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Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
 

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

by Barack Obama

In this lyrical, unsentimental, and compelling memoir, the son of a black African father and a white American mother searches for a workable meaning to his life as a black American. It begins in New York, where Barack Obama learns that his father—a figure he knows more as a myth than as a man—has been killed in a car accident. This sudden death inspires an emotional odyssey—first to a small... (read more)

Top tags: memoir,  politics,  autobiography,  nonfiction,  non-fiction (all tags)

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Other Reviews

Amazon Reviews
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

Rob K
  • Rated 4 stars

“
November 30, 2008

Dear Reader,

I have almost concluded my reading of Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama. I have had a mixed reaction to this book so far, in part because I am not accustomed to reading this genre, which is mostly autobiographical. It was interesting to learn about the life of our future president, and what struggles he had to overcome in order to gain influence in his life.
Though the book had a slow beginning, talking about his childhood, it...”

Rob K’s full review »
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Community:
  • Rated 4.063428 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4.5 stars
  

Newest Comments

  • TATIANA O

    tatiana o said:

    “Do you recommend this book? Do you think a republican would get mad while reading this and knowing McCain is not our president? =]”

    posted 3 weeks ago ( | view 2 replies )
  • LunaSol

    lunasol said:

    “Im reading Dreams From My Father right now, and Its on a different level that many autobiographies of politicians out there. Barack Obama is not this robotic political figure like the others. He doesnt try to give off that vibe. He is a genuine human being who came from average means and turned himself into something extraordinary. Im not close to finishing this book yet but I can definitely recommend that everyone read this, as to get to understand our potential president on a deeper level.

    Also I should add that Ann Dunham (Obamas mother) seemed like such a wonderful person, so idealistic and confident in the unity of all people, and open minded in a time where people were openly divided on many different levels. I see that Barack got many of his qualities from her. ”

    posted Saturday, October 11 2008 ( | view 2 replies )
  • Justin D

    justin d said:

    “I want to read this and "The Audacity of Hope" but was wondering...Which one should I read first?”

    posted Wednesday, October 1 2008 ( | view 5 replies )
  • Alizabeth S

    alizabeth s said:

    “I love this man and really want him to be President. What insights did you have as you read this book? What kind of man did you find out he is? I realized he is a real people person. Who truly strives to make living better for those who have less than him. ”

    posted Saturday, September 27 2008
  • Brandy C

    brandy c said:

    “I get the everyman feeling, I think it's from being stuck in the middle of different races, different cultures, etc all of his life and the way he communicates his experience makes me think he has what a politician needs -- perspective and lots of it. I actually felt a huge comparison to Chinua Achebe's works building in my mind which I sort of felt bad about until he brought the author's name up in Kenya section of the book. Off to visit the Shelfari Barack group now, but this is an important read as a study of race relations, heritage and identity more than anything else. I would be so proud to have this man as President!”

    posted Wednesday, June 11 2008
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