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4.55 AVERAGE
4.55 AVERAGE
Speechwriting + idealism + a behind the scenes look at the Obama White House? You know that’s like catnip for me. I read this with equal parts professional curiosity (since I have somehow also ended up writing speeches, albeit for the Dean of Mathematics), nostalgia, and curiosity. Through a clever structure and tight writing, Cody Keenan manages to create tension in a story that should be a foregone conclusion for readers; when, at the climax, Obama sings “Amazing Grace” that moment regains the power it may have lost over the last eight years due to familiarly.
I teared up numerous times reading this book, but the last sentence ruined me. Excuse me while I search for the live version of the Charleston eulogy. I'll be over here ugly crying happy tears.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Maybe it's just the state of the world right now, or maybe I'm just getting softer as I get older, but this book hit me like a Mac-10 truck. Beautifully written, not just working as an insider account of the Obama White House but also waxing philosophical on the meaning of America, what we do when times get tough, and how we pull ourselves together in the wake of tragedy.
A must-read for people, like myself, who are perhaps too steeped in politics.
A must-read for people, like myself, who are perhaps too steeped in politics.
I listened to this book on Libby and i highly recommend it, particularly as an audio book. The author reads it and it’s just a joyful listen. This book is compelling and funny. It will restore your faith in the functions of government and the people who live their belief in the potential of this democracy.
cody keenan is a great writer and the narrative is really impactful. cody keenan is perhaps somehow TOO excited that bin laden is dead.
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Interesting to get the perspective from inside the Administration, but writing the book with so many direct quotes was jarring for a nonfiction history and seemed hagiographic
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
It's a really good book that chronicles what led to what is, IMO, Obama's most significant speech and most significant contribution to American history. 3.5 stars isn't an insult, but for me "4 stars" is "Wow, this book is going to stick with me for a long time and has really affected me," and "5 stars" is "I'll recommend this book to anyone with eyes to read."
Good book that adds context.
Good book that adds context.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced