The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream

I picked this book up in a local store, just before Christmas. I wanted to get a feel for the person the U.S. had just elected as president and how he might be expected to cope with the burdens of current times. The book is well-written and a pleasure to read. The main themes running through the content give me hope for the world.

The problems have grown so large, complex and immediate that only a sober discussion of facts and an earnest search for solutions can give direction on how to solve them. But even then, it remains for proposals to be put into action - something only the largest governments can ensure.

Barack Obama's stated belief that politics needs to base on sober discussion of facts and compromise, rather than ideology and unilateral action, would be a sound foundation for getting a handle on the global problems challenging the world. I hope many people all over the world pick up this book, read it, and realize the importance of sober, factual analysis and discussion. We, the people, need to get involved, in whatever manner the system we live in allows. We need to show the politicians and the media that we need and appreciate that kind of coverage, rather than one-sided emphasis of negatives.

I live in Switzerland, a comparatively tiny country, but one steeped in an older and more direct democracy (possible due to the small size), comprising four offical languages and multiple cultures. At the very core of Swiss government and politics are empathy for other views and working out viable compromises. But recently, there has been a tendency towards right-left polarization and a simplification of discussion that has been very disturbing.

So the analyses in this book about the evolution of how politics and campaigning function in the modern world has been enlightening and has brought into better focus what's going on in Switzerland. It has shown me the importance of working to nip this in the bud, before our politics, as well, devolve into a circus.

Can't put this book down. This really gives a thorough appreciation for the man, Barack Obama. I wish I read it before Elections, it would have made me even more confident that he is the man of this century.

This book is a summary of Obama's world views and the personal experiences which helped reinforce those views. It is not a biography, though some important biographical details are found throughout. Mostly it focuses on his reflections on U.S. politics, inequality and opportunity, as well is issues of faith, race, and foreign policy. As it is work written before his election as President, much of it focuses on politics is his challenges to being first elected as an Illinois Senator. Obama's book is easily read, as it is written in a very accessible style. He believes in a strong, limited, but progressive role of the United States government, which would help the poor and the marginalized, but also acknowledge the realities of a globalized economy. There is still work to be done to heal racial prejudice and the injustices suffered as a consequence of it, and Obama is for women's freedom to choose abortion, if necessary, and to work as equal participants to men in the economy. Religiously he also affirms his Protestant Christian world view. Reading this book one finds a fairly comprehensive and centrist approach to American politics, which only those on the political extremes would object to. It is informative, and certainly worth perusal.

To be fair, I should say up front that I am a very enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama. This bias of course affected my reaction to this book, so please take that into account when reading this review. First of all, this book is superbly written. Obama has an immense talent for writing and for clearly putting forth his views. There is no more doubt about who the real Barack Obama is...all you have to do is read this book. It's easy to get a sense of his intelligence, his thoughtfulness, and his idealism, all of which have affected the way he approached politics. He comes across not as a perfect person, but as a real person, someone to whom all Americans can relate.

In this book, Obama explores all aspects of American politics, like race, family, and relations between the two major parties. It's obvious that he's a Democrat, but it's also apparent that he respects Republicans. His approach to politics isn't one of exclusion and strict party loyalty. He knows that all Americans, no matter their beliefs or political leanings, have worth and he fights for all of them. He doesn't just represent Demorats...he represents Americans.

All this may sound like an endorsement of Obama's presidential candidacy (you can take it that way if you want), but this book truly opens one's eyes to who the real Obama is (a funny, friendly, intelligent, and thoughtful man), what he stands for (liberty, freedom, and opportunity for everyone), and how he thinks politics should be exercised in America (with an open dialogue and a real debate of the issues). If you want to get to know Obama, or if you simply want to be inspired and believe that America is still a great country, then you have to read this book!

This was a great read! However, some of the events that happen throughout this text are trite--which sometimes lead to a devastatingly mundane read. Obama's book captures a myriad of spiritual messages that inspires..well...hope. I also bought this book for my friend's mother who is an avid support of President-elect Obama.