My Review of 'A Promised Land'

I actually wanted to give it a 3.5/5 rating but unfortunately Goodreads doesn't allow that so marking it a 3.
As I am writing this review I can't help but compare with my experience of reading 'Playing it my way' - the autobiography of Sachin Tendulkar. It was launched with a similar hype and then I found the writing underwhelming at best just as this one. I finished 'A Promised Land' in audiobook format narrated by Barack Obama himself. It felt like he was reading from an enormously lengthy press briefing for hours. Such lifeless is the prose!
I am surprised because I had earlier read 'Dreams from my father' by the same author and it remains one of the most poignant memoirs I have read till date. Was it a better choice of ghost writer perhaps? I don't know. But I had a lot of expectations from this particular book that went unfulfilled.
I always make it a point not to allow my own differences of opinion with the author being a deciding factor in rating a book. Having said that the charisma and aura that has been built around Obama by popular media, the projection of his image as 'the different one' is bound to break as one gets a glimpse of his thought process during the defining moments of his presidency. He is either too condescending or patronizing towards other world powers and its leaders - emphasizing again and again about his country's moral superiority but never really caring to justify the same - as if it's a given. It is a well documented fact now that in the entire American history he has abused executive overreach the most to get things done his way caring very little for congressional consent while upholding pillars of democracy in his speeches worldwide. To justify this he is quick to highlight the stalling tactics of Republican politicians as mean and a threat to the spirit of bipartisanship but later proudly describes similar tactics by Democrats as political shrewdness. While he describes at length how his election was symbolic of racial empowerment of the minorities till the end of the book we don't find much evidence of that claim. As an institutionalised centrist in his policies and modus operandi he has sought to preserve the status quo - ignoring pleas from different activists and advocacy groups to initiate structural reforms for a more just and heterogeneous political order.
I do see a lot of rave reviews of the book out there, however. So there is a high chance you might still like it very much. May be I did not get it and you might. Happy reading, I guess!

21 people found this helpful

Nothing better than listening to it from Obama

It's a fantastic book. If I didn't know all of this happened, it would still qualify to be a great written story. But it did happen. Throughout the book you can feel you are inside Obama's head as he takes each step and makes the decisions. While he narrates, all events you remember play out in your head. Brilliant book! Now waiting for the second part

7 people found this helpful

An endearing memoir

"Our history has always been a sum total of the choices made and the actions taken by each individual man and woman. It has always been upto us"

Managing a country is not simple. There's a backlash for everything done and undone. Millions of people's lives depend on a single act for which accountability is inescapable. Your actions are yours to own. That's the main takeaway from this book.

'A Promised Land' is a record of Obama's life; it can be considered as a continuation of his first book 'Dreams from my Father', till the end of his first term as President. With vivid accounts of every single decision made and people encountered, this book is the humanization of people working behind the scenes to ensure the stability and liveability of the world.

Going from electoral prospects, racial ties and familial responsibility to organizing counter-terrorist attacks, finding a new family at work and becoming a man of the people, Obama's journey is not only inspirational, but a pioneer to many more. Getting to know the first hand account of his struggles, fears and ultimate achievements has been a privilege.

Not only that, this is a book of hope. Hope that can be manifested within us, but not limited to it. Hope that has been the foundation stone for many innovative projects and doings. Hope for the future.

Listening to the audiobook narrated by the author himself was like listening to a 25+ hour speech of his that never left me bored! You can feel the emotions and memories flowing out of his words, which was an entirely different experience by itself.

Can't wait for the second volume to be released, even though it might take a year! Until then, I urge you to read this book. Just. Read. It.

7 people found this helpful

it's not easy, but it's always possible!

Reading political memoirs can get a little overwhelming, but not this one. To listen to Barack Obama unbridged for 29+ hours was a treat. He describes the events with emotion, it feels as if you are in the Oval Office calling the shots. I am no expert to critique his presidency, but what I know is as a reader he lets you into his mind, he even leaves you with his dilemma at certain occassions.

Everyone dreams of a better world, without even mentioning he makes us think that the onus is on everyone, not just the government. We can do better. We are the change.

4 people found this helpful

Brilliantly written and narrated

the book provides an amazing insight into the run up to Obama's presidency and his term. For a political novice like myself, I loved the brief background provided on each geo-political issue, it was like a lesson in modern history. Obama inspires you to be a part of the change you want to see through his story of following his ideals.

3 people found this helpful

A treat

What better way to enjoy this masterpiece than the author himself reading it to you. Where else can u have such a connection and one on one with President Obama? Superb

2 people found this helpful

A great audible

The prose in which Obama narrated the 29hrs is simply awesome.

His intricate thinking and genuine fears behind all that decision making he had to do during his years as the president of the US should tell us that even the once powerful man on earth has to live with the decisions just like any common man, just that his decisions have far more consequences on everyone and he has to live with it.

A promised land

Empowering inner view of a prisoner of Power. Irony, Paradox are some words that fleet as you hear. on reflection though, grit, clarity, value, audacity, hope surface and stay.

Obama's perspective

Obviously America centric - definitely kindle the patriotism. No holds barred on Republicans. For non americans - certain parts will entice an eye roll but no complaints as it is book by a US President. The parts until winning the election were inspiring. Overall this account reaffirms that he is one of the better men to have become the President in the recent times. There are significant portions about family which is quite touching.

enjoyed thoroughly

Barak obama's narration is an experience in it self
a fusion of personal and official life happenings with an emotional touch in both .
good language, open hearted in both the aspects of life.
it's a pleasure to listen to his voice ....for such a long time.
wonderful experience.