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What are readers saying about The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream?
| Reviews of The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream - Page 1 of 24 |
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-19 04:43:01.
(Language: English)
  
I love Obama but remember the same hype around Tony Blair in UK. What a disaster that turned out to be!It is no accident that the entire media system is so fervently announcing “historic” change. The American and British political brands have been badly battered and bloodied by utter disaster in Afghanistan and Iraq, and by the fiscal chaos of the “credit crunch”. The insanity of greed-driven militarism enforcing catastrophic ‘solutions’ has become all too obvious, as has the provision of socialism for the rich and capitalism for the rest of us. And so the American political brand must be rebirthed, resold, relaunched as a fresh start under new management. We are being put through a crash-course in “Learning to love America again,” as the Telegraph put it. (Iain Martin, ‘The election of Barack Obama,’ Daily Telegraph, November 6, 2008) A leader in the Times on November 5 could hardly have stated the message more clearly: “The American nation will replenish the confidence that it has lately lost. In the eyes of the world, the slate will be clean and the pretext, always spurious, for anti-Americanism has been removed.” 
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-12-15 08:00:15.
(Language: English)
Obama's book, as every smart politician's autobiographical writing should be, is an attempt to be direct, sincere and cut through the other forms of distorting media representations, or as he puts it;"I - like every politician at the federal level - am almost entirely dependent on the media to reach my constituents. It is the filter through which my votes are interpreted, my statements analyzed, my beliefs examined. For the broad public at least, I am who the media says I am. I say what they say I say. I become who they say I've become." On that last point, becoming a Nobel Prize winning Peacemaker, President Obama, would be an ideal I for one would support.
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-11-20 03:03:41.
(Language: English)
Kinda reminds me how we share the same problem down here with the those in United States... world goes borderless...
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-08 08:18:02.
(Language: English)
very well written chapters and organization bring character to the book and give insight into a man who is articulate and demonstrates a strong command of the language/literature/history i would have liked to seen a chapter or other supporting materials concerning solutions to the issues that the senator says are in need of attention obviously he knew he was a candidate for the presidency while authoring this book, therefore it would have been a superb venue to address how he intends to fix things. ordinary people have the luxuary of bringing forth a littany of complaints...leaders don't.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-06-24 11:35:29.
(Language: English)
It is clear that Obama, if elected President, would not change things as they are in Washington. His would not be a fresh new voice, but just one more monologue intent on increasing governmental controls, whether improving public schools, setting us right at universal health care, or regulating solutions to global warming, Obama's answer is always one of regulation and government controls. Which is all fine and good, if you want to believe it'll actually work this time in the face of historical evidence to the contrary. Just don't pretend it's anything exciting or new. Olde hatte. This book is basically a secularly warmed over version of Jim Wallis's God's Politics. What Wallis can't prove from Scripture Obama can't prove from common sense. Besides, Virginia Postrel, James Surowiecki, F. A. Hayek, Ludwig von Mises, and others have already shown how decentralization, not the rule of the elite, preserves true freedom. Overall, Obama's book fails to say anything really new in any particularly new or fresh way. Most of his strengths come with the style of his writing and not with what he's saying. Ultimately, Obama is just a less fanatical Hillary.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-05-26 08:04:13.
(Language: English)
Broad picture addressed with core value re-emphasized. Good reminder that governing a society requires much more consideration than purely financial concerns. Race, region, sex, class, religion, etc, could all contradict.From the book, I kind of learn where does Obama came from. As a person in high school for educational rights, if he does become the US president, there should good chance to unite the States.While I have been skeptical in reading politicians' views, the powerful words and vision towards a better future is heart moving.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-09-06 08:30:30.
(Language: English)
I don't really know what I was expecting when I started to read this book, but what I wasn't expecting was a genuinely interesting, even-handed and thoughtful portrayal of the American democratic system. While I have obviously seem Obama on the Teevee, I can't say that he ever really energised me in the same way he did so many others. However, upon finishing this book I started to understand a bit more why people find his message so resonant. He writes with compassion and respect for differing opinions, and with the obvious intelligence he displays in speeches and interviews.It's a refreshing book - I don't know if it's an honest book, because I don't know the man in person - but it certainly comes across as honest. It's well worth reading no matter your views on Obama himself or his political positions - even those at opposite ends of the spectrum should find his gentle humanity somewhat inspiring.
