[amazon_link id=”0307455874″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link]Title : The Audacity of Hope
Author : Barack Obama
Narrator : Barack Obama
Publisher : Random House Audio
Listening Length: 6 hours and 10 minutes
Source : Library
Rating : 4.5/5

I do not read much non-fiction but downloaded this audiobook on the recommendation of a friend, and have to say this was well worth the listen. Obama has written several books, and he is a very good speaker, as is evinced from the several commanding and moving speeches he has given. With this book you get to listen to his thoughts in his well-modulated voice, which is definitely a plus.

The President (note that he was not the President when he wrote his book) talks of many different issues in the book : politics, people, the country and it’s values, race, religion and family. He talks of the country’s finances, the state of healthcare, and the need to repair the social security net. He tells of his experiences in meeting different politicians from both sides of the aisle and peppers his accounts with anecdotes, like the one about meeting President Bush and Senator Byrd. He also talks about family, his mother and grandparents, his meeting Michelle and her family, and later holding his daughters Sasha and Malia in his arms.

His views on non-personal topics are a mix of actual policy combined with his analysis – he displays an understanding of the subject and translates it into understandable language for his readers/listeners although he does tend to get a tad pedantic. He also waxes eloquently, somewhat platitudinous and professor-ish, and something I’ve noticed he does in his speeches too – and you kind of lose him for a while as he speaks, until he returns to concrete details.

From his thoughts, he appears to be a man seeking dialogue across the aisle in politics, and a better life for all American citizens in general. He speaks of fairness and equality, of dispelling disparities, ensuring a good education for every child, and access to quality affordable healthcare for everyone. As you listen to him, you have to admire the man for his beliefs, his honesty and his earnestness. This is a good man. As someone who has pushed through healthcare reform with the recent Affordable Care Act, you have to admire President Obama for having the courage of his convictions.

I enjoyed listening to the entire book, but have to say that I particularly like the parts where he talks of family and of personal goals and values, and of how the people he has met have influenced his life. I’d highly recommend this book.