The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream Review

We ordered The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream after reading Dreams from My Father (reviewed) both by Barack Obama. No matter what your politics this is a really great book or in my case listen.

(Please read American Evita by Christopher Anderson if you are thinking of voting for her.)

A Closer View

We purchased this 5-CD (6 hours) audio book through www.amazon.com for about $20.00.

It doesn't start where his first book left off, going to Harvard Law School, which is what I expected. He does however make many references to his law school days.

It's my view that Dreams from My Father really makes a good prelude into his second book but I would recommend The Audacity of Hope even if you haven't or won't read Thoughts from My Father. The Audacity of Hope was published in 2006.

There is no question that Barack is brilliant. He uses words of which I don't know the meaning but he never comes across as arrogant or condescending. These words are few and far between. The book is easy to understand and laid out in chapters that make sense.

Each chapter is one word such as "Values" and "Family." Although I enjoyed everything about this book it was his personal revelations that were really touching. Without sounding too corny, the love he has for his daughters and the fear he has of being a politician dad brought tears to my eyes as did his description of how he felt at the funeral of Rosa Parks. He talks about his mother, father and grandparents and talks frankly about his relationship with his wife, Michelle, and the difficult times they have had.

What perhaps was most meaningful to me was his discussion about his fear that being in the political limelight would change him and how it may not be possible to remain the same person. He talks freely about how easy it is to get swept up in the political foray.

You'll learn about his extended family, his strong faith and not only his positions on all the hot topics but what he'll do about them. He may not have answers for every problem at the moment but he gives us a look at a smart, clear headed, honest politician. Honest and politician may be an oxymoron but The Audacity of Hope has convinced me that Senator Obama is the closest thing to an honest politician as is possible.

This CD is available in hardcover, paperback and audio download.

Jo's Viewpoint

I love it! Put these books on your holiday gift giving list.