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anjugrao's review
4.0
I saw Barack Obama speak at an even in Boston with only 200 people attending and I was amazed about how inspiring he was; not only in his rhetoric but in the way that he was able to capture the audience and make it seem as if he was only speaking to a few of us around a dinner table.
"The Audacity of Hope" continues that feeling for me and is both an accessible point of view on the current state of politics and a personal history of THE dynamic personality in the '08 Presidential Race. Split into easily readable chapters, Obama does a good job of sharing his family history and upbringing and how they both shape his vision for The United States. I can't remember the last time I read a book that not only gave me faith in the political system, but faith in myself as a citizen.
I may sound preachy, but I really do love this book.
"The Audacity of Hope" continues that feeling for me and is both an accessible point of view on the current state of politics and a personal history of THE dynamic personality in the '08 Presidential Race. Split into easily readable chapters, Obama does a good job of sharing his family history and upbringing and how they both shape his vision for The United States. I can't remember the last time I read a book that not only gave me faith in the political system, but faith in myself as a citizen.
I may sound preachy, but I really do love this book.
kcrouth's review against another edition
4.0
Believe it or not, i had never read "The Audacity of Hope", not when it came out, nor during Obama's presidency. I ran across this audio version of it and grabbed it, since he has come again to my attention in the context of the stumping he did for some Democratic party candidates during the 2022 midterm season. As i listened to this abridged version, in his own voice, i was struck by the immense knowledge and intelligence of the man. His reflections on the topics contained in this version (Republicans and Democrats, Values, Our Constitution, Politics, Faith, Race, Family) were informed, engaging, and thoughtful. I found them especially so given that this was written years before his election as President. I would say that Obama falls squarely into the Neo-Liberal camp, which is problematic to me, but his views were nevertheless very interesting. Obviously there is a stark contrast between Obama and his successor Trump, whose intelligence and insight was more on the level of a spoiled child (sorry kids for the comparison :| ) . It is serendipitous that i happened upon this book immediately following reading Bernie Sanders manifesto on Political Revolution, and immediately preceding my reading "We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy" by Ta-Nehisi Coates, which reviews the Obama years in the White House among other things. Really looking forward to it. "The Audacity of Hope" is definitely a worthwhile read, even if your opinions differ from the authors. He embraces a good balance of reason and humanity, and is a really exceptional person in our nation.
libraryam's review
Lots of little head nod moments throughout. Some hard truths for everyone. Some truths left out. But that last chapter is everything. As a dad, as a leader, as a human—we are all more alike than not-alike in this world—and that is reason for hope.
blondierocket's review
4.0
Before he became President, Barack Obama, among many things, was a writer. His second book, The Audacity of Hope, is about all the major topics that Obama went to address during his presidential run. He not only included his political views, but personal stories to help support the areas he felt needed the most attention – including race and family.
It turned out to be a great book to listen to as it was read by the author himself, it felt more true than had someone else been saying the words. It supported everything Obama has been fighting for and issues the human race has faced, including how to balance all the areas of your life without losing what is most important.
I recommend it to anyone who not only is an Obama fan, but even to those who are interested in the human side of a political figure.
It turned out to be a great book to listen to as it was read by the author himself, it felt more true than had someone else been saying the words. It supported everything Obama has been fighting for and issues the human race has faced, including how to balance all the areas of your life without losing what is most important.
I recommend it to anyone who not only is an Obama fan, but even to those who are interested in the human side of a political figure.
alidottie's review
5.0
This book was a great way to investigate the stances and plans of one of the two men running for PResident of the United States of America. I am very pleased that Obama wrote this book to make clear what he thinks and plans. I now clearly know what I agree with him about and what I disagree with him about. I will have a harder time finding out the same for Senator McCain.
I strongly believe that we need to really know about our candidates and I am so excited about this election year and this opportunity I have to take part in the democratic process and think for myself and not be told what to do. God bless the USA!
I strongly believe that we need to really know about our candidates and I am so excited about this election year and this opportunity I have to take part in the democratic process and think for myself and not be told what to do. God bless the USA!