You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Learned some new things about him and his thoughts about his presidency. Appreciated hearing his take on politics.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Police brutality, Islamophobia, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Cultural appropriation, War, Classism, Deportation, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moving. Important. Intelligent, thoughtful. A very well written memoir.
slow-paced
Listening to this audiobook took me back to a simpler time when I wasn't scared everyday. God, those were the days. Listening to President Obama read his memoir is nothing like listening to Michelle Obama's book, but it is hard not to compare. Together these books gave me a real insider's view of what it took to become President and what it took to BE President.
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
A lot of the book is dedicated to recounting various political experiences, from Obama’s first run for Illinois state senate to passing the ACA. A Promised Land is the first volume of Obama’s presidential memoirs, and the book ends with the assassination of Osama Bin Laden. While I wasn't familiar with all of the geopolitical relationships that he mentions in the book, especially relating to Egypt and Libya, everything is understandable, and I found that I learned a lot.
Reading this book only made me respect Obama more. (And I have been a fan ever since my kindergarten teacher told me to tell my parents to vote for him back in 2008.) I was struck by a straightforwardness that I’ve come not to expect from politicians and by how much faith he has in the idea of the America, which is where the title A Promised Land comes from. He made me feel more patriotic.
Even though this is an autobiography, don’t expect Obama to celebrate every action he takes. He criticizes some of his moves during the recession almost like he’s trying to get ahead of his detractors, but it’s clear his choices are thoughtful and deliberate. The book gives him space to explain many of his decision-making processes, which make up some of the most interesting parts of the book.
I also listened to this book as an audiobook and would recommend the medium! Obama reads it, so you already know the narration is good. I also occasionally read along with the physical copy (where there are pictures!)
Reading this book only made me respect Obama more. (And I have been a fan ever since my kindergarten teacher told me to tell my parents to vote for him back in 2008.) I was struck by a straightforwardness that I’ve come not to expect from politicians and by how much faith he has in the idea of the America, which is where the title A Promised Land comes from. He made me feel more patriotic.
Even though this is an autobiography, don’t expect Obama to celebrate every action he takes. He criticizes some of his moves during the recession almost like he’s trying to get ahead of his detractors, but it’s clear his choices are thoughtful and deliberate. The book gives him space to explain many of his decision-making processes, which make up some of the most interesting parts of the book.
I also listened to this book as an audiobook and would recommend the medium! Obama reads it, so you already know the narration is good. I also occasionally read along with the physical copy (where there are pictures!)
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I LOVE President Obama. But. I'm so sad about this. I started this book in January and have been picking it up off and on since then, painfully. I love President Obama, and I really liked his other books. Unfortunately for me, this book was just a recap of all of the horrible things about his presidency. I found myself responding "Yep. I remember when the GOP was racist. Yep. I recall when they tanked our healthcare. Yep. Good times." I am already on his side, so I didn't need all of his explanations for every choice he made during his presidency! I feel like this is written for fairytale moderates in the GOP who might become sympathetic to BO after hearing his logical and rational explanations for everything. Bless his heart, and I will always love and respect him, but this book was not enjoyable.