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| The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream | 
 enlarge | Author: Barack Obama
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
Buy Used: $5.50
You Save: $9.45 (63%)
New (69) Used (37) Collectible (6) from $5.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  628 reviews
Sales Rank: 308
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 384
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8
ISBN: 0307237702
Dewey Decimal Number: 973.04960730092
EAN: 9780307237705
ASIN: 0307237702
Publication Date: November 6, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Obama Wraps His Personal Journey Around His Political Beliefs With Refreshing Authenticity October 20, 2006
106 out of 138 found this review helpful
As the acknowledged rising star of the Democratic Party, Barack Obama has done an admirable job in maintaining the precarious balance between being a media lightning rod and a largely unproven senator out to establish his record. While it may speak to the current vacuity in the party's leadership, Hillary Clinton aside, Obama certainly cannot be underestimated for the political acumen he has displayed during key high-attention moments like his keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He wrote an insightful personal memoir over a decade ago before entering politics, "Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance", which I read a couple of years back and thought was quite lucidly written if rather guarded in exploring his racial dichotomy.
What came across in his first book was a unique voice, and even though he sticks primarily to politics this time out, his voice remains consistent, at least on the written page, and that's what makes this such a magnetic read. He has a personable way of tackling topics as diverse as foreign policy, religious faith and the U.S. Constitution without the taint of pandering that media-hungry pundits and other politicians seem to enjoy. There is no denying that Obama is an instinctive consensus builder and that quality may have alienated those who label him a centrist. However, we understand the genesis of this commitment through his journey to reconcile his own racial identity. The irony is that in this book, the senator presents a series of policy statements that hold a clarity in purpose lacking among his Democratic brethren while concurrently replicating the successful Republican approach of linking political beliefs to values. The senator's topics are broad-based as noted by the chapter titles - Politics, Opportunity, Faith, Race - but he doesn't lose himself in polemics within the text.
Take for example, the chapter entitled "The World Beyond Our Borders" where Obama intertwines the political history of Indonesia with his own childhood there. This provides a logical springboard to explaining his increasing awareness of U.S. foreign policy and once elected to the Senate, his first trip to Iraq which leads to a broader discussion of Bush's current Iraqi policies. All his chapters start with a personal journey that brings a grounded authenticity to his own policies rather than what could be perceived as naive rhapsodizing of what our democratic process should ideally be. Just by reminding us of the value and relevance of the Constitution, Obama already has a jump on most of his colleagues in the Senate. Whether he is seriously considered Presidential material in 2008 (or more likely in 2012) or sinks under the weight of the media hype, this is a most worthwhile insight into Obama, a conscience-raising activist who is admittedly undergoing a gestational period as a political leader on a global scale.
 Can I give this a no star? October 31, 2006
98 out of 204 found this review helpful
Talk about audacity. My friend pushed this one on me and I Just couldn't finish it. Talk about drivel. Heaven help us if he gets annointed as "king"
Finally, an enlightened leader October 21, 2006
95 out of 120 found this review helpful
For any American citizen who is currently in resignation or despair over the abundant examples of unethical, immoral and abusive leaders who breed cynicism and apathy, The Audacity of Hope is a breath of much needed oxygen. Senator Obama may be considered "soft" by the media who enjoy taking down anyone who exhibits complexity of mind, paradoxical thinking and humanistic values, yet his writing inspires one to stop wallowing in helplessness and take an active role in our imperfect democracy. When Obama first spoke at the Democratic convention, Ann Deavere Smith wrote an op ed piece the next day saying that politics would never be the same because finally a leader spoke with a "unifying fusion" beyond partisanship, stereotypes and blame mongering. The senator's writing demonstrates that reflective, thoughtful consideration of apparent opposites is a leadership attribute needed urgently -- Obama speaks of the need to redefine power from its corrupt, controlling misuse as currently witnessed daily to an inclusive power that practices empathy, tolerance, and a reclaiming of core democratic values. Obama leaves the reader with a call to face our critical global issues by polishing the lens of our own perceptions rather than projecting and perpetuating fear and hatred. Whether he will be able to pass great legislation or run for president, this book provides inspiration to any leader who wants to demonstrate a capacity to connect with the hearts, minds and souls of generations seeking to be inspired and uplifted. He embodies the true sense of enlightened -"awake" not perfect--able to use his intelligence for the greater good while demonstrating the humility of one who knows his own shadows. A highly recommended read for all would be leaders.
The Audacity of this Guy Taking Your Money January 1, 2007
95 out of 149 found this review helpful
This book is nothing more than an obvious attempt at riding the political fence. Obama has dozens of idealistic views such as empathy for all and health care for everyone -- yet no plans or even realisitic ideas as to the implication of these ideals. This book is 350+ pages of fluff and should be read by no one, it is clearly attempting to appeal to everyone while making no solid stance of its own, and is hence a complete waste of money and time.
Pomposity of Title December 25, 2006
91 out of 166 found this review helpful
What an empty book. I read it to see what the excitement was about. Obama is almost juvenile in his analysis of the situation - really a bad advert for affirmative action. Let's face it he would have not attended the well known schools he did, if it was not for his color.
His chapter on air travel takes the biscuit. No critique of freebies for political figures; no discussion of the morality of accepting favors. My 16 year ciould do better.
And with such an overblown title. The book and Obama's popularity is more a reflection of liberal America's desire to see a leftish black leader (after all Condoleeza is both black and a woman - but right wing) than respect for anyone with well thought out substance - the PC loathing of white men rather than meritocracy (As an aside to these libs you should protest by giving up anything invented by white men - including the Internet.)
Nice try liberals, but Obama will not be president in your lifetime - a flatulent book - lots of wind so everyone notices - but lacking substance.
It will quickly dissipate. So with Obama - a Roman Candle of a man.
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