- Paperback: 464 pages
- Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd (3 Jun 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1847670911
- ISBN-13: 978-1847670915
- Product Dimensions: 21.2 x 13.4 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (170 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 334,796 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Dreams from my Father
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
One of the many refreshing things about Barack Obama is his self-deprecating sense of humour. Responding to the unrealistic expectations for his presidency, Obama said 'I've been sent by my father from the planet Krypton to save the Earth.' Unfortunately, the irony of this self-comparison to Superman was probably lost on many of his dedicated followers, who clearly believe that – once in office – he can exercise a few super powers and rid the world of all its thronging ills, economic and otherwise. But as Dreams from My Father proves, Obama is no fool, and knows the cold realities that face him, even though this intelligently written book is filled with optimism and hope. Which is understandable enough; after all, what else could Obama offer?
The politicians who can actually write may be counted on one hand, but on the evidence here, Barack is among their number (he reminds us that William Faulkner said the past is never dead and buried – it isn’t even past; can you imagine Barack's predecessor in the Oval Office quoting Faulkner – unless the allusion was written for him by one of his speechwriters?). In fact the book -- Obama’s remarkable life story – was, of course, written before his destiny was irrevocably changed by his success in the US presidential election, and it is a striking account of a young man coming to terms with the problem of his identity and issues of belonging in a racially divided country (a racial division that Obama – by the very example of his success – may do a considerable amount towards healing). The son of a black African father and a white American mother, Obama details the dramatic journey that constituted his parents’ life before his own trip to Kenya to confront the sobering realties of his father’s life. It is a book about coming to terms with the past – and comparisons with writers such as Proust in such areas are not as ridiculous as they would be if almost any other politician were involved.
Dreams from My Father gives real hope that ‘dumbing down’ – in order to appeal to the lowest common denominator – will not be the hallmark of the Obama presidency. --Barry Forshaw --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Review
"[Barack Obama] is that rare politician who can actually write - and write movingly and genuinely." Michiko Kakutani, New York Times "Fluidly, calmly, insightfully, Obama guides us straight to the intersection of the most serious questions of identity, class, and race." Washington Post Book World "Beautifully crafted... moving and candid... this book belongs on the shelf beside works like James McBride's The Color of Winter and Gregory Howard Williams's Life on the Color Line as a tale of living astride America's racial categories.." Scott Turow"
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
205 of 218 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant - a must for the modern age,
By Sofia (Bristol, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance (Paperback)
Forgetting for a moment who wrote this book; this is an engaging, thoughtful, intelligent, perceptive read. This is a real meditation on race and specifically, on what it means to grow up and search for one's racial identity in modern America. And yet, it is beautifully written. Rich in descriptive detail and almost novelistic vignettes, it is also pacey and hard to put down.
Returning to the author, it is truly hard to believe that this was written by a politician (although he wasn't at the time of writing). It is such a good read and provides such a thoughtful and open account of Obama's views and experiences, that it is truly breathtaking in this age of political posturing. Read this to learn more about Obama. Read this to learn more about the divisions of America. Read this to learn about the black experience both in the US and in Kenya. Read this for the beauty of its writing, but above all, read it, you won't be disappointed.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring...and surprisingly honest!,
By
This review is from: Barack Obama: Dreams from My Father (A Story of Race and Inheritance) (Paperback)
What a great read this is.
It is amazing to have such an insight into the man who may soon be President of the USA, arguably still the most powerful position in the world. This book was written even before he became a Senator, I'm sure a lot of what he has written would be edited out if it was published today! What is so incredible, and I think what makes him seem so personable, is that he comes across as just another ordinary guy. He doesn't come from a famous or affluent background. He talks so openly about the difficulties of growing up as a black man, confused about his origins and what they mean. He grew up in Indonesia and Hawaii... and then worked for very little money as a community organiser. And now he's running for President! This is a thoroughly enjoyable read and is highly recommended...
71 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An outstanding read,
By
This review is from: Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance (Paperback)
I have never before read a politician's memoirs - but then, Barack Obama is no ordinary politician. This is a searingly honest account of the growing up pains of a mixed race, highly intelligent young man, searching for identity and meaning. I thoroughly recommend it - both to people who want to know more about this very inspiring man, and to those who simply want an absorbing read.
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