The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream

Although very well written, the book reads like a self congratulatory thesis. I wanted to learn more about Obama before voting in November, as the press hypes everything and we live now in the age of 'gotcha politics'. I am also reading McCain's book 'Faith of my Fathers.' Hopefully both these efforts will allow me to have a more balanced view of both candidates and most importantly - what they believe will be their uppermost challenges in the coming 4 years.

I am not into politics but since there is too much at stake to today I decided that should read as much as I could about the candidates running for the higher office of this country. I found the ideas and overall content of this book very refreshing but the chapter that had the most impact on me is the one about family. It is a good book to read and to get Barack's side of his story and not to just take what the media and the Youtube presents to us.

There's been a lot of talk about how people don't know Obama, and how they don't feel entirely comfortable with him as a candidate. Whether this is due to his unique background (living in Indonesia), his race, or the recent attention directed at his pastor, The Audacity of Hope is worth reading for the way it helps the reader know more about Barack Obama.

He comes across as an eloquent, thoughtful, self deprecating, and, at times, even hesitant man. He recognizes his shortcomings as both a father and a politician, and when it comes to taking a stand on issues, he weighs them carefully (like a true law student, for those who have been there). I find these qualities to be positive for a potential presidential candidate. Of course, one will come away from reading this book knowing more about Obama's opinions on religion, the Iraq war, education, family values, and economic policies. But if the real worry about Obama is his quality as a human being, then this book should give anyone insight into that issue.

I first feel the need to note that many of the negative reviews of this book are from people that have not actually read the book and never had any intention of voting for Barack Obama. Hence the reason for disliking the book and the ideology presented in the book. In the early pages of the book, it is explained to be a vision more than a "cure all" or the answer to every problem which plagues America. Not only is this an improvement on the status quo, but it amounts to change from the failed current status quo.

Many other reviewers, who have actually read the book, have done a fantastic job of recounting the highlights and facts presented in this book. I will note that Obama's statements on compromise, value, and family were true highlights. It is also often forgotten that Democrats are Christians too.

Reading this book, it saddens me to think of the direction in which the country is headed. Accepting cheap soundbites from cable news networks as the whole story or chain emails as fact, I think we have lost a sense of what it means to be an American. Conservatives may offer solutions, but have forgotten the art of compromise in the sake of progress. Republican and Democrats are both capable of good ideas. Politics is a divisive team sport, more so than ever. For this reason, I can respect John McCain for his willingness to disagree with his party on occassion. I hope he continues to work this way in the senate for this forseeable future.

I believe Americans can have better. Thomas Jefferson believed the government should be completely replaced every few years to avoid factionalism and the non-action that plagues the government. I would like to see Obama begin the replacing. While I may not agree with all of his ideas, I agree with him on more platforms than most.

If you want to know Barack Obama's views on the issues just read this book. From politics to family this book tells all. His honesty and desire for you to know the real Barack Obama comes through loud and clear in this book. I laughed at times, I smiled to myself, and all the while I was so impressed by his candor and willingness to share the real him with his readers. Fantastic book and I highly recommmend it to all.