Dreams From My Father
Dreams from my father is a memoir written by President Barack Obama. The book recounts his upbringing from early childhood through college, ultimately transitioning into the realm of politics. This is the initial book by a US President that I have purchased and read. Therefore, this moment is historic on its own. :-) I discovered that this book is unlike the other autobiographies I've encountered. Specifically, Barack's writing style differs greatly from his usual speaking manner. Typically, the author can be imagined while reading a book, but in this case, I couldn't do so.
His writing style is very complex and distinct from his spoken words, leading me to believe that he is a highly intelligent individual who puts in a lot of effort to relate to the average American. His narrative includes thorough descriptions that exceed the norm for writers I've encountered, showing his meticulous nature in daily life. This was the initial occasion where a President with such elevated levels of intelligence and ethics held the position, making it a momentous event. I really appreciated how he was concise and clear in his statements. It definitely conveyed to the reader that this man was efficient with his time. Every aspect of Barack is fascinating, and this book is a compelling read. You will gain knowledge on his family history, religious beliefs, and daily worldview. I found his life story to be incredibly transparent and sincere, making it a delightful read. I chose to pick up this book because Barack and I share several similarities including our Kenyan background, capacity for empathy, and belief that serving our country is a crucial duty. We both recognize that the freedoms and democracy we have necessitate safeguarding and are worth defending.
I respect very few UK politicians, as most seem to prioritize their own interests rather than serving the public. I hope that he doesn't make the same mistakes as past presidents. Having gone through this book, I am somewhat confident in stating that he possesses firm moral principles and would resist the common temptations that have swayed previous presidents.
Similar to Barack, I have always held myself to high standards due to learning about Abraham Lincoln as a child, his strong stance against slavery, and his issuance of the emancipation proclamation. This experience helped me understand that sometimes the Universe brings forth extraordinary individuals who radiate light and serve as an inspiring example for all of us as they walk on this planet. These individuals provide optimism, create opportunities, and enhance the standard of living. Betty Boothroyd, the first female speaker in parliament, and Tony Ben, who was a parliament minister and served as an RAF Pilot Officer, are among the few British politicians who also have shared the ideals of Abraham Lincoln. Those individuals are typically the ones I hold in highest regard.
I read this book primarily to figure out what sets Barack apart in his job performance. From the book's initial paragraph and chapter, it was clear that he is someone who meticulously observes details. He not only provides detailed descriptions, but also effectively links various individuals, locations, and occurrences. I wanted to learn if his academic background influenced his path and subsequent achievements, which was my second motivation for reading this book. He attended the Harvard Law School, one of the top educational institutions in the US known globally for its excellence. Nevertheless, having finished the book, my conclusion was that he had an inherent ability to succeed and would have done so regardless of his educational institution.
Highly Recommended
Overall, this book is quite easy to read, with certain sections strongly resembling Barack's style. One particular example is the amusing anecdote about sitting next to a clueless British student going to work in South Africa. It's always fascinating to observe how the Americans perceive us Brits. I discovered many engaging tales in the book that were enjoyable to read and made me realize that Barack has a surprising sense of humor and wit.
I believe adding some well-placed photographs would have greatly enhanced this book, especially considering its substantial 442-page length of text only. A lot of my young, ambitious young people are purchasing this book and it could have benefited them.
While I was reading this book, I realized that Barack bears a striking resemblance to myself. Both of us possess the determination to achieve success. I trust that this book will motivate individuals from underprivileged backgrounds to achieve success for generations to come. This book is excellent and definitely deserves to be read and accordingly, has earned its place on this website.
Specification
Title | Barack Obama |
Publisher | Canongate Books Publisher Ltd in the UK |
Copyright Holder | Barack Obama |
ISBN Number | 9781 1 84767 094 6 |
First Published | 2004 in the US, 2007 in the UK |
Audio Version | ISBN 978 1 84767 3282 |
Availability | Amazon and all good online bookstores |