I listened to the audio version over a few months. I liked it, but it was long, and I kept starting other books or listening to podcasts during my daily listening sessions. I always went back, though, because it was truly worth it.
Former President Obama narrates the audio version of his book, and I love it when the author’s voice tells the story. Inflections are in the right places, and emphasis is always given to the appropriate passages.
The beginning of the book outlines Obama’s entry into the world of politics, and it is so fascinating to hear about some of the strategies used to win elections at the local level. I enjoyed learning about his analysis of good and questionable “moves” in the political arena and his determination to keep things honest and aboveboard in every way. Taking advice is difficult for any leader who is driven to better oneself. Still, Obama indeed learns whose advice to take and how to consider, yet refuses advice that doesn’t seem entirely comfortable.
The story gradually builds to Barack Obama’s senatorial days and then the presidential primaries and national election. It was riveting to hear his analysis of Hilary Clinton during the 2008 primaries. He was straightforward about her missteps but always respectful and kind.
Some of my favorite parts of the book were when President Obama discusses his wife Michelle and her reservations about her husband’s candidacies at local, state, and national levels. It was also pleasant to hear him convey reverence for his mother-in-law, who helped his family considerably when he entered the White House. I think his mentions of his daughters, Sasha and Malia, are touching, sometimes humorous, and often heartrending when he talks about missing so many events in their lives and being required to make their lives so monitored and unnormal.
As Obama’s story builds to his presidential years, I reflected on the world events we so recently lived through. I gained some new perspectives as he described the casts of characters involved in his planning, decision-making, and politicking. Obama included stories and anecdotes about US national leaders and international heads of state and his experiences visiting other countries. His comments were always direct, sometimes blunt, but always respectful of others’ points of view. He uses plain, understandable language and provides insights to former presidents and also to his successor.
