Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Nonfiction
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Nonfiction
Book Type: Paperback
Like many Americans, I became aware of Barack Obama when he gave the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. When I saw this book at Barnes & Noble, I picked it up and glanced at it. Sounded interesting enough for a read, but I didn't purchase it at the time. When I saw it offered up on paperbackswap.com, I grabbed it. Upon arrival it shot to the summit of Mt TBR and I read it in a matter of days.
What surprised me most is that Obama wrote this book many years ago - before he was involved in state or national politics. Obviously the publishers got this out again AFTER he was in the limelight at the DNC. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read.
I learnt quite a bit about Barack Obama from reading this memoir. I found the first and last sections of the book most fascinating - his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia and his trip to Kenya to meet his father's family. The middle part, about his life as an organiser on Chicago's south side didn't hold my interest as much, but was an important part in his life and in his coming to terms with his mixed heritage.
There are a few laughs now and then (such when he's mistaken for an Irishman - O'Bama - on the telephone) but for the most part it's a serious book. Obama seems to have genuine affinity for the people of Chicago's South Side and has worked hard to help them improve their lot. If I were a resident of the State of Illinois, I would be proud to have this man representing me in the US Senate. I definitely think Obama is someone to keep an eye on...
What surprised me most is that Obama wrote this book many years ago - before he was involved in state or national politics. Obviously the publishers got this out again AFTER he was in the limelight at the DNC. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read.
I learnt quite a bit about Barack Obama from reading this memoir. I found the first and last sections of the book most fascinating - his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia and his trip to Kenya to meet his father's family. The middle part, about his life as an organiser on Chicago's south side didn't hold my interest as much, but was an important part in his life and in his coming to terms with his mixed heritage.
There are a few laughs now and then (such when he's mistaken for an Irishman - O'Bama - on the telephone) but for the most part it's a serious book. Obama seems to have genuine affinity for the people of Chicago's South Side and has worked hard to help them improve their lot. If I were a resident of the State of Illinois, I would be proud to have this man representing me in the US Senate. I definitely think Obama is someone to keep an eye on...