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Patrick posted a review at 2011-02-14 12:42:03.
(Language: English)
I enjoyed this book immensely. Although some of the references to American politics were a bit beyond me (thankfully found out what the GOP was in a dictionary!), Obama comes across as a genuine, honest man with a real commitment to and love for his country. I hope that, as President, he is able to realise some of the hopes in his book.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-07 07:58:35.
(Language: English)
recently walked the way to and from my car, to and from work while listening to the audio book version of "The Audacity of Hope." Obama proved to offer hope and inspiration to get through things, the kind of hope and inspiration the United States is in need of these days. Hearing his voice throughout the chapters offered the comfort that aggressive talk lacks, the kind that the political campaign sometimes misses.In "The Audacity of Hope," Barack Obama makes me want to be the voter that I still am not (I am not yet a U.S. citizen). He helps me dream of a better United States, one that is not an impossibility but a very plausible country where leadership is in contact with the priorities and hopes of the people and the world.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-08-17 09:16:19.
(Language: English)
As a Canadian watching American politics, it is like watching a soap opera on TV. I don't get to participate but oh the drama. Obama appears to be quite sharp and persistent. This book is obviously his chess move to pre-empt the attack of a right leaning media who would otherwise drown his meagre campaign war chest in a river of propaganda ink. His 'old school/boys' view of politiking is interesting and even he admits a tad naive. The fact that he is an outsider (new to politics and a male visible minority) means he hasn't yet been warped, but that is probably just a matter of time. Wishing him the best for 2012. I read it. Actually got really lazy and downloaded the audio book (hah). Got some good insights but he was careful. Didnt want to shoot his future campaign in the foot.
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Vijay posted a review at 2007-10-06 02:41:00.
(Language: English)
"They are out there, I think to myself, those ordinary citizens who have grown up in the midst of all the political and cultural battles.....They are out there, waiting for Republicans and Democrats to catch up with them". That statement sets the tone for Senator Obama's refreshingly honest look at policy and politics. In this book, you'll find Obama as open to pointing out flaws in conventional liberal thinking as he is to criticizing his opponents on the right. Likewise, he praises certain aspects of Reagan's policy as openly as he criticizes other parts of it, or as openly as he applauds Bill Clinton's policies. Obama's ability to empathize with a differing point of view, yet maintaining a firm belief in his own position is very endearing. The most interesting aspect of the book, perhaps, is its ability to see today's issues in a historical context. When examining U.S. foreign policy, Obama first walks the reader through the positions taken by Washington, Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, Nixon, Reagan and others in trying to preserve America's national interests through interventions abroad. Likewise, when looking at the role of faith in American politics, Obama starts by giving the readers a glimpse of the how America's founding fathers thought about these issues, and how the cultural and social changes in the sixties eventually led the religious right to start playing a more active role in politics. Obama also talks openly about his family, and his experiences while growing up, that have shaped him as a person. While talking about racial issues, he is comfortable talking about personal experiences that offer him hope. He's equally comfortable talking about his initiation into faith, having been brought up by a mother who wasn't religious. If you're looking to understand the details of policy that Obama would champion if elected President, this book doesn't offer you a lot. However, what it gives you is the framework of beliefs which shape how Obama thinks about politics and policy. It lives true to its title, and offers hope for a new kind of politics, one that would help us all get closer to the American Dream. All in all, a very enjoyable read, and highly recommended.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-01-22 12:52:25.
(Language: English)
was given this as a gift from friends politically much to my left. it is not the sort of book i have ever read or would buy, even from a politician on my end of the spectrum, but I am glad I was given it. It is a good read. Obama comes across as an able writer and politician, a fair man not slow to praise those from whom he differs and to learn from them' he seems to be mature and wise beyond his years. Yes he is a liberal politically and as a Christian. I am not. But he states his case well. He is very articulate though od course I remain unconvinced as to his policies. He tells us where he stands on lots of things. He wants the rich to pay more tax and even has Warren Buffet on side. Not me. He wants death duties. I do not. He wants redistribution of wealth by taxation. Not me. He does not see government as the answer to all problems. good. It is not, but he will want a far bigger state that i would, but then so will most of you. He wants a strong America, He is no pacifist. He leaves us in the dark on Islam, the EU, the special relationship with the UK, global warming etc. Bur what he says is enlightening. It is well said and as a result of reading this book he has my good will for his future. I expect him to be President for the next eight years so we shall see if hi promise is fulfilled. Many admire him for being the first black to be president. My admiration is more for a man without his own millions getting there.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-22 03:17:20.
