The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream (Vintage)

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.

Since Barack Obama is going to be our next President, I think it's important for all to read this book. It's very thorough on his views of very important issues. I wish all presidents-to-be would write books that explain their beliefs & ideals. It's 100 times better than watching the ultra right & left wingers discuss their opinions about political candidates. If you read about them from their own words you have a better idea of what is true and what is fiction when discussing the candidate with someone else. Most of the book is pretty interesting. It gets long in some areas but for the most part it's a good read.

i bought this book for a friend that lives in jamaica & i am sure he will enjoy it