An intimate insight into a truly decent leader

This book gives Barack Obama's insight into what America is about as well as his very personal experiences as a senator, family man & human being.

He narrates it masterfully, focusing each chapter on a specific & relevant issue. His sensitivity & introspection combined with good-humour & modesty inspires respect.

If only all presidents and the rest of us were so thoughtful in our approach...

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American politics made easy

This was a fantastic download - one that provided a lot of clarity around the politics and values of America's new president (before he was even campaigning for the role). For people like me who get tired of reading the opinions of the press, it was refreshing to hear from Obama himself, what he thinks he stands for and he provides interesting examples to back up his politics and opinions. This very personal and frank account of his beliefs has certainly given me confidence in his ability to bring real changes to America and the rest of the world. He comes across as a down-to-earth and likeable man who genuinely knows what he is talking about and what he has to do to make his country a better place. All I can say is, after listening to the Audacity of Hope, I wished Obama could run our country too!

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17 people found this helpful

Politician's are scary....

It is unfortunate that our world is in the state that it's in because I genuinely fear for this lovely man as he braves the world stage.

I (like most people) knew little about him before buying this book and now after listening to it along with a few speeches I found on I-tunes; I'm a genuine fan. Politics is a dirty business and here is a decent, educated, likeable guy that will do his best to change that crappy deal that too many people worldwide are in. Like it or not; the USA lead the "free" world and what he says and does will affect almost everyone in one way or another.

After listening I have genuine hope that he can do as he'd like to do and is not singled out for martyrdom by the evil that lurks generally in our world and in America in particular.

I thrilled at his stories of the students he teaches and the voters he has learned from. I am warmly comforted by the fact that his rise has been rapid enough that he has not (yet) been tainted. This book is lovely and I look forward to hearing more about and from him.

Martin Luther King, Huey Newton, Johnnie Cochran, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and many others would not believe what he has already done so swiftly. I sincerely hope that he continues to accomplish the "impossible."

God knows we could all use a few more miracles.

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7 people found this helpful

Nice and clear audio presentation by Barack Obama

This is the first audible book I have listened to and I must admit it that the production was first class. It was a nice and clear presentation.

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The Audacity of False Idealism

Where does The Audacity of Hope rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not in top 10

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Audacity of Hope?

His losing of an election, and his belief that he can try again.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Listening to how bills are made.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Partially.

Any additional comments?

I last listened to this book in 2008, when Obama was running for office the first time and was only a candidate - I don't remember much of it, which should signify u what impact it had on me. It did inspire me to get Dreams from my Father (read and listened to) and other Obama biographies.

All politicians feel obliged to write a book when running for office, whether its Clinton who wrote Living History (in my garage, never read it), and more recently she wrote another which I did not even bother to buy. My theory is that, it allows many of the educated elite in media etc to be introduced to these politicians many ideas and their personality. It allows those people see their vision, and gain their support. Even Obama's personal assistant wrote his own book, to kickstart his own political career: Power Forward: My Presidential Education by Reggie Love (available on Amazon) - more about the author than Obama.

The problem is that u get many convoluted and non-controversial ideas put forward, coupled with fake idealism, in order to appeal to the maximum audience. Secondly, they paint a false image of who they really are, and unless one keeps a magnifying glass by their side while reading this, they may absorb and accept these ideas. Obama talks about how his main lobby of support was from "nurses who change bedpans" as opposed to the Wall Street bankers who did indeed bankroll him.

Perhaps one should read this book to do an analyst on the Obama regime and its failings.

This book won a Grammy, but if a book wins an award, one should be more wary of that book. Much of these award organisations have an agenda, Its like winning a Nobel(inventor of dynamite) peace prize when no major peace was actually achieved.

Obama had a rock star start, and may even a rock start finish, however the way he played the political game led to one of the most disastrous results for the Democratic party, the election of Trump. If one wants to understand how Obama became a rock star, this is essential listening.

That being said it is read by the author himself, and makes for a enjoyable easy listening. If u r interested in Obama ideas than read it, although it is largely defunct now.

Books on Obama I have read/listen:

Dreams from my Father: Obama autobiography - note large amounts have been changed from reality to create dramatic effect, good listen. Read by the author.

Obama by David Mendell: Excellent listen about Obama upbringing and his rise as a Senator by a Chicago reporter

Barack Obama the Story: The best bio out there - u can get the Audio CDs from Amazon- the book are read by the author - clarifies many truths/falsehood to Dreams from My Father, but only goes from Obama grandfather to just before he enters Harvard. Audible needs to get this book.

Power Forward by Reggie Love (Amazon) - written by the PA of Obama - mostly about Love rather than Obama - there are some articles on it - read this instead of shelling out from this book

Renegade - still listening, will let u know in time.

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Fascinating insight into US politics

Beautifully narrated, and providing easy to understand insights into the role of faith, race and the voting power of the senate.

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Lessons for future leaders

Loved it. Not a politics inclined person, but I acknowledged the messages in each chapter.

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Great listen

Interesting read. Highlight the path of the American dream regarding the minority’s and the difficulty’s they have endured. He covers many aspects of the American dream including how far along equality has come in America and how far it still has to go. Well read and presented.

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A great narrative!

This in an awesome narrative and a great story. I enjoyed the openness and humanity of the President.

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Positive and inspiring

A welcome relief to the chaos and polarisation of the current political climate. There is hope and we can make a difference.

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