Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
Book Review: revealing !
Summary: 5 Stars
Loved this book - much incite about his thinking process and reflections.
Book Review: Great personal refelection, but not something you want to hear from a politician.
Summary: 4 Stars
In Kenya, Barack recorded a conversation with his sister's former history teacher. They were talking about foreign influence in Africa. She mentioned how her daughter casually spoke a mix of Swahili, English, and German with her friends. Commenting on this she said, "in the end, I'm less interested in a daughter who's authentically African than one who is authentically herself." I eagerly anticipated that Barack would reflect on that statement...but he never did.
The book is an enjoyable read and Barack is a great writer; however, he becomes entranced in trying to be identified as African-American and seems to shy away from, and almost become critical of his Caucasian identity. In a book from a well-educated, bi-racial politician about "race and inheritance" I wrongly anticipated that Barack would help meld the racial divisions.
Book Review: Obama's Return to his Roots
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because Barack returned to his "roots" in Africa and reconnected with his father's side of the family. The similarities of life in Africa to life on early St. Croix, Virgin Islands of my youth was profound. I felt transported on the same journey to the earlier years of my life, especially the similarities in people, culture, community, politics, economics, and class structure. Also, I think that it is an important part of who Barack is if he does make a run for the Presidency. It helps to identify and position him in the political world of his people, the Democratic Party.
When Barack decided to include his black ancestors it gave him a stronger sense of community and a wider connection to the global community of the world.
Book Review: An Important Book To Listen To
Summary: 5 Stars
It took me 10 minutes to appreciate why this won a Grammy for best spoken-word CD (2005).
This book is soulful, moving, intelligent, resonating. Mr. Obama is not only a great writer, but has an amazing ability to be succinct, clear, and touching in his spoken word. Every section is both a poignant story and a definition of his personal values.
While his experiences are of one man in a specific country, culture, and race, its themes are universal.
Visuals are unnecessary. His artful words paint pictures that we listeners can easily and joyfully put into our own minds.
Some highlights:
CD 1 presents his family history with characters that are rich and unique while at the same time very recognizable. Shows how the family influence works in self-development.
CD 4 has a thoughtful essay on the "Black" Nationalism movement, but it could be applied to any sub-group in society that wishes to be victims and scapegoat others, and there are plenty of those around today.
CD 5 has something you cannot get in the paper version: Mr. Obama sings (and, I might add, quite well). The song simply describes a profound reciprocal relationship between man and God - you don't have to be of any particular religious faith to appreciate its message.
This CD needs to be played in schools and in homes. I can visualize Mr. Obama as a terrific role model for future generations. To that end, I would love to see children's versions of his storytelling produced that could keep them enthralled at least 10 minutes at a time every day. Our future could be enhanced with this.
Also, there should be comparable versions of this CD for other lands that have the types of internal strife that Mr. Obama describes here. Our need for love, moderation, tolerance, and community over corrupt self-interest demands this.
Wherever this man's political futures lie, his current presence in our world is a gift, and we need a world full of Barack Obama's. Please listen to this CD.
Book Review: Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
Summary: 5 Stars
Inspirational and sometimes poignant but ecellent rendition.