(Language: English)
Released in 2006, Obama seems capable of doing nothing wrong. After reading the book, one, if not American, is convinced they should be voting for Obama in '08, or 2012. The junior senator from Illinois, now in his third year in Congress neatly divides the memoir/autobiography into nine chapters, a self-admittedly verbose read. Reading the presidential candidate's book along the rails of eastern Europe reminded me of the strength of the institutions thousands of miles away that Obama holds so dear to his heart. The final chapter on family sent chills through my spine as the African-American genuinely describes his love, above all else, for his wife and two daughters. This book is not just about politics, it is a journey through the eyes of one man from the Legislature in Illinois to becoming the keynote speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, the first time Obama rose to prominent attention. Knowledge about the American political sphere will undoubtedly make the reader's experience more enjoyable, but again is not necessary. The reader wonders after reading Obama's devotion to the Senate, and his immediate meeting with Senator Robert Byrd, the 90-year-old legend who encourages him to remain true to himself, the Constitution and the rules of the Senate, and most importantly not be lured into the White House, is in fact running for the land's highest position. Obama's journey in adulthood is a picture of remarkable drive and intelligence, painting the picture of a likeable character that begs the question whether or not America is ready to vote for an African-American, or voters simply feel good inside when Obama's name is heard. One can only hope for future books from Obama, and besides being a distinguished jurist and an effective senator, his gift for writing is truly ingrained in this multi-talented figure.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-03-30 11:32:03.
(Language: English)
This is an amazing book - I think Obama is both an amazing person and politician. I like the clarity of thoughts, the rational and compassionate stand that he took in writing his views on various social, environmental and political issues. It is the idea that the world is not simply black and white, there are potential solutions to improve our world without succumbing to extreme conservative/liberal ideologies. I like the respect and "benefit of the doubt" that he gave to different community and parties. It is this understanding and peaceful respect that is going to help make the world a better place. He offered insightful solutions and analysis to many existing problems in America, in a way, to many developed countries in the world. This book definitely inspired me. I do believe there will be hope, and learned to think more from different perspectives when seeing social/political issues. One thing, he appeared to have "Americans" as the target audience, it may take some patience to get use to being addressed as so for non-American readers.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-09-10 10:02:42.
(Language: English)
I just finished reading this book, and I feel that Barack Obama has a good understanding of what is going on around him in this country and the world, and offers a few great ideas on how some of those problems can be fixed. I applaud his idealism and his new, good ideas, but one thing this book lacks is answering this question: "how?" I know he explains why we are in the state we are in as well as offer ideas that are good for this country, but, he does not present practical, detailed solutions as a good leader should. Also, in the literal sense, the book does not flow, each chapter doesn't connect with the next chapter after it. Dreams From My Father was a better read.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-02-10 09:42:44.
(Language: English)
The rhetoric of “your either with us or your against†has no place in this 21st century. For too long, politicians have made an enemy out of our neighbors, our co-workers, and foreigners, leaving us feeling just a little bit too xenophobic. It is time for a different type of political climate. Obama argues that he can create a new political climate where the differences between people will become secondary to the ties between people. That a common case for hope is greater than any difference between us. It the basis of his hope for America. The most appealing aspect of the book is that he seems like a moderate, and at times, he even leaves room for the fact that his views have not been fully developed. I think that in this era of polarizing views and the entire "your either with us or against us" movement in politics, this book is a breath of fresh air - air for the hope that lives inside us all. Enjoy.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-07-24 07:53:36.
