The Audacity of Hope (edit title)

• Rated 5 stars

“Well done. Informed positions. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“He is clearly intelligent. But can he lead?

I started reading this book a huge fan of Obama. And I still am. But I no longer believe he should be the next president of the United States. The Audacity of Hope was a compelling read. Obama is a fantastic writer and story teller. If you believe, as Tolstoy that societies move politics, not leaders, then Barak Obama might just be what we need to unite that society and help us shape of cultural moors in ways that keep us from actually killing each other.

I highly recommend - the best book i have read by a politician in a long long time.”

• Rated 4 stars

“I was very impressed with his grasp of U.S. History. Although he says this was not his stump at a presidential platform, it certainly has all of the components. While I didn't agree with his ideals regarding abortion or homosexual marriage - I respect the thought he has given to each. He certainly doesn't appear to toe the party line on every issue. A good read, don't know if he will get my vote however.”

• Rated 4 stars

“I began reading with a healthy engagement at half an arm's length. What I first realized was that Obama is a great writer and a great storyteller. Having finished the book, I think I would recommend it to those willing to read it only as a story about what it's like to run for office and serve as a Senator. The prose was lovely, and Barack seemed to have a gift for avoiding virtually every cliche I expected a politician to appeal to.

Then I discovered his almost non-partisan appeal to Americans as people, almost as image-bearers. Yes, there was certainly a great deal that we disagreed on, he said, but let's consider a couple important facts. First, we seem to think that the most important issues facing us today are those of the 1960s. Well, Barack says, this is a mis-judgment. Second, we are far more likely today to avoid discussing or considering most issues today. Due to rabid talk shows or just our own silent consensus, we have decided that the best approach to serious issues is to adopt polar extremes and refuse to talk with those we disagree with. As you can tell from my tone, that's not exactly Barack's opinion of the best course of action.
In each chapter, he addresses a different issue -- not necessarily an "issue" of the kind you would vote on, but topics like Faith, Race, Our Constitution, and The World Beyond Our Borders. Barack is an extremely sensitive thinker, and he seems to have done far more than his homework on most issues. I found his discussion of the constitution, of foreign policy, and of the proper role of government vs. other entities of persuasion to be studied and convincing. On the other hand, though he had put obvious thought into his discussions of abortion and similar issues, I felt it was obvious his great sympathy had led him to adopt a faulty stance. Actually, by the time I finished the book, it seemed to me that he felt rather conflicted about the abortion issue -- that he might actually change his stance toward pro-life at any point. I know that these few issues may affect some of you more strongly than others.

All in all, it's hard to summarize a book that covers so much so well. However, I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a good introduction to the issues of our nation today, no matter which stance you choose to take on each issue. I also recommend it because, like many of you, I don't believe that any particular political party is our Savior. And there has been much in recent years that has led me to embarrassment regarding the Republican party. When I looked recently at a full-page photo-article on the likely candidates for the 2008 election, I couldn't really locate a close second behind Barack Obama for my choice. By all means, decide for yourself. But read this book, too.”

• Rated 5 stars

“If I didn't already love Obama before reading this book, I think I STILL would have loved the book. His writing style is wonderfully clear and honest, and his ideas are just what (I think) America needs to get back on track. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“Well-written by a smart, promising man. This book is a refreshing view on politics.”

• Rated 3 stars

“This was my first political book. I'm not as involved in politics as I wish I was, so reading this and volunteering for Obama's campaign were my first steps. This book was very well written, and extremely insightful. Each chapter focused primarily on an important 'chapter' in American life. Race, Family, Politics, Opporutinity, Value, etc. It took me quite a while to finish, but was well worth it. ”