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hilary_weckstein's review against another edition
4.0
ššāprogress doesnāt move in a straight lineā. That last chapter was tough.
tildahlia's review against another edition
3.0
I actually really enjoyed this audiobook (the narrator's very subtle Obama impression is something to behold), which might sit at odds with the 3-star rating. What I liked: Rhodes obviously had incredible access and experiences, he's a great writer and is really smart, the structure of the book was great (not too boringly linear). What I didn't like: boy, if I was his wife I'd be MAD! She is portrayed as a totally one-dimensional sad sack in this book. Also it's clear Rhodes has a heavy dose of white saviour complex (wow, this developing country can host a good event!) and the arrogant assumption that it's the US' job to fix the world's problems. But - definitely worth a listen.
tbf9002's review against another edition
5.0
Wasnāt able to finish in time before my library e-book expired. GREAT read, very interesting and well-written. But pretty long :/
lauraschhh's review against another edition
2.0
Book one of a project I am doing and, boy, I regret committing to this.
jlworthington25's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
simplestyle's review against another edition
4.0
The author tells the story of Obama's foreign policy achievements, having been at the top of the communications food chain throughout the administration. The inside look at an aide rising from campaign foreign policy consultant to speechwriter to closely trusted aide is interesting and reveals Obama to be a great leader: charismatic, intelligent, sharp, and able to see through the noise of groupthink, such as when his advisers only present policy options hewing to the status quo. It also shows Obama's frustrations at his lack of options in some cases (Syria) and constant Republican obstruction.
The book catalogues Obama's many achievements but unfortunately shies away from delving too deeply into certain failures (the drone program, Gitmo, the Snowden revelations).
Compared to the complete shambles of the Trump administration, the book was a welcome return to an administration that really tried to - and often did - get it right. Through it all, the evident differences in integrity, intelligence, and kindness between Obama and Trump are difficult to overstate.
The book catalogues Obama's many achievements but unfortunately shies away from delving too deeply into certain failures (the drone program, Gitmo, the Snowden revelations).
Compared to the complete shambles of the Trump administration, the book was a welcome return to an administration that really tried to - and often did - get it right. Through it all, the evident differences in integrity, intelligence, and kindness between Obama and Trump are difficult to overstate.
old_nikon_fm's review against another edition
2.0
Decent writing but a hopelessly naive world view. I found it tiresome and pulled the plug early.
rossborkett's review against another edition
5.0
Accepting this really is my kind of thing, this is a really interesting book. Quite heavily focused on foreign policy, itās a great insight into the inner workings of the White House and Obama.
jaraddavis02's review against another edition
4.0
The fever pitch of the election is running wild as we have endured the last 4 years of dysfunction, seeming incompetence, and moral failure. This reckoning has caused me to miss the days of yore when we had a Black family in the White House and also feel some guilt that I didnāt pay more attention while they were there. Thus, I was compelled to read āThe World As It Isā by Ben Rhodes, a senior advisor, speechwriter, and friend of President Obama. This book takes you on a journey from within the presidentās cabinet as they created policy and changed the world. Being that Rhodes advised from the perspective of the National Security Council, much of this book is focused on foreign policy. However, since that is the type of policy many people overlook, it was certainly interesting to me.
Rhodes allows you to travel with him across the world as he supports Obama with some of the biggest decisions in history including the Iran nuclear deal, the killing of Osama Bin Laden, and the normalizing of relations with Cuba. My interests lie in seeing how Obama handled allies as well as adversaries. Whenever I consider the issues I have to deal with as a leader, I tend to reflect on Obama and I canāt imagine all he had to navigate as the most powerful man in the world and a Black man. Rhodes attempts to give some credence to that, but of course canāt do it too much justice.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and felt like I learned a lot of new information. Additionally, Rhodes studying fiction writing as an undergrad probably helped with the prose. Iād recommend this book for those who want to get insight and may have forgotten what competent executive branch leadership looks like.
Rhodes allows you to travel with him across the world as he supports Obama with some of the biggest decisions in history including the Iran nuclear deal, the killing of Osama Bin Laden, and the normalizing of relations with Cuba. My interests lie in seeing how Obama handled allies as well as adversaries. Whenever I consider the issues I have to deal with as a leader, I tend to reflect on Obama and I canāt imagine all he had to navigate as the most powerful man in the world and a Black man. Rhodes attempts to give some credence to that, but of course canāt do it too much justice.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and felt like I learned a lot of new information. Additionally, Rhodes studying fiction writing as an undergrad probably helped with the prose. Iād recommend this book for those who want to get insight and may have forgotten what competent executive branch leadership looks like.