(Language: English)
Obama's book is excellent. He proves to you that he is remarkably intelligent, insightful, and eloquent and at the same time, empathetic, aware, observant, consensus-building, pragmatic, practical, and warm. Everything that President Bush is not. He is an expert on the Constitution and on political process. Even if you're not the least bit interested in voting for him, you owe it to yourself to look under the hood and kick the tires, so to speak- because I think that he speaks to many of the concerns and controversies of our time and addresses them in a fashion that is smart, yet simple straight forward.The Obama I have encountered in his writing and speaking is a person of intelligence, prudence, empathy, and I pray that I'm not too wrong about this, because after all he is a politician...integrity.How about these selected quotes from The Audacity of Hope? "I am suspicious of using government to impose anybody's religious beliefs-including my own- on nonbelievers." "I am angry about policies that consistently favor the wealthy and powerful over average Americans, and insist that government has an important role in opening up opportunity to all." "In the heart of my moral code, and it is how I understand the Golden Rule- not simply as a call to sympathy or charity, but as something more demanding, a call to stand in somebody else's shoes and see through their eyes." "I find myself returning again and again to my mother's simple principle- 'How would that make you feel?' -as a guidepost for my politics." "Chapter three explores the Constitution not just as a source of individual rights, but also as a means of organizing a democratic conversation around our collective future."
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-10-11 06:09:41.
(Language: English)
This is the first book I've read by a current politician so my frame of reference is narrow. The first half of the book focused more on the history and reasoning behind politics, while the second outlined his viewpoints on major political issues. Obama comes across patient, collected, and well read. As mentioned several times in the book he is no doubt a rising star. However, even the most intelligent of politicians are prone to cherry-picking facts to build credibility and argument. For example, Obama's chapter on Equal Opportunity had no mention of the Asian or Middle Eastern American class and how they fair in society. I recommend the book, however I cannot say I would jump to vote for him without faring the same chance for other candidates. Kudos to all of Obamas current success - I think he is doing a remarkable job for such a "green" senator.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-07 12:04:39.
(Language: English)
Although I did not find this book quite as readable and instantly enjoyable as his first, I would still recommend it. There was much here regarding the ins and outs of American politics which was at times edifying, often puzzling, and occasionally rather terrifying! There were moments when his belief in all things American palled: his desire, for example, to create world systems after a US model kinda scares me. But then perhaps that is part of his job. Overall, however, I found Obama's altruism, obvious decency and perhaps above all honesty,a genuine inspiration which left me feeling, well, a bit more positive I guess.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-04-26 07:17:09.
(Language: English)
This is obama's election campaign book, outlining his thought on the state of American Politics today. It's less autobiographical than 'Dreams From My Father', though he draws on episodes from his life to illustrate his points and arguements. Whatever your feelings about the man, the writing is of a very high standard, and the voice is distinctively Obama's - I'd say it's very unlikely this was ghost-written as so many such memoirs are. As a manifesto, it's fairly light on policy detail but offers a coherent outlook on modern American politics - you're clear where he stands. Which isn't easy, considering that a lot of his positions are highly nuanced - he doesn't pick a contentious issue and play to the gallery. Reading it I I was left in no doubt he's the empathetic, intelligent and conciliatory President America needs, if not the one it deserves, or the one (God help us) it will choose.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-24 10:48:37.
(Language: English)
This book is worth a read for anyone interested in American politics. I don't envy anyone who has to take over the mess left by Bush, Cheney and crew, but Barack Obama will be up to the challenge. He seems the polar opposite of the current resident of the white house... articulate, intelligent, thoughtful both in that he actually expends the time and energy to think about the issues, and that he seems a very kind and caring person. Although I think he diplomatically soft pedaled some of the issues, he doesn't feel obligated to cater to any sort of "base" either. I am very interested in seeing what he will do once he's president.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-10 12:07:33.
(Language: English)
Didn't know much about Obama before reading this. He has a lot of interesting aspirations and dreams, and decent moral values but somehow I get the distinct impression that this is a man who has yet to be corrupted and somehow does not react kindly on the spot.. I did enjoy the parts relating to his views on the general US socio-political system with a large part relating to his family values. Given his diverse background, a lot of what he says can be generally understood. He does make many convincing arguments and holds strong opinions, but still a flexible and convincong guy. However, given all his views, I get the idea that the US in general is not ready yet for Mr. Obama..
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-07-03 06:33:11.
(Language: English)
I took it upon myself to read this beginning in the early part of 2007. Barack is as good a writer as he is a speaker really. Too traits we'd want in a President for sure. Unlike his first book (which i haven't read), he does not spend as much time on his biography here as he does his worldview. He also spends a lot of time talking about different issues and policy positions and things like that. All in all, a pleasant read. Obama was not my first choice during the primaries just because he comes off too centrist sometimes I think. That and we don't know a whole lot about his policy positions. I respected Obama before, but this book made me admire him. He would be a big improvement over Dubya - I don't think there's any question about it.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-24 10:10:10.
