The Audacity of Hope

Version: Abridged
Author: Barack Obama
Narrator: Barack Obama
Genres: Non-Fiction, Politics, Biography, Current, United States
Publisher: Random House (Audio)
Published In: November 2007
# of Units: 5 CDs
Length: 6 hours
Ratings:
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Overview

In July 2004, Barack Obama electrified the Democratic National Convention with an address that spoke to Americans across the political spectrum. Now, in The Audacity of Hope, Senator Obama calls for a different brand of politics-a politics for those weary of bitter partisanship and alienated by the "endless clash of armies" we see in Congress and on the campaign trail; a politics rooted in the faith, inclusiveness, and nobility of spirit at the heart of "our improbable experiment in democracy." He also writes, with surprising intimacy and self-deprecating humor, about settling in as a senator, seeking to balance the demands of public service and family life, and his own deepening religious commitment.
At the heart of this audiobook is Senator Obama's vision of how we can move beyond our divisions to tackle concrete problems. Underlying his stories about family, friends, members of the Senate, and even the president is a vigorous search for connection: the foundation for a radically hopeful political consensus.
A senator and a lawyer, a professor and a father, a Christian and a skeptic, and above all a student of history and human nature, Senator Obama has written a book of transforming power.

Reviews (19)

Audacity

Written by Anonymous from Santa Rosa, CA on August 19th, 2009

  • Book Rating: 4/5

This was an opportunity to better understand his way of thinking, his rationale for changes he hopes to effect. At this point, this is not really new, though it's nice to hear him explain it all fully in his own words. The history of how he and Michelle met was interesting and, well, cute. In terms of getting a better idea of, not who he is now and what he thinks now, but where he came from and more of why he became who he is, I would recommend his other book.

The Audacity of Hope

Written by doc from New Bern, NC on August 17th, 2009

  • Book Rating: 2/5

Good narration, weak and unrealistic viewpoints, idealistic in concept with narcissistic flare, self-serving and false projection of empathy....good voice and easy to uderstand...

Audacity of Hope

Written by Darlene from Milan, MI on June 10th, 2009

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice insight into President Obama, what he believes in and what his priorities are. Some parts were a little dry - the parts that were deep into the procedures of politics. Most of the book was very interesting. His recounting of his life with Michelle was touching.

Politics

Written by Betsy from Oakland, CA on May 2nd, 2009

  • Book Rating: 3/5

An interesting insight into politics, crucial to anyone who aspires to a career as a politician. Less insightful as a biography as it still comes across as a guarded and intentional message...somewhat of a campaign.

Easy Listening

Written by Natalie from Midlothian, VA on March 16th, 2009

  • Book Rating: 4/5

It was great to listen to Obama's voice as I heard the book read...made it more real for me. Although I may not agree with all his political information, I liked understanding him better as a person and gaining a better understanding on where he stood on the different topics discussed. This is NOT aboring political book! Easy listening.

A well read and interesting book

Written by Brett from Sunnyvale, CA on November 30th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

This book is both well written and well read by Barack. It is quite interesting and moves along at a good pace. I even listened to some passages several times. In this text Obama outlines of his views and solutions to our domestic and foreign issues. He emphasizes the importance of putting yourself in the other person's shoes, supporting the family unit and presents himself in an intelligent and humble manner. He talks about his own background, his challenges and joys of being a husband and father, and his love for his wife and children. While he does give an outline of how he would resolve current issues, he doesn't include detailed solutions and he explains in the beginning of the book that these details are not included in this text. This book is definitely worth listening to and those who view it negatively most likely never listened/read the book or weren't paying attention.

Check sources

Written by Eric from Biglerville, PA on October 21st, 2008

  • Book Rating: 0/5

Check sources. Misleading and lots of "facetime". He gives a good speech but has not backed up any of his words in the past. Book was slow.

Great Campaign Literature

Written by Mandi Chestler from Lake Oswego, OR on August 7th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Certainly penned and published with the 2008 presidential campaign in mind, Obama's second book strikes the perfect blend of personal and political revelations. Narrated by the presedential hopeful himself, his tone strikes a comforting balance between modest folksiness and smooth self assuredness. What a surprise--it kinda makes ya want to vote for the guy. The chapters detailing Obama's insights on alleviating America's domestic ills are predictably inspiring. On the other hand, the lack of ideas and information about his international and foreign affairs views is disturbing.

Interesting insight to the Man

Written by Andy on July 29th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

If you read this you must read McCains books also to provide a contrast in how the two individuals feel about people and how problems can be solved in the world. Barak does a half hearted attempt to provide balance in the examples he discusses but picks weak examples to reinforce an opinion other than his. I walked away knowing his mindset and how he feels the world should run and the approach he takes to situations, i.e. it is always the same. Read it and see if you agree.

Audacity of HOpe

Written by Anonymous on July 22nd, 2008

  • Book Rating: 0/5

This book reads like a 6 hour Constitutional Law lecture. I couldn't even listen to a complete disc without hitting fast forward and hoping for something to capture my interest.

Author Details

Author Details

Obama, Barack

BARACK OBAMA is the junior U.S. senator from Illinois and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Michelle, and two daughters, Malia and Sasha.