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jaydiebug's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to the audiobook of this, and it was astounding. It was calming and smooth, and really helps to explore the topics Obama faced in the White House, on the Campaign Trail, and in his personal life.
My favorite part is when he expresses how his daughter asked him what he was going to do about the tigers. Just a cute tidbit.
My favorite part is when he expresses how his daughter asked him what he was going to do about the tigers. Just a cute tidbit.
ryanm_gm's review against another edition
5.0
Thoroughly enjoyed reading the President's recounting of the years leading up to and during the first term of his presidency. Truly inspirational and makes me nostalgic for one of the best Presidents we've been lucky enough to have elected.
meekoh's review against another edition
4.0
Obama has never been known for his brevity, and with this 700-page volume, he does not start now. If you pick up this book, prepare for an in-depth journey through the first half of his presidency. If you are not interested in the inner working of the White House and foreign affairs, this book will feel long and tedious.
I enjoyed being given more insight into White House culture and exploring Obama's deliberation process. Politics is a field where everyone is quick to pass judgment but are often uninterested in understanding the full context in which decisions are made.
Obama uses this volume as an opportunity to shine a light on members of his administration whose successful work behind the scenes often went unnoticed. Obama never misses an opportunity to thank the participants in his journey knowing the impact of being recognized by name, in print, by the POTUS. Obama takes time to ponder alternate outcomes of policy decisions and does not hesitate to acknowledge his mistakes. I was, however, disappointed that the use of "enhanced interrogation" methods by the CIA was only briefly mentioned not adequately reflecting the issue's moral importance. I hope during his next volume he will spend time discussing the Dan Jones report and the McCain-Feinstein amendment.
The memoir closes with the Navy SEAL mission to kill Osama Bin Laden which occurred in May 2011. Obama's admiration of the military will resonate with many readers because it reflects the shared values we would all like to see more of among our elected officials.
Combating external threats has always been a rallying point that unites the country like nothing else. We can only imagine how productive American democracy could be if it found a way to harness that shared sense of purpose in all aspects of the public realm.
I enjoyed being given more insight into White House culture and exploring Obama's deliberation process. Politics is a field where everyone is quick to pass judgment but are often uninterested in understanding the full context in which decisions are made.
Obama uses this volume as an opportunity to shine a light on members of his administration whose successful work behind the scenes often went unnoticed. Obama never misses an opportunity to thank the participants in his journey knowing the impact of being recognized by name, in print, by the POTUS. Obama takes time to ponder alternate outcomes of policy decisions and does not hesitate to acknowledge his mistakes. I was, however, disappointed that the use of "enhanced interrogation" methods by the CIA was only briefly mentioned not adequately reflecting the issue's moral importance. I hope during his next volume he will spend time discussing the Dan Jones report and the McCain-Feinstein amendment.
The memoir closes with the Navy SEAL mission to kill Osama Bin Laden which occurred in May 2011. Obama's admiration of the military will resonate with many readers because it reflects the shared values we would all like to see more of among our elected officials.
"they had all worked together seamlessly and selflessly, without regard to credit or turf or political preferences, to achieve a shared goal."
Combating external threats has always been a rallying point that unites the country like nothing else. We can only imagine how productive American democracy could be if it found a way to harness that shared sense of purpose in all aspects of the public realm.
felixmarauder's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
While I found President Obama's voice soothing, I also needed to speed up the recording significantly because the pace was so slow. I think if you're very interested in politics, this may be a good book for you. Unfortunately, I'm not into the minutiae of how the government works so I was mostly bored. Toward the end of the book topics were covered that more fully aligned to my interests, which helped a bit.
mandeyreads's review against another edition
5.0
We all know him to be one of the great orators and true to form, the audiobook was great. Plus you can speed up his frustratingly slow cadence to an average person's talking speed.
Honestly the best part of this book was hearing his perspective on being a dad, you can tell he loves his kids with his whole heart. And hearing him say the word "f*ck".
Honestly the best part of this book was hearing his perspective on being a dad, you can tell he loves his kids with his whole heart. And hearing him say the word "f*ck".
jacksezerhga's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
2.75
My mind has shifted on Obama sense I’ve read this. Assuming Obama actually did write this, it is interesting and provides us a deep look into the life of a president, however it reads like a political ad. There is nothing unique or bold about this work, nothing that strikes you. Its attempts to cater to all people is what makes it fall so short.
francescalj's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
2.5
ilovebooksalltoowell's review against another edition
This book was not what I expected. I’ve read Michelle’s book and was fascinated, and reading Barack’s book I found myself checking how long I had to read before
I finished a chapter because it’s so extensive. . It’s detailed and I missed learning more about how he experienced his time in the White House. I wanted to know more about his feelings, daily life, his ideas, fears and family, a more personal story I guess.
On the other hand I’ve learned so much about politics and how crazy the American system is, and why it’s almost impossible to change anything and a president is certain his successor will change all he has accomplished after 4 to 8 years. I realized I’m fortunate to live in a country where you don’t have to be afraid to get sick and have enormous medical bills, the environment is important to people, where there is a good social security system. If the book would be less extensive more people would read it maybe and realize how much work Obama has done for his country and how good his ideas were.
I feel therefor it’s hard to rate the book. For lovers of politics it will be an amazing book but personally I preferred reading Michelle’s book ....
Still a must read in my opinion and hopefully the US will have more presidents like him.
I finished a chapter because it’s so extensive. . It’s detailed and I missed learning more about how he experienced his time in the White House. I wanted to know more about his feelings, daily life, his ideas, fears and family, a more personal story I guess.
On the other hand I’ve learned so much about politics and how crazy the American system is, and why it’s almost impossible to change anything and a president is certain his successor will change all he has accomplished after 4 to 8 years. I realized I’m fortunate to live in a country where you don’t have to be afraid to get sick and have enormous medical bills, the environment is important to people, where there is a good social security system. If the book would be less extensive more people would read it maybe and realize how much work Obama has done for his country and how good his ideas were.
I feel therefor it’s hard to rate the book. For lovers of politics it will be an amazing book but personally I preferred reading Michelle’s book ....
Still a must read in my opinion and hopefully the US will have more presidents like him.