(Language: English)
Like millions of people around the world, I love Barack Obama. I'm not sure that his politics will prove to be successful, but I am certain of his intellect and wit. This second memoir was a better read for me then Dreams From my Father. In this book, he explains with a logic that really resonates with me, in prose that is easy to understand and well captures his points, his views on all the major political issues our country faces - healthcare, the war, poverty, racism, etc. (2007) Yet another marvelously written book by Obama. His ability to put thoughts and concepts(even political ones which normally would put me straight to sleep) into such logical, easily digestible, and beautifully flowing sentences is simply amazing. Over a wide range of issues, he expressed succinctly and honestly both his personal and political perspectives. His clarity in voice and logic in thinking helped engage me again in these tough issues we face in America today. (May, 2008)
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-04-06 01:58:47.
(Language: English)
This is man who wants you to believe he is like you and that he is bipartisan. He's not. There is no evidence anywhere in his book he worked closely with or identified with anyone but the far Left. Beyond this a nonpartisan group that rates all government officials rated him a 95 out of 100, with 100 being "completely liberal." Mr. Obama is actually the most liberal sentor in Congress so when he talks pro- family, pro capital punisnment, or sounds moderate on Iraq in the book, think about WHY he might be talking this way. Besides talking about uniting the country (something any presidential candidates talks about), and having a family that could resemble a UN summitt, he talks just like Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton. He wants to court pack liberal judges. He makes the Constitution sound like a very changable and pragmatic document. Bill Clinton appears to be held in as high of esteem as presidential greats Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. He says he wants the government to start offering parenting classes because he thinks many of those struggling in the inner city are unsure what to do and where to turn, but then he comes back around gives typical party line talk about championing civil liberties, and that government shouldn't censure television because parents need to take responsibility. If he says we need parenting classes run by the government, he is saying parents aren't doing their job. His book clearly comes out against a man like Ronald Reagan, but he has filp-flopped on his love for Reagan on the campaign trail. Capital punishment is an important issue for some people, not others. He says he is for capital punishment. But in the book he says he tried to get the state of Illinois to put cameras in the prosecution rooms for capital cases. It sounds to me like he doesn't trust police.If he's going to do that to deal with police it seems he by and large actually opposes capital punishment. The real issue is if he courtpacks like it seems he will based on this book, then more murderers who get life sentences let's say will get out on parole at a faster rate. Just as capital punishment doesn't deter crime according to stats, letting a murderer out of prison generally leads to more crime. This may not be the strongest issue for many, but I think Mr. Obama is either straight lying on some of his moderate views, or his views are very malleable. If Mr. Obama was a true moderate he would not pick quotes and individuals who hardly carry weight in their own party, such as an unnamed Illinois state senator or Alan Keyes. He would not use loaded words such as "overtly relgious" to describe certain colleagues in the Senate. These included his "friends" like Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. Mr. Obama makes a huge deal about how Republicans mess with judicial nominees. How come all the hoopla and filabustering occurs when the Democrats do not like the nominee. Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, John Roberts. When Ginsberg and Breyer were sent before Congress nobody talked about not confirming them. The votes on Clinton's judges were like 300 1. Mr. Obama's read on faith is socio political, and lacks his own personal views. He fails to elaborate on some of the theology and beliefs of his specific church. Ofcouse given the scope of the book, and his aspirations we would not expect him to do so, but faith and its expression is not something people should hide. Obama notes that his pastor Jeremiah Wright inspired the title the Audacity of Hope. I read over that sermon and it sounds like all the "sound bytes" you have seen on TV and at the National Press Club. Obama is lying through his teeth when he says he didn't know some of Wright's views. He presents his family as a typical middle class family. But if you listen to her on the campaign trail, there's no hope for America. The bar to the American dream is always being moved. So much so that one can't be a nurse and survive. So many of us are going to Ivy League graduate schools, and then we are mired in debt. Does this sound like an average American to you?This book was written with the presidency in mind, and the goal ofcourse was trying to appear to appeal to the broadest range of individuals as possible. He tries to look like average Joe, and he just isn't. He makes every effort to look anything other than a politician. He is succeeding because so many 18-29 year olds are voting for him.A final question: Why do you think this book came out right as he announced his intention to run for president?
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