The Audacity of Hope

My Fellow Conservatives, Give This A Listen

If you could sum up The Audacity of Hope in three words, what would they be?

Shared American Values.

Any additional comments?

Yeah, i know, it's written by Obama so this book is taboo, right? Well, on a whim, i purchased this title and i am truly happy that i did. I don't agree with everything he says in the book but he does a good job admitting his biases in the intro which i found admirable. This book is more about finding commonality in shared American values than in agreement upon particular agendas. In that regard, i feel like i understand Obama's and the liberal point of view better now. We live in a country paralyzed politically. The way forward won't be through demonizing anyone or any party, red, blue, or green. I invite You, my fellow reds, to listen to this with a bit of patience and a willingness to hear his thoughts. I think we will all benefit from it.

343 of 358 people found this review helpful

amazing

I consider myself a moderate republican, but I wanted to read this book to find out what Obama was about. In the book he presents a refreshingly honest account of how politics works and lays out a centrist vision for the relationship between government and its citizens. Far from demonstrating youthful inexperience, he shows that he has a firm grasp of both sides of the major issues facing the nation as well as a keen understanding of American history and government. While most of the book is about a domestic agenda with little emphasis on foreign policy, I found myself agreeing with the majority of his ideas. I have no doubt that if everybody read this book, Barack Obama would be the next president of the United States.

112 of 119 people found this review helpful

The only thing wrong with it...

... was it is abridged. I would have liked to have heard everything, after having enjoyed this abridged version so much.

64 of 69 people found this review helpful

Excellent

One of my favorite audiobooks- so uplifting and mature. Obama offers up a spirit of excellence, cooperation, and intelligence as he talks about his political journey, ambitions, and family. It's difficult not to like him especially when contrasted with Palin's audiobooks that are tinged with lost-election-bitterness and inappropriate combativeness. If purchasing, be ready to pay attention- if your attention wanders for a second, you can get lost.

17 of 18 people found this review helpful

From a conservative

Wow! I was surprised at how little I disagreed with. I didn't vote for him either time, but I would now. It is sad that we make our opinions based on pundits and media rather than listening to the actual person. He's a very good and moral person who cares about our country and I think we downgraded substantially.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Very Insightful

This book is an excellent reference for understanding the inner workings of politics and also President Obama's character and his political vision.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Barack Obama is an inspirng speaker

I found the book to be very inspiring. It is good to hear the audio book read by the author. I found some of the book a little too party line but it sounds good when Barack talks about the seperation of church and state. However, his religious beliefs are a foundation of what he is.

Even though I am republican I found it very good to hear from a possible future presidential or VP candidate. Depending on stances Barack takes on certain issues; I could vote for this man.

42 of 49 people found this review helpful

An Excellant Read

This is packed full of information about what makes this man tick. I will refer to it often.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Incredible!

I wasn't sure I would enjoy this - I thought it would be a repeat of his speeches and what he's said on the news the past few years. I was wrong. I was engrossed and listened every chance I got until I had listened to it twice, and I rarely read or listen to something twice within a few years! This is one of those books made for an audio format - hearing his words, in his own voice, really helped me connect and become more engaged.

It gives me hope that our next President (assuming it's him) will understand how normal people live. After listening to this book, I began volunteering for his campaign - and I'm an EX-Republican! The more I learn about this man (and I've done my research), the more determined I am that he has to be our next POTUS.

15 of 18 people found this review helpful

What a wonderful read/listen

I find this book to be most helpful in explaining how the hope for America, or the American Dream, and the pugnacious nature of the current political landscape find each other at odds, even at the highest levels.

If we, American society in sum, are to begin to forge ahead in achieving new innovations in technology, communications and culture, then the foundations for such are not yet being built. The collegial discussions of Big Gov't vs. Smaller Gov't are still being thrust into political debate, so says the author, and ought not be the focus of future. Decisions need to be made, now. Decisions like, fostering a domestic entrepreneurial spirit and improving a foreign policy that is wrought with fear and ambiguity. These are things that America will need to strive to achieve in the next elections. In simpler terms, we need to progress or be left behind.

It is not so much to aspire to achieve, as to build the necessary infrasture that achievement becomes possible. The path forged by our ancestors need not be seen as something squandered, rather admired and built upon. Debates and elections must speak to the voice of the people and leaders are there to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Barack Obama mentions his early life to illustrate the point that we either become the fray, or rise above it. As it had been mentioned in previous reviews, his eloquence of thought and speech will captivate any audience. His mastery of saying what needs to be said, while making the reader/listner more intelligent and feel more intellectual are truly his gift. I recommend this book to any one that is looking for a deeper understanding of the dichotomy that exists within business and/or political landscapes and the progress/struggle we all face in making a difference. The struggle needs to be defined to know what we are up against and Barack Obama has certainly defined his.

10 of 12 people found this review helpful