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lambchops814's review against another edition
5.0
This book received a lot of criticism when it was released for painting Michell's, especially, in a poor light. I didn't find that to be true. Rather it painted the picture of a young couple thrust into a very public postion of power very quickly and focused on the inherent impacts that had on their relationship and family. If anything it made me like both his policy and them as a couple even more. I especially appreciated the tidbits that humanized them; such as he eats dinner with his family every night and focuses on the going one of the girls. All in all, I really enjoyed it.
theartolater's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not someone who necessarily admires or likes the first family politically, so picking this book up came more from the interesting media feedback that came about upon its release than anything else. Especially after being disappointed in the election results, a little something to read about four more years of the Obamas can't be a bad choice. Interestingly, this book ended up providing an entirely different perception of both Barack and Michelle than I anticipated it would, and the book actually ended up being a valuable use of my time.
The key point the media appeared to prey on was this idea that Michelle Obama came across as more of the unfortunately stereotypical angry black woman. I'll be honest - not only does Michelle Obama not come across that way in the book, but she actually comes across as incredibly well-meaning and sympathetic. Her concerns are portrayed as incredibly relevant and well-thought out, she is brought across as the anchor of that family who shows deep care for her husband and children. While the general media perception of her seems to be a more driven, stern character, those lines are softened considerably in the detailed look at her life in the spotlight.
That contrast becomes even more apparent when placed against her husband. While Barack Obama certainly had some missteps during the first term, and perhaps misunderstood and underestimated the challenge the population and Congress would give him, incompetence was not the word I would have generally used to describe him in most areas. Unfortunately for the president, this book shows him to be wildly out of touch with the country he governs, with the expectations of the office he holds, and shows a rather disengaged, disappointed man who is holding an office much larger than he can perhaps handle. Reading this post-election makes it that much more stunning, and perhaps a little disconcerting.
This isn't a partisan book by any means - if anything, the classic New York Times liberal lean comes through from time to time in the descriptions of certain events that occur during the times observed. The book, however, is also a very solid look at two people we really know surprisingly little about given their status in the country. I wish more people had read it before the election, and I think more people should read it now after the fact.
The key point the media appeared to prey on was this idea that Michelle Obama came across as more of the unfortunately stereotypical angry black woman. I'll be honest - not only does Michelle Obama not come across that way in the book, but she actually comes across as incredibly well-meaning and sympathetic. Her concerns are portrayed as incredibly relevant and well-thought out, she is brought across as the anchor of that family who shows deep care for her husband and children. While the general media perception of her seems to be a more driven, stern character, those lines are softened considerably in the detailed look at her life in the spotlight.
That contrast becomes even more apparent when placed against her husband. While Barack Obama certainly had some missteps during the first term, and perhaps misunderstood and underestimated the challenge the population and Congress would give him, incompetence was not the word I would have generally used to describe him in most areas. Unfortunately for the president, this book shows him to be wildly out of touch with the country he governs, with the expectations of the office he holds, and shows a rather disengaged, disappointed man who is holding an office much larger than he can perhaps handle. Reading this post-election makes it that much more stunning, and perhaps a little disconcerting.
This isn't a partisan book by any means - if anything, the classic New York Times liberal lean comes through from time to time in the descriptions of certain events that occur during the times observed. The book, however, is also a very solid look at two people we really know surprisingly little about given their status in the country. I wish more people had read it before the election, and I think more people should read it now after the fact.
katyjean81's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book. It seems to be well-researched and as a political news junkie, it was an interesting insight into the lives of our president and first lady.
abetterbradley's review against another edition
4.0
I've heard a lot about this book over the last few weeks. Most of the press has focused on how the book portrays the first lady in a negative light. I felt that it portrayed Michelle Obama has a strong, independent woman who didn't take shit from the West Wing. After reading this, I feel for the Obamas. I wouldn't want to live in the White House.
emmastia's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting portrait of their marriage and relationship and how they have adjusted to white house life. Not as great on the political gossip front, but that was not really the focus or intent here. Most focused and interesting in regard to Michelle Obama and her transformation. I am glad I listened to it.
msmichaela's review
4.0
Totally fascinating (and well written) peek inside the Obama White House. I know the Obamas themselves don't like the book and contest some of its conclusions... but I kinda don't care.
canada_matt's review
3.0
I was interested to get my hands on this book, after all the hype that was being made about it. When I got my hands on it and had a chance to read it, I was not as shocked or impressed as I thought I might be. I suppose, having gone through a number of political memoirs over the last few months, this was a letdown; both because it was an outsider's tale and because it does not encapsulate the entire presidency. Plus, it continually oscillates in its praise and criticism of the Obamas.
While Kantor did shed some light on both the POTUS and FLOTUS, it seemed shallow. I did get to see the more stoic and frustrated side of Obama and how his wife was less than impressed with much of his actions getting into power and time (up to now) in the White House. She also offers much insight into the infighting and paints members of the West Wing as blood thirsty and even intellectually questionable, at times. However, the greatest flaw I found in the book was its apparent underhanded attacks on Michelle Obama for being too vain or too caught up in herself to really support her husband. I will not deny that many sacrifices do have to be made when the press is all over you, but is the FLOTUS really that shallow, or is it strictly Kantor's shallow writing that brings this to the surface.
It is not fair to judge this against true political memoirs (and I was pleased to read that both Obamas plan on penning their own), but it was a fairly light book dealing with some heavy subjects. Perhaps it is best to let the politicians or veteran political writers tell these types of stories.
While Kantor did shed some light on both the POTUS and FLOTUS, it seemed shallow. I did get to see the more stoic and frustrated side of Obama and how his wife was less than impressed with much of his actions getting into power and time (up to now) in the White House. She also offers much insight into the infighting and paints members of the West Wing as blood thirsty and even intellectually questionable, at times. However, the greatest flaw I found in the book was its apparent underhanded attacks on Michelle Obama for being too vain or too caught up in herself to really support her husband. I will not deny that many sacrifices do have to be made when the press is all over you, but is the FLOTUS really that shallow, or is it strictly Kantor's shallow writing that brings this to the surface.
It is not fair to judge this against true political memoirs (and I was pleased to read that both Obamas plan on penning their own), but it was a fairly light book dealing with some heavy subjects. Perhaps it is best to let the politicians or veteran political writers tell these types of stories.
sydneyt's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it was ok. I felt like it was a little gossip-y and that everything I read should be taken with a grain of salt. But I did like how the book represented the White House through a different lense. We were able to see the Obamas as people rather than as acronyms (POTUS and FLOTUS)