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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
This book was really great. It was equal parts emotional and uplifting, defining the negative parts of Obama’s two presidential terms but always highlighting the positive parts. It didn’t shy away from telling the story like it was, but allergy me feeling proud to be an American. It was also very funny— a few moments made me laugh out loud. I would recommend this book to anyone, whether you consider yourself a fan of politics or not.
Was solidly ok for the first half, but really picked up in the end as Litt started reflecting/learning. An oddly encouraging coming of age story against the backdrop of public service, which I especially appreciated. Balanced and honest.
Also-- I miss Obama :(
Also-- I miss Obama :(
If you’re not a fan of the current administration, this book is like reading a lover letter from an ex who broke your heart. Some of it might make you smile, but overall you’ll be left feeling melancholy and confused about how everything ended so badly.
Audiobook. Very enjoyable listen. Read by author and his reading made it especially fun for listening. Much more humorous than I was expecting, a pleasant surprise. The book gave a good accounting of the inner workings of the White House from the perspective of a young, mid-level staffer. As a former state legislative and executive staffer at that same age, I could relate to many of the situations described and was interesting to hear on the much bigger national stage. Make sure to read the Epilogue—very insightful way to wind up the book.
I enjoyed the pants off of this book. In our seemingly dystopic present, I feared that it would end with disenchantment and depression, yet somehow I ended up being hopeful. It's funny and light. It's sincere and honest. It's a window into a world so central to the culture yet so misunderstood and in many ways unknown.
In the acknowledgements he lists a number of people who's comedy and writing I appreciate — David Sedaris, Billy Eichner, and The Moth amongst them. If you those, you'll likely like this.
In the acknowledgements he lists a number of people who's comedy and writing I appreciate — David Sedaris, Billy Eichner, and The Moth amongst them. If you those, you'll likely like this.
"Choose service instead. Not because The World Needs You. It probably doesn’t. The world will be fine, and if it won’t be fine, you alone can’t fix it. Choose service because there is nothing more insufferable than a talented, driven person who is also completely self-obsessed. Those people are awful. They spend their lives trying to fill a hole and digging it deeper instead. Anyone can be successful. Only service can make you realize how insignificant—and yet how meaningful—your time on earth really is."
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
I liked this more than I expected to. A bit slight in places, but I particularly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes context for many of the clips I have seen of Obama over the years. Litt is very candid and real, especially as the book goes on.
Funny book and my heart fluttered when Make-A-Wish was mentioned.