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A Promised Land

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A Promised Land

Written by: Barack Obama
Narrated by: Barack Obama
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A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making - from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy

NUMBER ONE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE • NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times • NPR • The GuardianMarie Claire

In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency - a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.

Obama takes readers on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4, 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation’s highest office.

Reflecting on the presidency, he offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of both the awesome reach and the limits of presidential power, as well as singular insights into the dynamics of US partisan politics and international diplomacy. Obama brings readers inside the Oval Office and the White House Situation Room, and to Moscow, Cairo, Beijing, and points beyond. We are privy to his thoughts as he assembles his cabinet, wrestles with a global financial crisis, takes the measure of Vladimir Putin, overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to secure passage of the Affordable Care Act, clashes with generals about US strategy in Afghanistan, tackles Wall Street reform, responds to the devastating Deepwater Horizon blowout, and authorizes Operation Neptune’s Spear, which leads to the death of Osama bin Laden.

A Promised Land is extraordinarily intimate and introspective - the story of one man’s bet with history, the faith of a community organizer tested on the world stage. Obama is candid about the balancing act of running for office as a Black American, bearing the expectations of a generation buoyed by messages of “hope and change”, and meeting the moral challenges of high-stakes decision-making. He is frank about the forces that opposed him at home and abroad, open about how living in the White House affected his wife and daughters, and unafraid to reveal self-doubt and disappointment. Yet he never wavers from his belief that inside the great, ongoing American experiment, progress is always possible.

This beautifully written and powerful book captures Barack Obama’s conviction that democracy is not a gift from on high but something founded on empathy and common understanding and built together, day by day.

©2021 Barack Obama (P)2021 Random House Audio
Americas Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State United States Middle East Russia Inspiring Iran Thought-Provoking American Foreign Policy Africa Political Biographies
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I listened to Obama's narration of his book "A Promised Land" over a two week period as I worked as a gardener. Obama has written a beautiful account of his early years and decisions to seek political office. He is a thoughtful and sincere writer with a incredible gift for prose. Obama's voice is easy to listen to, articulate and soothing. I highly recommend this audio to everyone who is interested in the rise and ultimate fall of the US after Obama left office and a maniacal tyrant took over.

A Fantastic Listen

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He constructs a clear view of the UNited States administration and its evolution over time.
Gives unbiased analysis of politicians behaviours, even those opposing him.
Does not demonize anyone.

Eye opening

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wordy? yes! but it's worth it! it's both a biography and a history lesson! and I love hearing his voice.

Worth the read

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Very well written and of course well spoken, I can't wait for the second part

So much info into the life of a great President

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I loved listening to Obama narrate the events that I watch on the news I can’t wait for the next book

A promised land

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what an intelligent, funny, humble man. too bad he could only have 2 terms!

absolutely fantastic

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I am in deep love with every aspect of this movie. From Obama’s humble beginning, Barack’s jokes and most importantly his deep soothing voice. A job very well done.

Simply loved it

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It was long and dry in parts, but I found myself LOLing in many parts. Was a great listen while walking the dog, house cleaning and meal preparation

Made it through!

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I really enjoyed listening to Obama in his own voice and sharing his many struggles and doubts in decision making. He does not pretend to be perfect but shows just how human he is.

Turns out he's human

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it was nice to hear your autobiography I am not a trump supporter or Barack Obama supporter I'm a Canadian but I do find us politics interesting especially when it comes from the horse's mouth so to speak no pun intended. congratulations sir on your experience and what you have accomplished

a good piece of history unlike Trump

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