The Audacity of Hope
| Abridged | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|||||||||||
| Length: | 6 hours | ||||||||||
| Ratings: | |||||||||||
| Formats: |
|
||||||||||
| Abridged | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|||||||||||
| Length: | 6 hours | ||||||||||
| Ratings: |
|
||||||||||
| Formats: |
|
||||||||||
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.
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.
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.
I've been a fan of Obama since watching him speak at the 2004 Democratic convention. I admire his ability to speak TO his audience, and not AT them. He makes you feel he's talking only to you, and is genuinely concerned with what is happening in your life. This book, like his daily message, is full of hope, optimisim, and a desire to break through the barriers of partisanship, and once again get this country back on track. Obama makes me feel we are on the verge of a new era, one similar to the age brought by FDR, JFK, and his brother Bobby. This book, like his first, is a must read, not necessarily to find answers, but to get to know Barack Obama, the man, and what he is trying to do in this confusing, maddening age.
If you really want the perspective that Obama truly has and not the delusion he has created for himself, read The Bound Man. The Bound Man gives incredible insight to Obama's past, his upbringing and the strife he himself finds himself in. It ironically is written from the perspective of someone who has the same background as Obama.
Has many interesting opinions about the common issues that we Americans face, but the book lacks the interest to grab your attention. My mind kept wandering off and I had to listen to some of the chapters again to understanding the main point.
This was interesting if you want to know more about Obama before his White House machine began cranking away. It gives a good look, but falls short of being an attention grabber. I never found myself hanging onto the lines or waiting in the car because I had to hear just a little more.
A litany and recital of most that is wrong with politics now, but precious few ideas on how to make changes to these circumstances. He is plain speaking and appears honest and committed. Worth listening to in this primary season as it is more than the sound bites and stump speeches you can usually hear.
Although I don't agree with it all, this is an excellent book. I wanted to know where he stood on the issues and now I do. I would highly recommend it.
A little too much policy, but well written. It makes it a little dry.