A Promised Land by Barack Obama
A Promised Land by Barack Obama is a 768-page memoir that documents the former president’s life from his early years to the events surrounding the killing of Osama bin Laden in May 2011.
The book is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on Obama’s political career and the second part exploring his personal life.
The main themes of A Promised Land are compromise, prejudice, reflection and self-assessment, and the importance of history. Obama finds that his dreams of eliciting bipartisan support are tempered by the political reality that he must compromise to move ahead.
As the first Black president of the United States, Obama witnessed an immense reaction among prejudiced Americans who felt threatened by his power – it was fascinating reading his thoughts. It was something that I lived through and saw…but couldn’t quite believe it. He also writes about his childhood and personal life, poking fun at himself and describing his smoking habit.
Obama also reflects on the current state of the American project, expressing his indefatigable hope for the future.
Interesting Themes
- Compromise is an important part of politics.
- Prejudice is still a major issue in the US.
- Obama reflects on the current state of the American project.
- Obama’s memoir is full of warmth, humor and introspection.
- Obama pokes fun at himself and shares details about his personal life.
What I Liked
Everything. Seriously.
Reading this book reminded me again not only why I voted for Obama twice, but also how he persuaded me – a 23 year old, disillusioned, but also hopeful and active, voter that grew up completely surrounded by vitriol of Democratic politicians – to enthusiastically join the Democrat Party coalition in America. It’s the Audacity of Hope…but with hindsight.
The book also was a deep reminder that – for all the haters and cynics out there that Machiavelli is right; people who think that might is right; that you can’t be successful in the 21st century and rise to the top without crushing others or neglecting your family or being awful – that they are all wrong.
The book was a reminder that, again, that better is good. Reality can keep getting better even if our expectations race ahead and make us feel like things are worse somehow.
I loved how much time he spends describing the job of the President and all the things that go into daily life.
What I Did Not Like
The book might initially be daunting – it’s big, thick, and looks serious. But he’s someone who can write and communicate like no one else. It’s the same in this book. It’s a fabulous read – and I’m looking forward to the next one.
In A Promised Land, Barack Obama shares his journey from childhood to the pivotal moment of Osama bin Laden's death. The book splits into two parts, one focusing on his political career and the other on his personal life. I found his reflections on compromise, prejudice, and the current state of America both thought-provoking and relatable. Obama’s humor and introspection shine through, making the hefty read enjoyable. While it may seem intimidating at first, it’s a compelling memoir that reminded me why I supported him. A Promised Land by Barack Obama was the rare super-hyped memoir that actually lived up to expectations. The book is sharp, interesting, engaging. I'm also glad I read it when I did - right after the roller coaster ride of working the Fulton county polls in the 2020 election & the Georgia Senate runoff election, then accidentally watching the January 6th Capitol Insurrection live as it happened, and then watching the Biden / Harris Inauguration. Obama's primary message - fighting cynicism - had extra resonance.
- The memoir covers a wide range of themes, including compromise and prejudice.
- Obama's writing is warm, humorous, and introspective.
- The book provides a detailed look at the job of the President and daily life in office.
- It inspires hope and reflects on the American project positively.
- I found the book completely enjoyable and enlightening.
- The book might initially seem daunting due to its length and serious appearance.
