The Audacity of Hope

Abridged
Author: Barack Obama
Narrator: Barack Obama
Genres: Non-Fiction, Politics, Biography, Current, United States
Publisher: Random House (Audio)
Date: November 2007
Length: 6 hours
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 3.5/5
Formats:
  • CD

Overview

Senator Obama has produced an audiobook of transforming power. Only by returning to the principles that gave birth to the Constitution, he says, can Americans repair a political process that is broken and dangerously out of touch with millions of ordinary Americans.

Reviews (14)

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.

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaming the American Dream

Written by Michael Scott from Santa Cruz, CA on June 25th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

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.

Ridiculous

Written by Anonymous on June 24th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 0/5

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.

Nothing striking

Written by Anonymous on May 7th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 2/5

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.

Average

Written by ML from Carrollton, TX on February 28th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 3/5

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.

Worth a listen

Written by Jeff from Chichester, NH on November 11th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 3/5

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.

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.