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lavendermarch's review against another edition
4.0
This was an excellent read. Not only did it provide an (often painstakingly) detailed look at many of President Obama's policy decisions while the White House, it also gave me a glimpse into (as one might guess) the life of the President of United States of America, which seems to be in equal parts incredibly busy, stressful, and sometimes even rewarding.
Obama's writing is strong, although the length of the book - the prose is 703 pages in my hardcover copy - kept me from picking it up for a good couple of years after receiving it as a gift. Due to the density, it did take me an entire week to read, despite spending an average of two hours a day pouring through it.
With that said, I found it to be a singularly engaging, interesting, and educative read. For example, I didn't know that so much work had taken place on renewable energy during Obama's administration, which was cool to learn. In contrast, it was rather depressing to be walked through the struggles of the partisan divide.
However, I particularly enjoyed the sections about foreign policy and international relations. As other reviewers have noted, Obama is excellent at painting a picture of each foreign dignitary and giving brief history lessons on their country's various interests and their relationship to the U.S.A. It's easy for the reader to situate themselves at any point in the narrative, despite the constant stream of information and introduction of new characters.
Overall, I found this to be a fascinating, engaging, and worthwhile read. 4.5 stars. The only reason I haven't given it five stars is because I found the book to be quite long and at times overly detailed, especially in the part prior to Obama taking office.
Obama's writing is strong, although the length of the book - the prose is 703 pages in my hardcover copy - kept me from picking it up for a good couple of years after receiving it as a gift. Due to the density, it did take me an entire week to read, despite spending an average of two hours a day pouring through it.
With that said, I found it to be a singularly engaging, interesting, and educative read. For example, I didn't know that so much work had taken place on renewable energy during Obama's administration, which was cool to learn. In contrast, it was rather depressing to be walked through the struggles of the partisan divide.
However, I particularly enjoyed the sections about foreign policy and international relations. As other reviewers have noted, Obama is excellent at painting a picture of each foreign dignitary and giving brief history lessons on their country's various interests and their relationship to the U.S.A. It's easy for the reader to situate themselves at any point in the narrative, despite the constant stream of information and introduction of new characters.
Overall, I found this to be a fascinating, engaging, and worthwhile read. 4.5 stars. The only reason I haven't given it five stars is because I found the book to be quite long and at times overly detailed, especially in the part prior to Obama taking office.
jeremybotter's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I’ve read a slew of presidential memoirs. This is the best of them. Politics aside, Obama is a rigorous, captivating writer who can turn the minutiae of policy-making and geopolitics into a story that is easy to read, often thrilling and yet remains instructive. I eagerly await the second volume.
jcoryv's review against another edition
5.0
Listened to this on Audible... actually finished 01/03/21, but 80+% was in 2020, so filing here.
So refreshing. Here we had a President who understood and exemplified leadership.
Even if you didn’t support his policies, he was a true leader. He has a well-formed set of values based on life experiences and associated empathy. He fought hard for what he believed in and took the blame when his team failed (even when it was due to someone else’s errors).
Obama’s frankness about his weaknesses and frustrations with politics is sobering. And his self awareness... when he was notified that he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize less than a year into his Presidency, he replied, “for what?”. He realized immediately he hadn’t earned it yet. It was more a proclamation of his worldview and what he hoped to accomplish.
How America went from this man to Trump, I will never understand (I mean I understand, but ugh). It would be nearly impossible to find two individuals who had less in common.
So refreshing. Here we had a President who understood and exemplified leadership.
Even if you didn’t support his policies, he was a true leader. He has a well-formed set of values based on life experiences and associated empathy. He fought hard for what he believed in and took the blame when his team failed (even when it was due to someone else’s errors).
Obama’s frankness about his weaknesses and frustrations with politics is sobering. And his self awareness... when he was notified that he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize less than a year into his Presidency, he replied, “for what?”. He realized immediately he hadn’t earned it yet. It was more a proclamation of his worldview and what he hoped to accomplish.
How America went from this man to Trump, I will never understand (I mean I understand, but ugh). It would be nearly impossible to find two individuals who had less in common.
edgehannah's review against another edition
5.0
A Promised Land proved to be an intriguing and humanizing recounting of how former President Barack Obama worked through the many challenges faced throughout the course of his campaign. Though lengthy (and only part 1!), this novel thoroughly outlines much of the work Obama accomplished, while providing an alternative perspective on the series of events from what he felt obligated to show as president.
I would not highly recommend this to my peers, but it is still worth a read. There are some slow sections and repetitive story telling.
I would not highly recommend this to my peers, but it is still worth a read. There are some slow sections and repetitive story telling.
julianna_schock's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
acmarinho3's review against another edition
4.0
Considero o Barack Obama uma figura admirável e, durante a leitura, esta admiração foi crescendo. Não sei se é correto dizer que é melhor do que outros presidentes, mas a verdade é que foi o representante da América por quem eu senti mais empatia. Este livro está tão bem escrito que 90% do tempo senti que o Obama estava a conversar comigo de maneira casual, como se contasse a sua experiência a um amigo. É muito terra-a-terra, humilde e realista. Ser presidente mudou a dinâmica familiar, mas ao mesmo tempo, senti que foi benéfico para a sua família. É interessante perceber a pressão da função, a importância do poder de decisão e a responsabilidade do mesmo. Ao mesmo tempo adorei conhecer o interior da Casa Branca e descobrir os recantos mais especiais do Obama. Um livro longo, mas extremamente enriquecedor.
ajlweb93's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
5.0