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kldh's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this book and hearing Barack Obama's voice for 29 hours straight made for very soothing listening sessions. I learned so much about leadership, and learned more about history that I lived through but didn't pay as close of attention to as I had thought. Hearing Obama speak about how obstructionist republicans were to prevent him from even the smallest successes hurt my heart. This book reinforced that Obama was treated differently by many because he was black, and listening to that struggle was hard, but well worth my time. What a wonderful book!
korenmichele's review against another edition
3.0
I am not much of an audio book person, but did listen to this long one. I am not sure I would have finished it if not. The book is long and has some boring moments, but his self awareness and commitment to making the world a better place makes it worth listening to.
kate_albers's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the major decisions in Obama’s presidency.
mattdavenport's review against another edition
5.0
A phenomenal political autobiography, this was an absolutely amazing read (and listen, as Obama narrates his own work to superb effect!).
It was fascinating to hear Obama's life story through his own words, discussing not only the political events of his time in early politics through 2011, but to hear his inner struggles over the issues, and hence his own justifications for his decisions. There were some things where I disagreed with him on, and many more that he, in hindsight, regrets. But overall, I walked away incredibly impressed by the President, empathetic to his political creed, and in touch with his big ideals that are measured in realistic practicalities. This book, in many ways, both made me more interested in a political career and tempered my expectations and warned me of it's grueling nature in a way that I hadn't visualized before.
I am absolutely on edge for the sequel, I hope it releases soon! My favorite autobiography I've ever read.
It was fascinating to hear Obama's life story through his own words, discussing not only the political events of his time in early politics through 2011, but to hear his inner struggles over the issues, and hence his own justifications for his decisions. There were some things where I disagreed with him on, and many more that he, in hindsight, regrets. But overall, I walked away incredibly impressed by the President, empathetic to his political creed, and in touch with his big ideals that are measured in realistic practicalities. This book, in many ways, both made me more interested in a political career and tempered my expectations and warned me of it's grueling nature in a way that I hadn't visualized before.
I am absolutely on edge for the sequel, I hope it releases soon! My favorite autobiography I've ever read.
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.
denisestewart's review against another edition
4.0
Love it....not as much as my husband did...lol...but I really enjoyed this.
acpregler's review against another edition
5.0
As someone who grew politically awoken during Obama’s presidential campaign (my first ever political job was an Obama for America volunteer in PA), this book is as much nostalgia as it is the story of political Obama. Additionally, during this time I was incredibly active in high school debate and spent years reading about the things he delivers candid and straightforward commentary on.
That said, if none of that sounds interesting, this book won’t be for you. While Obama provides his trademark verbosity and color in setting scenes, the book is a political adventure broken up with the occasional familial or philosophical tangent.
That said, if none of that sounds interesting, this book won’t be for you. While Obama provides his trademark verbosity and color in setting scenes, the book is a political adventure broken up with the occasional familial or philosophical tangent.
njnk_59's review against another edition
5.0
This book will not change your mind about President Obama.
If you admire and respect him, those feelings will be justified.
If you don’t like him (and let’s face it - that would likely mean you hate him), he cannot say or write anything that will change your mind anyway.
If you admire and respect him, those feelings will be justified.
If you don’t like him (and let’s face it - that would likely mean you hate him), he cannot say or write anything that will change your mind anyway.
raeswainpage's review against another edition
4.0
4.25!!!
Let me explain: For the majority of the events covered in this book, I was in both AP US History, and AP Government. So, a lot of this felt like a review of all those years of school work lol. It's not a bad thing at all, the last couple chapters were particularly compelling and it ended on a high note. Just be aware of that going in! Good lord the economy and middle east was a mess. Even with the classes and this book explaining it all over again I don't know if I'll ever fully understand. XD
Let me explain: For the majority of the events covered in this book, I was in both AP US History, and AP Government. So, a lot of this felt like a review of all those years of school work lol. It's not a bad thing at all, the last couple chapters were particularly compelling and it ended on a high note. Just be aware of that going in! Good lord the economy and middle east was a mess. Even with the classes and this book explaining it all over again I don't know if I'll ever fully understand. XD