Customer Reviews:
 An Insight to the New President's Mind January 4, 2009
Ok, he's not president ... yet. We still have 14 more days. However, I bought this book before the election, wanting to read more about the man's state of mind and his thoughts on the American dream. It has taken me this long to read it, not because the words are too hard (I read that somewhere that someone was daunted by the "big" words he used), but because it is very thought-provoking and it is not a book to rush through. I rarely if ever underline anything in my books but this book broke that rule of mine. I was underlining so many different thoughts in there to remind myself that it is what I agree with too. That doesn't necessarily mean that I agree with everything he has said, but he does provide fodder for thought.
It is a very well-written book. It makes me wish that I could attend his classes on Constitutional Law, which is saying something since I find law boring. He provides examples after examples to back up his thoughts. He has obviously done his research especially in foreign policy (which is my least favorite chapter of all the chapters. It was also one that I disagreed with the most.) and he is passionate about his beliefs. He is passionate about the American people. I've seen it in his speeches and during the debates. He is passionate about the American Dream. And it's about time there is someone at the helm who is passionate about the Dream and how we can work together to bring it about.
I don't expect Obama to bring about all the changes that he'd like to see because, let's be honest here, politicans in Congress will not agree and they will fight everything they can to push their own agenda through. Hopefully, Obama will be able to override that but that remains to be seen. However, he does have a good plan in mind and hopefully, he will be able to implement it.
The one thing I got from this book is the strong sense of hope. The strong sense of hope and change that his presidency will bring about, hopefully. For the first time in 8 years, there is a feeling of hope among the people and among different readers. This book has generated a lot of talk among people. Hopefully, these talks will bring about the necessary change that is needed desperately for this country to thrive.
It doesn't matter which side of the aisle you are on, this book is a much read. It is also a relief that for a change, there is an intelligent man at the helm of this country.
1/4/09
 The Most Inspiring Book I Have Ever Read January 2, 2009
In light of all of the terrible things that have happened over the past
eight years under the Bush Administration, it is about time that positive change come to fruition finally in this country. The Audacity of Hope is well-written, with a wry sense of humor
despite the obstacles imposed early on his life as a child of a single mother. I used to be a Republican many years ago and I can tell you
that politically this is the type of book that inspires a generation or two or three of voters and sways the Right to find common ground with the Left (or I should say those that are slightly left of Center). Barack Obama is a wonderful politician though I don't want to call him a politician as he is far more of a statesman and a social reform advocate. I suppose that I cannot find the right words to tell you how great this book really is. You must experience it for yourself and share it with your friends. Reading this book will make you especially proud of your country knowing that our democracy finally rang true this election and that the majority of the American electorate is somehow bound by a shared sense of Hope. Remember Hope and positive Change in our legislation are the only ways we will truly prosper as Americans and as members of the global community in the upcoming years. The Audacity of Hope is a great book covering Barack Obama's political ideology, philosophy, plans for this country and its communties. If you do choose to read this incredible book, you will have a greater sense of the man who rose so quickly into power. As a Democrat and an ex-Republican, I realize that there are so many Republicans still churning questions about Obama. If you find yourself in this position, then I will tell you that this is the book for you to add to your reading list. I felt especially patriotic after reading this book,
knowing that there is a politician out there who is genuinely speaking out on the behalf of so many Americans and citizens of the world.
Progressive centrism, plain and simple January 1, 2009
Though billed as a radical liberal by his opponents during the campaign, this book should have made it clear long before the campaign that this was very far from the truth. Actually there is very little here with which one can take issue, much less offense, no matter how far you are from the left-end of the political spectrum. One may think that Obama is being calculating, trying to be all things to all people, and yes, there might be something of that here. The timing of this book's publishing in 2006, just before the presidential race began in full gear, makes one wonder how much of the real Obama we are getting here, but two things that are clear from reading this book are (1), the man can think through complex issues, not just dogmatically take positions, and (2) he is not afraid to listen and even consider viewpoints very different from his own. Considering the paralyzing polarization that has gripped American political life in the past years, one can only be thankful that this clear headed author has been elected President, and, for the good of the country and the world as a whole, wish him well.
An important foundation for serious politics January 1, 2009
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.
Obama January 1, 2009
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.
|
