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.

Listening Length

6 hours and 10 minutes
Author

Barack Obama
Narrator

Barack Obama
Audible release date

25 September 2006
Language

English
Publisher

Random House Audio
ASIN

B00NPAW6Y0
Version

Abridged
Program Type

Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length	6 hours and 10 minutes
Author	Barack Obama
Narrator	Barack Obama
Audible.com.au Release Date	25 September 2006
Publisher	Random House Audio
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Abridged
Language	English
ASIN	B00NPAW6Y0
Best Sellers Rank	11,917 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) 1 in U.S. Legislative Branch 9 in African American Demographic Studies 22 in African American Studies

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Top reviews from Australia

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michael conrad scheffler

Insightful!

Reviewed in Australia on 27 August 2016

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The fact that a guy like this, a true believer, can still rise to the top of the heap and become President is such a positive indictment for today's world!
The fact that he can and has put his thoughts down in black and white means he has thought things through - how can any leader successfully lead without also doing so? Being ABLE to do so!
Remarkable - I don't think the most brilliant novelist could come up with a better hero for a yarn about a decent bloke making it to the top!

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tosan

Legendary

Reviewed in Australia on 23 February 2020

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Like him or hate him, Obama is a living legend. I do not agree with all his policies but i love how he articulates the issues and works out a strategy. Such a great book on leadership.

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David Maillard

Barack Obama

Reviewed in Australia on 26 October 2020

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Insightful book from one of the greatest American presidents in recent history. The world needs more Barack Obama's

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Matthew & Angela

Good read

Reviewed in Australia on 31 January 2021

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Good read

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L.W

Thoughtful, measured and intelligent.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 July 2016

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An intelligent, thoughtful, measured book setting out Obamas political take in his country as well as some personal background. My impression was that he comes across as genuine and sincere despite knowing that this book was written in mind of winning over voters. At times Obama displays a cautious pragmatic side to himself, I felt this came more dominant later on in his presidency. The book is nicely set out but also has a lucid style so many themes flow together. He offers a critique of the current (as of 2008) political situation in the US and criticizes both the Right and sometimes the Left for the faults he thinks they have. Obama explains quite well the federal nature of the US government and how the senate and the high courts can block measures that the president wishes to put through. On the foundation of the US he doesn't really have an answer as to how such a fine declaration of liberty and human rights co-existed with slavery, I felt he sounded rather weak and unconvincing in this part.

There's an interesting chapter on Politics, Obama writes about the town hall meetings he attends and the ordinary concerns that people often raise. He addresses the challenges that the media present and how important name recognition becomes when running for office. Funding is a well known problem in US politics, Obama sees nothing wrong with accepting donations from interest groups but not wealthy hedge fund mangers. He also talks about the cliff, the gulf that a Politian has to fall when they fail, most of us can hide our misfortunes but politicians have to live it all out in the open, no wonder they become cautious and hesitant Obama thinks.

The next part of the book is about Opportunity, Obama visits Google and is surprised to find nearly all it's interims are Asian or Jewish, where are the blacks and Latinos Americans Obama wonders, the rep from Google says that in order to stay competitive they can only take the very best graduates. The book suggests improvements to policy to help narrow inequality, better schools, more investment in science, research and development. Obama decries the tax breaks given to the rich under Bush and sets out a vision for a more equal society.

Faith is the next topic in the discussion, Obama believes in pluralism and the separation of Church and State. He also believes that abortion should be legal under any circumstance and he is weary of Christian fundamentalism and Intelligent Design. Despite this Obama does say he believes in God, but that the Bible is not a blueprint for State politics. He notes that democrats in the past have been to cautious about embracing religious movements though and feels that the black church has served as an instrument for social justice over the years. He also appeals for calm and respect to be shown on both sides on the debate and that each side recognise the others are not as bigoted as they often suppose.

Race is next covered. Obama vows to finish the work of the civil rights movement and end discrimation. He believes sincerely though that the country is not as divided as many suppose and that there is much good will among people. Obama warns against a rising tide of xenophobia directed towards immigrants in the US and calls for fairer pay to make sure US workers are not being undercut. Many pages are spent addressing parts of Chicago which have been effectively 'lost.' The area has a high % of African Americas, the drop out rate from school is worryingly high, as is the crime rate, drug use and teenage pregnancy, joblessness is a major concern. Obama tells us that he is cautious about simply throwing money at the problem, he tells us that the majority of honest hardworking black families are just as fed up with the situation as the rest of the US, more so in fact, because they often have to live in these crime ridden communities. Still Obama thinks there are a few steps which ought to be taken by the government, such as ensuring that teenagers finish high school and also expanding programmes which have a proven record of reducing teen pregnancies.

The part on world affairs is a little rambling, I didn't think Obama was at his best here. It was more a description of what has happened rather than what he will do.

17 people found this helpful

Susiegirl

An inspiration

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 September 2019

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Naturally he is writing about the American political scene, but his sage and insightful prose applies universally. It has been poignant reading so many years after it was first written, for he could not have known at the time that he would become President. .. maybe the last President who tried hard to be honest. Donald Trump's gargantuan effort to wipe out Obama's legacy just makes me so sad for America.... and I am not left wing. It is beautifully written and I am about to read it a second time in order to linger on his wisdom. Incidentally I was led to his two books after reading his wife's excellent autobiography.

3 people found this helpful

Nefru Re

Obama's vision for a united America

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 January 2019

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The book, written when Obama was a US Senator, is an early draft of the political views that later came to shape his presidency. A constitutional lawyer and politician, the author vividly and with his characteristic, often self-deprecating, humour, describes the inner workings of US law and politics. His main message is that Americans are not as divided as headlines would suggest, and that the nation can rally around a centrist approach to government and legislation. At the same time his warnings about strategies of division sound uncannily relevant today.

5 people found this helpful

gommine

A presidential manifesto

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 January 2018

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"Make no mistake," as politicians love to say: this book was Obama's presidential manifesto, interspersed with some auto-biographical material to make it more palatable. Although it's obviously dated now, it's an essential read to understand Obama the man and the President - and miss his Presidency even more.

6 people found this helpful

MrE

Audacity of Hope Review

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 November 2012

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Many have written long in depth reviews of this book and when it comes down to books i try to keep it short and to the point, firstly i won't spoil the book for anyone but hopefully i can help explain the direction of this book so as you can work out whether or not it's for you.

Firstly it's well written and essentially tells the story of Barack Obama, he talks about his family both (close and distant), his views on things and politics in general. It was enjoyable to read and by the end you do understand the man more intellectually and how he thinks about things... Many people wishing to understand now President Obama should read this and it gives a good background to his life. There is one downside of the book in my view, Obama frequently talks about the problems America faces and has faced and indeed the world but never mentions any proper solutions to them so he kind of keeps you thinking "what would you do?"

PROS: It's well written and full of info you probably didn't know

CONS: leaves the door open on too many issues for my liking!

VERDICT: I'm a keen follower of politics, so buying this was a must, it's a good read and full of info, much that probably wasn't known or at least pushed by the international media at the time of his election to the presidency.

RECOMMENDED READ!

8 people found this helpful

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The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream Audible Audiobook – Abridged

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