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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This is an impressive memoir (or first part of a memoir). Obama shares his experience of trying to get and getting elected, how this impacts him, his family and how he tried to bring positive change to America and the world.
I read this book on audio and Obama reads it himself, which is a plus. The man has a great voice and knows what he wants to tell. It is great storytelling and I learned a lot, was inspired and it enriched my view of the world. At the same time I found it infinitely ironic how Obama describes on several occasions how much trouble he had to stop explaining things (because that is not how you win over people), and this book as it progresses does more and more of that. It felt not so much as president Obama as it did instructor Obama as we got to the different policy topics. Yet, this is why I felt it was the story that he personally wants to tell.
It felt like an honest tale. About the struggles of trying to be a good father, true to your own values while also navigating the complexity of World politics and American politics. How, whatever good intentions or even great actions you make, it is hard to please people. And Obama shows us how to face such adversity with honesty, vulnerability and personal balance. It is the fight of someone who wants to reduce social injustice in a world that is dominated by those who are unjust and lack values (not Obama's judgment, but mine :P)
So even though it sometimes gets technical and a lot of people and their positions are explained, I feel it is really worth reading it, also for the feels.
I read this book on audio and Obama reads it himself, which is a plus. The man has a great voice and knows what he wants to tell. It is great storytelling and I learned a lot, was inspired and it enriched my view of the world. At the same time I found it infinitely ironic how Obama describes on several occasions how much trouble he had to stop explaining things (because that is not how you win over people), and this book as it progresses does more and more of that. It felt not so much as president Obama as it did instructor Obama as we got to the different policy topics. Yet, this is why I felt it was the story that he personally wants to tell.
It felt like an honest tale. About the struggles of trying to be a good father, true to your own values while also navigating the complexity of World politics and American politics. How, whatever good intentions or even great actions you make, it is hard to please people. And Obama shows us how to face such adversity with honesty, vulnerability and personal balance. It is the fight of someone who wants to reduce social injustice in a world that is dominated by those who are unjust and lack values (not Obama's judgment, but mine :P)
So even though it sometimes gets technical and a lot of people and their positions are explained, I feel it is really worth reading it, also for the feels.
First about the book itself: beautifully arranged, very engaging, flowing prose, and just the right amount of details. And now the man reflected in the book: reading this increased the respect I already had for Obama tenfold. He is intelligent, humble, well-educated, well-read, compassionate, conscientious, I could go on and on. A sharp contrast to the boor that is thankfully spending his last days at the Oval Office. Did he make wrong decisions during his presidency? Did he fail in some of his policies? Sure. But he admits these instances and gives credit to his team when he recounts his victories. Of course, he also portrays in full how Republicans opposed him and raised as many obstacles as they could.
I’d recommend listening to the audiobook. Like Michelle, he is a fantastic audiobook narrator.
I’d recommend listening to the audiobook. Like Michelle, he is a fantastic audiobook narrator.
informative
inspiring
A Promised Land has been one of the best memiors i've read thus far. Obama's calm and reflective view of his journey to the most powerful seat in the United States and his first four years, offers great insight into the geopolitical, econmic, and social issues of the time. While his reasoning can be repetitive on a rang of different issues, it highlights his steadfast approach to leadership and his attempt to take America into a new age.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
There is something about the sound of Barack Obama's voice that is so very soothing. I remember the first time I heard him speak. It was during one of his campaign speeches and it was at that point that I knew I would vote for him. I'm not a party-line voter, and he won me over with his intelligence easy personality when he spoke of how he wanted to make the country better. He didn't sound political and angry; he just sounded sincere and determined. I will be honest though; I don't think I appreciated him as much during his presidency as I do now. No president is perfect, but he certainly did his best to try to make things better.
Now, onto his book. What we saw during his presidency is what I found in his book. He's thoughtful, intelligent, has such as ease of speaking to people that comes across genuine and heartfelt, and he's very good humored and doesn't let much rattle him. When I read Michelle's book, I was a little surprised at the edge and anger that came through, but I listened to Barack's story, and I don't recall any instances of hearing an edge or anger, even when he's discussing some of his toughest times during his campaign and presidency.
He warns us up front that he's not known for his brevity and this book is really long. It is very long. That being said, I really enjoyed listening to it. There probably are some things that could have been left out, but you get a really good idea of what he's all about and what he really wanted to accomplish as a president. He's just a really good guy. I've never really paid a lot of attention to politics until recent years, so I didn't realize all that he (and probably other presidents) had to go through when trying to do good, only to get smacked down by the controlling party in the house and senate who just vote against him because he's in the other party. What's impressive about Barack Obama is that you can hear in his voice how he doesn't let this get him down. He just kept on trying to do what he thought was right.
Obama is an impressive human being and his story is worth listening to if you have the time. I do think this is one of those books that is better listened to than reading because his wit and charm comes through so well in the audiobook.
Now, onto his book. What we saw during his presidency is what I found in his book. He's thoughtful, intelligent, has such as ease of speaking to people that comes across genuine and heartfelt, and he's very good humored and doesn't let much rattle him. When I read Michelle's book, I was a little surprised at the edge and anger that came through, but I listened to Barack's story, and I don't recall any instances of hearing an edge or anger, even when he's discussing some of his toughest times during his campaign and presidency.
He warns us up front that he's not known for his brevity and this book is really long. It is very long. That being said, I really enjoyed listening to it. There probably are some things that could have been left out, but you get a really good idea of what he's all about and what he really wanted to accomplish as a president. He's just a really good guy. I've never really paid a lot of attention to politics until recent years, so I didn't realize all that he (and probably other presidents) had to go through when trying to do good, only to get smacked down by the controlling party in the house and senate who just vote against him because he's in the other party. What's impressive about Barack Obama is that you can hear in his voice how he doesn't let this get him down. He just kept on trying to do what he thought was right.
Obama is an impressive human being and his story is worth listening to if you have the time. I do think this is one of those books that is better listened to than reading because his wit and charm comes through so well in the audiobook.
informative
inspiring
reflective
informative
slow-paced
At times long-winded and technical (much like its author), but worth the read nonetheless