes from.
I also really liked the instances where he discusses his family (both close members as well as his immense, extended family members). I especially loved the instances where he talks about his wife and daughters (and got real a kick out of when he would impersonate his 5-7 year old daughters during recalled conversations with them).
This was simply an enjoyable read. :) This was a good book for someone like me who just wasn’t familiar with President Obama’s personal side, and I definitely recommend the audio version.
annemariewellswriter's review against another edition
4.0
I liked listening to this book. It was interesting hearing about Obama's life growing up and about meeting Michelle. It was also interesting hearing his perspective and ideals on issues before he became president knowing what he would and would not end up accomplishing. That being said, I give it four stars just because it wasn't remarkable. I liked it, but it's not one of my favorite books.
gsroney's review against another edition
3.0
It’s not...bad. It’s just a summary of his moderate political views in his own words. A very long stump speech.
the_dragon_reread's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
alldaffer's review against another edition
2.0
Barack's political philosophy, with quite a bit of agreement with all sides of all arguments. I read this book and believed that he would make a good President.
cdlindwall's review against another edition
4.0
Loyal Husband. Caring Father. Articulate Ivy League Graduate. Ruler of the Free World. Born and Bred African American Ass-Kicker. And now, ladies and gentlemen, a NYT Best-Selling Author. There is nothing this man can't do.
I have never hidden my immense support for Barack. I agree with most of his political leanings, find myself aligning with his judgement frequently, and am unusually drawn to his undeniably fierce charisma. I believe him to be level-headed, morally sound, and above all, working with the interest of the people at heart. I followed his campaign whole-heartedly, a supporter long before the Obama-mania really began, and stood in line for hours to see him speak at a local college. His orations have always left me in an emotional, patriotic daze, and his determined battles against particular right-wing agendas have impressed me. That being said, his book did not disappoint an already steady fan, and if anything, left me more convicted than previously.
I thought his book was eloquent, well-thought-out, and perfectly balanced between personal musings and direct plans for the future of our government. He laid down his thoughts on most partisan issues, leading the reader through his ideas and the rational backings for those ideas. Reading this book after his election, I feel all the more strengthened in my support of a man with the intelligence, dedication, and sincerity to pick America up and lead it again to the top.
Although I felt a chord of uneasiness when reading about Barack's religious affiliations (my uneasiness with any proclaimed ~faith~ is not something new), but every other aspect of the 400 page memoir was executed extraordinarily well and I found myself becoming invigorated with his plans for our future (especially his sections on the race towards energy independence and its ability to renew America as the leader of the world).
As a liberal, Barack-lover, this book was really a joy.
o
I have never hidden my immense support for Barack. I agree with most of his political leanings, find myself aligning with his judgement frequently, and am unusually drawn to his undeniably fierce charisma. I believe him to be level-headed, morally sound, and above all, working with the interest of the people at heart. I followed his campaign whole-heartedly, a supporter long before the Obama-mania really began, and stood in line for hours to see him speak at a local college. His orations have always left me in an emotional, patriotic daze, and his determined battles against particular right-wing agendas have impressed me. That being said, his book did not disappoint an already steady fan, and if anything, left me more convicted than previously.
I thought his book was eloquent, well-thought-out, and perfectly balanced between personal musings and direct plans for the future of our government. He laid down his thoughts on most partisan issues, leading the reader through his ideas and the rational backings for those ideas. Reading this book after his election, I feel all the more strengthened in my support of a man with the intelligence, dedication, and sincerity to pick America up and lead it again to the top.
Although I felt a chord of uneasiness when reading about Barack's religious affiliations (my uneasiness with any proclaimed ~faith~ is not something new), but every other aspect of the 400 page memoir was executed extraordinarily well and I found myself becoming invigorated with his plans for our future (especially his sections on the race towards energy independence and its ability to renew America as the leader of the world).
As a liberal, Barack-lover, this book was really a joy.
o
bibliotequeish's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted to read this book before I started [b:A Promised Land|55361205|A Promised Land|Barack Obama|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1600357110l/55361205._SY75_.jpg|86336100] in hindsight I probably did not need to rush through this as many points of note were in both books.
BUT it was still an interesting read, to read about all the things he wanted to fix in the system (ie- health care) , and I'm reading this thinking to myself, you have no idea ...
BUT it was still an interesting read, to read about all the things he wanted to fix in the system (ie- health care) , and I'm reading this thinking to myself, you have no idea ...