The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
hofmerin's review against another edition
3.0
Probably should have read this before he became a two term president. Nonetheless, now that his presidency is winding down this book shows that, to the best of my knowledge, he's continued to pursue policies aligned to this book. I'll try better to read presidential candidate's books in a more timely manner in the future. Although I might skip Mike Huckabee's Guns, Grit, blah blah blah.
dawn_dickerson's review against another edition
alternately titled, "Obama laying out his platform before his presidential run." interesting to listen to in hindsight.
audiobook #16
audiobook #16
solaana's review against another edition
The most well written but also probably only campaign platform I will ever read.
melaniem03's review against another edition
3.0
Listened to the audiobook version, lovely to hear his voice but I had a harder time connecting to some of the politics of this era and some of his views during this time particularly given the current state of the world (eg, discussing the failure of black men to stay with their families vs the impact of mass incarceration and racist policy). Will be curious to read some of his other books and see how his views have evolved. This was written about 15 years ago.
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.