The Audacity of Hope

Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream

By: Barack Obama

Narrated by: Barack Obama

Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

In July 2004, Barack Obama electrified the Democratic National Convention with an address that spoke to Americans across the political spectrum. Now, in The Audacity of Hope, Senator Obama calls for a different brand of politics: a politics for those weary of bitter partisanship and alienated by the "endless clash of armies" we see in Congress and on the campaign trail; a politics rooted in the faith, inclusiveness, and nobility of spirit at the heart of "our improbable experiment in democracy". He also speaks, with surprising intimacy and self-deprecating humor, about settling in as a senator, seeking to balance the demands of public service and family life, and his own deepening religious commitment.

At the heart of this audiobook is Senator Obama's vision of how we can move beyond our divisions to tackle concrete problems. Underlying his stories about family, friends, members of the Senate, and even the president is a vigorous search for connection: the foundation for a radically hopeful political consensus.

A senator and a lawyer, a professor and a father, a Christian and a skeptic, and above all a student of history and human nature, Senator Obama has written a book of transforming power.

©2006 Barack Obama (P)2006 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

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.

Outstanding

This has been one of the best non-fiction books I have "read". Enjoyed his reading style and what he has to say. What a no non sense person and what a great leader who could be if given the chance.

Even Conservatives Will Love This Book.

Barak has done well in this book to humanize and bring into perspective his core beliefs and life experiences, leaving liberals, moderates and even the most right wing conservatives understanding the man and where he stands. He helps us to understand that many controversial decisions have a number of facets from which to view them - and gives creedence and credit to them all, leaving you to realize that he might truly understand YOUR views and where you are coming from, whether liberal or conservative, religious or athiest and doesn't minimize them. Though he follows a liberal to moderate path, he does not follow it blindly - leaving many to believe that he is the one who will break us free of the self serving stuffed shirts who have been running this country (both Democrat and Republican) since the Reagan era.

Should have read this a long time ago

The unifying concepts in this book are still relevant today. An excellent read for conservatives, librals and everyone in between. I find myself a bit wistful, feeling like we wasted our chance to form a stronger Union while this man was President. But the book does leave you with a sense of Hope, not despair. There are also some great American history in a nutshell parts of this book that really opened my eyes as well. Having read this AFTER reading Becoming by Michelle Obama, I do feel like I know this family better, and I'm glad for it.

Heartwarming, Surprisingly Funny & Honest

I don't agree with everything in this book but I'd follow his compass to the ends of the Earth.

O BA MA!

Senator Obama is not only easy to look at, he is easy to listen to! I am very proud of this work. It outlines his platform and how he as fashioned his life as a family man and stateman.
Excellent and informative

Introduction to Obama

This book gives to an idea of the politics behind Obama. It's a good place to learn what he is all about.

Good Book!

Well written. Thought provoking. What a smart guy!

Good picture of Senator

Well written, interesting read of who this Senator is and what he believes. I will continue to read his works and stay tune into his podcast. He may be a future President.

Excellently read version of the President's vision

I read this book years and years ago and remember being impressed by it. I was even more impressed by President Obama's reading of the book. While there are some overly optimistic ideas in the book [mainly regarding the GOP/"religious right's" (which is neither!) willingness to work with him when he was president] I enjoyed listening to the ideas of someone who has ideas to actually make America great, as opposed to the racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, and misogynistic ideas from the Orange Menace. It was like a breath of fresh air and something I hope we can eventually get back to.