The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
Book Review: Truly Audacious
Summary: 5 Stars
In a world where people struggle mentaly battered by all sorts information, problems, and pressure it is rare to expect true hope from a politician. Barak Obama eloquently delivers that hope in this book.Most of us want him to do more than write a book. We HOPE he would be our next Commander-in-chief.Book Review: A conservative reviews Senator Obama's latest book ....
Summary: 4 Stars
All too often here on Amazon, we review only those books and authors with which we totally agree...or totally disagree...and give little regard to the quality of the actual contents of the book. And then, our fellow Amazon viewers come along and rate our reviews strictly on the basis of their own partisan biases. This is not very helpful.
I set out to read and review Senator Barack Obama's latest book, not because I agree with everything he has to say, but because in many ways, I respected and admired him as a thoughtful and eloquent American with a compelling story.
In this best-selling book, the Senator has a generally warm and inviting style of communicating that conveys a seemingly heartfelt optimism about changing business as usual in American political discourse. In short, THE AUDACITY OF HOPE is a good, and sometimes even inspiring, read. Unlike many of his political contemporaries, Obama discusses values and faith in a manner that is not forced or uncomfortable. His faith appears to be an integral part of his life, rather than a convenient add-on. And, in the book, he does a reasonable job of articulating why and how his faith and values cause him to think and act in the way that he does.
His writing style, like his speaking style, is passionate, but also self-effacing. However, at times, the reader may wonder if he is too ambitious - or even naive. But, I did at least respect his energy and commitment to change.
None of this is to say that I agree with all - or most - of his political ideas. I would take issue with some of the Senator's actual policies (though I believe many of his goals sound noble). For example, I think he way over-reaches on the idea of universal health care, and while I do believe there is strong evidence to suggest a warming in the earth's climate, Senator Obama and I would disagree on the primary causes and "cures" for this warming. I don't believe that cutting taxes for those who pay taxes (aka "the rich") is unfair; I don't believe that a "pro-choice" position offers adequate choice for the unborn child. But, I recognize that Senator Obama is, in this book, generally respectful and gracious towards those with whom he disagrees.
I do agree with him that America must overcome our addiction to foreign oil and to oil in general. I do agree that more emphasis needs to be placed on strengthening families and upholding traditional values; on reducing teen pregnancy and the root causes of poverty. However, it is difficult to align many of Obama's expressed ideas here with the numerous radical and ridiculous statements of Obama's pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright - a man who preached one sermon that inspired the title of this book.
Senator Obama's stated efforts to transcend partisanship are laudable; the reality of his words and his intentions will surely be tested in years to come. (It would be helpful, perhaps, if he acknowledged more that partisanship is not only the province of "right wing Republicans" but also a staple of many of his Democratic brethren, but, I quibble.)
In the meantime, whether one is a "conservative" or a "liberal," there is much to gain in terms of insight into one of the brightest lights on the American political stage today by reading this book.