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gretchenp's review
2.0
not sure I'm going to make it through this...it seems like such a hard sell political book. It's really been a slog so far and I even agree with most of what he says.
trin's review
3.0
Can my review just be “What Siria said”? We read this book at the same time—right before the inauguration—and her review sums up my feelings pretty perfectly. Much more political and much less personal than [b:Dreams From My Father|88061|Dreams from My Father|Barack Obama|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EPAQ7CT1L._SL75_.jpg|86032], The Audacity of Hope does at times feel like a sales pitch, which I understand the necessity of, but don’t personally need. It also at times serves as a reminder of how not-quite-in-sync my own views are with the more mainstream side of the Democratic Party, and with this country in general—it seems I’m a radical lefty without feeling radical, and I’m way in the minority when it comes to (an utter lack of interest in) religious beliefs. But, you know, here’s the good thing—one of many good things—about this book and about Barack Obama as a politician and as a person: a large part of his message is that it isn’t about me. It’s about us. It’s about the country as a whole—about the world as a whole. I’m not personally good at compromise, but I am so glad that the United States now has a president who is willing to reach out his hand, to be a unifying force rather than a divisive one. A president who’s thoughtful and willing to listen. It does give me hope: not just that the country can become better, but that we all can.
So yeah, um. What Siria said.
So yeah, um. What Siria said.
komoderr's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
A bit abstract, but its sentiments - its audacity - its hope - cannot be denied.
allieypop's review
5.0
“No, what’s troubling is the gap between the magnitude of our challenges and the smallness of our politics--the ease with which we are distracted by the petty and trivial, our chronic avoidance of tough decisions, our seeming inability to build a working consensus to tackle any big problem.”
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.