themtj's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Not that it was ever really in question, but he is a strong writer and a thoughtful guy. His determined optimism really shines through in this book all the more so because of his practical idealism. Although writing about 2007-2011, he doesn't pretend like the last four years haven't happened, the seeds were planted even before his presidency for a populist movement. But there is that optimism again, at the end of 2020 he still has faith in the American people and the promise of the country.
In this book he reflects on his campaign and the first 2.5-3 years of his presidency. Frankly, if this were a work of fiction I would have encouraged the protagonist not to run for re-election. But again, he is able to acknowledge obstacles and problems without whining about them. He takes criticism for what it is and keeps moving. I found this book to be a helpful perspective on leadership and the current state of America.
In this book he reflects on his campaign and the first 2.5-3 years of his presidency. Frankly, if this were a work of fiction I would have encouraged the protagonist not to run for re-election. But again, he is able to acknowledge obstacles and problems without whining about them. He takes criticism for what it is and keeps moving. I found this book to be a helpful perspective on leadership and the current state of America.
bunceyyy's review against another edition
2.0
Despite managing to make me weep in its last pages (DC I miss you baby), largely I would exercise caution when deciding to read this book. Not least because it calls for an encyclopaedic knowledge of world history, a photographic memory for acronyms and names, and an in-depth understanding of American politics (I don’t even understand British politics, all I know is that nothing is working and we’re all fucked; it sounds about the same over there), but mainly because it ruined my view of Obama as a modest, amusing, and pragmatic politician. The man that emerges from these seven hundred pages of PR-heavy excuses and borderline fanatical worship of a country with more issues than Vogue, is one who somehow still believes that America is an exceptional, well-functioning, first-world country that indiscriminately offers everyone the chance to achieve any kind of “dream”. One star because I doubt I’d do a better job as POTUS, and the other star for Michelle’s one-liners.
kmrose's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
4.0
I really appreciated getting insight into Obama’s presidency, why they made the choices they did and how he wished he could have done more. The book goes into so much detail that it’s 700 pages long and only covers 2/3 of his first term! It was hard to read at times because of the detail, but I did very much enjoy it.
emreads97's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
3.0
browncastle's review against another edition
3.0
Obama is a captivating speaker and writer. He is clearly very intelligent and knows what he is talking about. The first part of this book felt heartfelt, inspiring and well-written. I found the rest to be a stark difference.
saraoona's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
mojostdennis's review against another edition
5.0
popsugar challenge 2021: read a book by an author who shares your zodiac sign
fifty two book club challenge 2021: read a book published by penguin
fifty two book club challenge 2021: read a book published by penguin