The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama (2007, Abridged, Compact Disc)

I read this book not because I agree with everything he has to say, but because in some ways, I had respected him because he seemed to be a thoughtful and eloquent American with a compelling story.

I give the book 4 stars for style and significance in our culture, but much less for substance.

The Senator has a generally warm and inviting style of communicating that portrays himself as a change in American politics. In terms of writing style, THE AUDACITY OF HOPE is a good, though sometimes "preachy" read; at times, it seems a bit too earnest or striving for political correctness.

Obama deserves credit for being able to discuss his values and faith in a manner that is more comfortable than many of his political contemporaries. And, in the book, he does a reasonable job of articulating why and how his faith and values cause him to think and act in the way that he does.

At times, the reader may wonder if he is too ambitious - or even naive. One can respect his energy and commitment to change, even as one firmly disagrees with his policies and plans.

And, I certainly do take issue with some of the Senator's actual policies and worldview that he discusses. His health care plans may sound noble, but they would likely lead to significantly decreased quality and choice for most Americans and soaring taxes and budget deficits...big government at its worst. Furthermore, given the overall poor performance of government in other programs, do you really want government managing your health care? Another issue: while I do believe there is strong evidence to suggest a warming in the earth's climate, Senator Obama and I would disagree on the primary causes and "cures" for this warming. I don't believe that cutting taxes for those who pay taxes (aka "the rich") is unfair; I may go so far as to say that Obama's affinity for radical and government-forced redistribution of wealth reeks of socialism (though it's socialism masked by a warm smile). Another point: I don't believe that a "pro-choice" position offers adequate choice for the unborn child; Obama's rhetoric in the book is moderate, but his voting record on abortion is extreme. Some of his associations are troubling, particularly with some radicals who seem to have shaped a significant portion of his worldview and helped launch his career.

I do agree with Senator Obama that America must overcome our addiction to foreign oil, though his opposition to many reasonable remedies is curious. I do agree that more emphasis needs to be placed on strengthening families and upholding traditional values; on reducing teen pregnancy and the root causes of poverty. However, it is difficult to align many of Obama's expressed ideas here with the numerous radical and ridiculous statements of Obama's pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright - a man who preached one sermon that inspired the title of this book.

Senator Obama's stated efforts to transcend partisanship are laudable, but it would be helpful if he acknowledged that partisanship is not only the province of "right wing Republicans" but also a staple of many of his Democratic brethren.

In the meantime, whether one is a "conservative" or a "liberal," there is much to gain in terms of insight into one of the most significant individuals on the American political stage today by reading this book!

As a minor Republican Party official, I purchased "The Audacity of Hope" because I have read it before to see the political views of U.S. Senator Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. I was very impressed about how he presented his argument and rhetorical skills. Obama, if it wasn't ghostwritten (I don't know), is a brilliant writer. The current political climate of the day, particularly from post-9/11 hysteria, is filled with pessimism. Obama has great vision and optimism that the American Dream is still within reach. In "The Audacity of Hope," Obama portrays himself as a common man (hence, a Washington outsider) who wants to improve upon the current efforts of progress in our political system and to decrease the influence of "corrupt" lobbyist. Please be advised that this is a review, not a political endorsement. :)

This book is pretty much the A to Z of Obama, now our President. If you want to know his political views on all things, this is your book. Although this book has lost some of its interest now that he is President, it still offers more detai about him than the mass media. If you want to know Obama personally, then read his other book, Dreams From My Father.

The book is good. On this website it was listed as an audiobook, not a paperback. I don't have anything else to say. I was disappointed to say the least.

I thought this book was very interesting to review the contents of this book. It gave me a better idea of what Obama stand for. I look forward to reading other books of his in the future.

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The courage to believe that life can fulfill your dreams if you do not give up hope. This audiobook energized me. I listen to it often. Look forward to more of the same from this man of color that speaks like the rainbow.

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