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: The Early Life Of Barack Obama
Summary: 3 Stars
Long before he was a candidate to be President of the United States, or even a candidate for the state legislature, Barack Obama wrote "Dreams from My Father". He had been elected as the first African-American president of the "Harvard Law Review", and if that had been the end of his public career, this book would have long been out of print. But, with Obama running for the U.S. Senate, it was reprinted, and now his Presidential run has undoubtedly increased the interest in this work.
This is an interesting book, though certainly Obama's skill as a writer does not match that of his skill as an orator. The book is divided into three sections: "Origins", a look at his younger days; "Chicago", his decision to move to Chicago and work as a community organizer; and "Kenya", about his visit to see his extended family in the country where his father was born. The edition which I read also includes two introductions: one written for the original release of the book; and a second introduction written for the 2004 edition during his run for U.S. Senate. The book closes with a brief epilogue, and an excerpt from his second book "The Audacity of Hope".
"Origins" is an interesting look at some of the aspects of his growing up. This section is focused primarily on race, which is not surprising considering the reason he was asked to write the book. This section also contains key stories about his family, and most importantly his father, but I wish he had spent more time on that part of his life in this book. The section starts with the period prior to his realizing that race was important, and moves through a brief example of his being embarrassed by it, to a longer period of his taking on what is often considered the typical lifestyle of young black men. Finally he seems to break out of the trap he was falling into and embraces who he really is. The stories are rather a sparse collection from his childhood, so this is by no means a full biography, but one does get a glimpse of the road he took to get to where he is, including a detour into drugs, and touches on the death of his father. It is a story which takes him from Hawaii to Indonesia; to California and on to New York.
"Chicago" covers the period when he decided to become a community organizer. At the time he was in New York City, and initially he seems to be pulled away from his decision by corporate America. He then rededicates himself to his decision, and after some initial difficulties he meets Marty Kaufman, who offers him a position in Chicago, which he decides to take once he realizes that he has not connected with New York. His stories of his initial attempts and initial failures are interesting and insightful. It is in the last chapter of this section where he meets Reverend Jeremiah Wright Jr., and is introduced to the workings of the Trinity United Church of Christ. This occurs after he has decided to attend Harvard, and it is clear that Reverend Wright had a huge impact on him. It is here that he talks about the "Audacity of Hope" sermon, after which he would title his second book. Reverend Wright has become a controversial figure, and there are some signs of his controversial views in Obama's description, but the real impact appears to be in helping Obama find a connection to his faith, and not a case of Wright's opinion's or views leading Obama away from who he is.
"Kenya" covers Obama's trip to Kenya to meet his relatives before he goes on to attend Harvard. For me this was the most interesting section of the book, as it gives the reader a look at Obama's extended family, and the interactions between the members. It is also a look inside life in Kenya, and Barack's search to get to know his father. It is also in this section where Barack Obama realizes exactly who he is. Barack forms a fairly strong relationship with his half sister Auma, in spite of the distance and the difficulties which it creates. Both of them seem to be searching to define themselves in the world in which they live.
Oddly enough, though it was his being the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review which caused this book to be written, there is very little mention of his time at Harvard included; just a couple paragraphs in the Epilogue cover that period. That is perhaps the weakness of this book, as there are many gaps in his story which are not covered or receive only passing mention. What are included, are undoubtedly the events which he considers the most significant in his search for who he is.
I would have liked to learn more about some other parts of his life as well. The strength of this book is that it was written before Barack had entered the political arena, so while it is certainly possible that he had already decided to pursue such a career, he could not possibly have known how successful he would be, or how far he would go. Thus I believe he was very honest in the telling of his story. Overall, this is not a literary masterpiece, but it is an interesting read and provides insight into a man who is very likely to become the first African-American U.S. President.
Book Review: Humble, inspiring and beautifully written memoir
Summary: 5 Stars
I was overwhelmed by how good this memoir is. Having also grown up in Jakarta, Indonesia and lived in Manoa, Hawaii (where Barack's parents met) he captures the essence of both places beautifully, and I can verify the accuracy and authenticity of the cultural descriptions. Barack describes different cultures extremely well (as we might expect from someone whose mother was an anthropologist), as well as the challenges he faced and the decisions he made. This book is of a far higher quality than that written by most writers, let alone politicians. I quote him in my book on finding inspiration through travel Travelling Magically: How to Turn Your Journey into a Life-changing Experience. There is more about Hawaiian culture and the beautiful valley of Manoa for those readers who are interested in my first book [[ASIN:1594770093 The Sacred Power of Huna: Spirituality and Shamanism in Hawai'i], which describes my journey towards getting a Ph.D.in Anthropology in Hawaii. I would highly recommend Barack Obama's memoir to all those who want to know more about the world, and who want to change their place in it. Book Review: Perceptive, sensitive, funny, self-ironic
Summary: 5 Stars
This was an unexpectedly fantastic read: how could a man who (later)decided to go into politics be so honest, so self-searching, so willing to explore beneath the surfaces? The fact that the author is now the US president-elect makes it all the more intriguing, but the autobiography is wonderful even without that extra 'icing on the cake'. Obama has a sensitivity to his own and others' weaknesses and strengths; he sees through the facade but is forgiving of people's foibles. What he has to say about being of mixed race is very much worth listening to: all those who just don't get the problems in US ghettoes or African countries might learn something here. His search for his own identity--the archetypical hero's journey to find the father--is both funny and very touching; the immense disappointment becomes a source of knowledge and wisdom. This is a man who crosses many bridges: between black and white, men and women, 'West' and 'Third World', past and present. Buy it--and enjoy it!Book Review: Moving,engaging and inspiring
Summary: 5 Stars
I have just finished President elect Obama's book. I could not put it down,and could not believe it was written by a politician.
He gives an honest account of his journey into his self, and search for his identity and roots.
I feel I have a real sense of the man, after reading this book. He is self aware, and I enjoyed his ability to share his struggles with readers.I could pick up on his sense of sadness, and confusion in his journey.
His work in the South side of Chicago, definitely gave him the grounding for the brilliant campaign he ran for the presidency.
I particularly enjoyed his description of his journey to Kenya, which I have travelled to several times.
This is definitely one of the best memoirs I have read.He writes with sensitivity,and is able to connect with his readers.
It gives me a lot of insight into the values,and background of the next president of the United States.
Book Review: Touching and sincere
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was written so beutifully, that even the most mundane information evokes emotions that can't be explained. The chapter in which he describes his only memories of his father from about age ten is the part that really got me. Obama shares the memory of the one and only time his father taught him to dance. "Come Barry,my father said. "You will learn from the master" And suddenly his slender body was swaying back and forth, the lush sound was rising, his arms were swinging...." I became teary eyed while reading that part on the tube on the way to a job interview. I felt sorry that this young boy held onto all that he could of his father. Obama goes onto describe many years of his child and adult life. This is a must read for book fans, even if Obama hadn't become the first black American president he was still one hell of a writer.