A Promised Land (original 2020; udgave 2020)

A Promised Land
The Presidential Memoirs, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: I had to.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: CCP Library and PP Library
Dates Read: 2/9/21 - 2/26/21
Stars: 3.5

This is a daily look into Mr Obama’s political career. From community organizer to his first term in the White House. It is highly detailed and heavy on politics. However I was here for the moments in between the politics. His moments with his wife, daughters or friends. They are sprinkled throughout the book which keep me listening.

Personally spending the better part of a month listening to the same book was a bit difficult. I did have it from the library so there was a rush to read it but perhaps if I didn’t I would have split it up a bit.

The Random Thoughts:

Challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge 2021 - P
Goodreads Book Bingo 2021 - N1 - A 2020 Goodreads award winner or runner-up
TBR 20 in 21 - Given to you as a gift
I Will Read All the Books on my Shelf Challenge - book you think will be the hardest to get through ( )

Before this book I knew next to nothing about American government or politicians. I was caught up in the admiration for Obama and was overjoyed for him and for America when he was elected president. I remember his rock-star reception on his first visit to Canada. My admiration hasn't flagged and I revere him more than ever now. I've been reading this in sections over the last two months and I can say that this Christmas gift was one of the best. He is an outstanding writer, and rather than the dry political book one might expect, his style is conversational and relaxed, while providing a lot of information. I hope to listen to the audio version as well, even though I could "hear" his voice on the printed page. Volume two is already on my wishlist. Highly recommended. ( )

For perspective: I am a proud Democrat. I’m certain that my review is reflective of that fact. So is the time period in which I’ve read President Obama’s memoir (volume 1). It’s November/December 2020 and my sister sent me A Promised Land as a Thanksgiving gift since our family is unable to gather for the holidays. A presidential election is behind us and for the first time in four years I feel the promise of hope.

A Promised Land is detailed and provides both intricate details of and President Obama’s processes as he governs. Especially interesting to me were sections on the his family and friends, ACA, DACA, obstacles in working with both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, climate change, and concluding with the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Since I have spent much of the past four years learning a lot about the people and norms that make our democracy function properly, I enjoyed the reflection. I smiled every time one of my “friends” from my podcasts was present. I felt a sense of hope every time President Obama praised a staff member who has been nominated to fill spots in the Biden-Harris administration. ( )

Along with Jefferson, Lincoln, Grant and TR, Obama ranks as a great presidential author. He tells this story in an interesting and meaningful way. It was a pleasure to read. ( )

I listened to this book--I'm not certain I would ever have finished it had I been reading it. 79+ hours. During the Pandemic when I am hardly ever driving anywhere.... But it is a book which I know I would probably have enjoyed more in print, in that I could have thumbed back easily (more easily?), had access to (I am assuming) an index, etc.

I am hoping that when his second volume is released I will be back at work and my driving hours will be increased! But it was definitely worth the read.... ( )