Jennifer S. (jdubes) reviewed on 10/18/2012 + 2 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 4

I know that many people adore his way of public speaking, but I tend to disagree. However, I did find in reading this book that I somewhat enjoyed his writing style. I read this book and his other more political one in an attempt to understand better this man who is our president and hopes to be again. I am someone who finds myself disagreeing with him most of the time, but in order to look at him more graciously, I thought I should understand him better. I think I do now having read this memoir. On the other hand, there are things about him that I find even more confusing than before. I too am of mixed race, and I have no personal understanding of how he can identify so readily with only one part of his heritage, especially it being that part that he interacted with least. On the other hand, it makes sense that the part of himself he was unable to get to know (due to his father's absence) ended up being the part that most intrigued him, most drove him. I'm glad I read this book for several reasons. I feel like it personalized this man that I see as an opponent of so many of my values, which means I can be more gracious to him. I also feel like I understand him better so that I can critique his ideas more fairly, where we do disagree. And lastly, on this book as a book, it was a pretty decent read.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details