I'm late to the party, reading this -- THe Audacity of Hope was written before Barack Obama had announced his intention to run for the presidency, though perhaps not before he had begun to think of doing so. However, I found it interesting to read now, and illuminating.
Nothing in this book was a surprise to anyone who followed the candidate, the campaign, and the beginning of President Obama's term in office. It may, however surprise a few of his most liberal supporters who were caught up in "Obama-mania", were thrilled when he was elected, and now complain bitterly about some of the choices he has made. I say surprised because it's all in here. Written years before his election, it's right here in black and white: his thoughts about U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, his beliefs and position about gay marriage, his economic policies. He said it all, then and during the campaign, and he hasn't changed them, by and large. You may not be happy with his positions on these issues, and that's fine -- but there's call for being surprised by them now.
As for the book itself, it was a quick enough read, even if Mr. Obama did have a tendency to wax on a bit at times, and the political history lessons get dull every now and then. Mostly, though, it was worth reading, and I'd be just as interested in reading another book from him in the future, perhaps after his tenure. ( )

I can't remember the last time I paid so much attention to the presidency... or even any political office, for that matter. But after hearing a few of his speeches, I couldn't help but think "who is this man?"

The book covers a little bit about his personal and political pasts as well as the present situation of our beloved America. It's hugely inspiring and at the end of it all, I feel great that I know a little bit about my country's president.

I may not always agree with his political agenda and his decisions, but then I think of this book and I immediately remember the person he is and that's someone of strong conviction with a great head on his shoulders. He's my president and I'll support his decisions and hope for the best...

The Audacity Of Hope offers a compelling precis of Obama's philosophies, built on his own life experiences and what he considers the pivotal moments in US political history. Like any good politician, Obama tries his best not to offend and makes clear his belief in the power of consensus, evident now in his acts as President. And, like any political biography, the book has its dry patches (like the chapter on opportunity that goes on and on). Overall though, the President proves he is a deep thinker who can clearly articulate his ideas. After eight years of Bush, that's no small thing. ( )

This is the book Obama wrote to finance his Senate campaign and which ultimately thrust him into the national spotlight and into the American presidency. Obama ruminates on what's wrong with America and what might be done to cure its ills.

I've never before read a book by someone in politics but there was something about Obama that made me want to find out more about him. I have to admit to being extremely impressed with how he comes across as a logical, informed, sophisticated, "real" man with a sharp intellect. Although the first part of the book was a little long to read (not really knowing any American Political History), the second part where he touches upon the
people, the future, what's important, race, faith, and so much more is extremely well thought-out and presented. As with anyone, I may not agree with everything he does, but it's refreshing to see how he truly believes in listening to the people and being open to discussions (versus accepting everything on blind faith). ( )

Brilliant man, but a little wordy. A good overview of what he stands for. ( )

Damn it's good to have a coherent Commander in Chief again.

An intelligent book by a man who now happens to be our current President. I learned quite a bit by reading this. The opinions that Obama presents are well-thought out. It's readable, too! ( )

An excellently-written book, and an inspiring book. Would that it may all be . . . ( )

His political philosophy ( )

Although I've been meaning to read this book since it came out three years ago, it's especially timely now, with Obama in the White House. The Audacity of Hope follows Obama's journey to the Senate seat he occupied before becoming president, exploring the issues he sees as as important to modern American society and politics.
The book is well written and engaging, although Obama has a tendency to devolve into policy speak a bit more often than I'd like – reading this book, I was more interested in his thought processes than in the exact number of jobs he believed need to be created. Still, the book is an honest and serious reflection on the state of American politics and what it means to be a politician. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a better understanding of where the current President of the United States is coming from, or who simply wants a piece of genial political conversation. ( )

An interesting read and even more interesting listening to Obama read his own work. I have to say that I especially liked the fact his views of topics were thought out and examined. Even where I disagree very strongly, I respect the fact he has more to show for his stance than a lousy sound-byte that will sell on the evening news.

I just pray that the same thoughtfulness and prayer goes into his work as President. ( )

Published in 2006, in this book the then US senator sets out his views on American domestic and inernational issues and the way forward he sees for his country on a whole range of issues. A persuasive and fluent writer, this also offers insights into his family and what makes the man tick. ( )

Even though I had thoroughly enjoyed his earlier book, Dreams from my Father, it took me a few years to get to this one, mainly because I guessed that this would be a rehash of political statements made by a politician, albeit one that I respect. I really thought it would be a snoozefest. Wrong! Obama is a politician, yes, but he has an uncanny ability to know who his audience is and make you feel as if he is speaking to you directly, answering the questions you have gathered up in your head. Not many people can do that. Most heartening to me was his ability to see multiple sides on an issue, and not just repeat the party line. Excellent, and very, very hopeful. ( )

This is the first politician, I can honestly say, that I believe what he says. This book was full of Barack Obama's thoughts, feelings, and personal issues that he faces in his life of politics. He seems to be very genuine-thinking of what would be best for the people. The honesty of his true feelings in the challenges he faces in everyday life makes this book more interesting to people who might not even enjoy issues with politicians. ( )

I have not quite finished this book yet but thought I would include it. It is quite amazing how this seemingly ordinary American could have arrived at such a place as to become the President of the U.S. The book is thoughtfully written and really shows the resiliency of personality that makes Barack Obama. ( )

Strugglying with the chapter on the legistrative process. Yuck.

This is not really my genre - this current affairs, politics sort of thing - but as it was a gift and I enjoyed his 'Dreams of my Father' so I felt I should go ahead and read it. Eloquent, persuasive, well-written occasionally straying toward the rhetorical and well .. dull. But he certainly makes his case for his vision and hope for our country. I would think this work may actually have inspired and/or swayed some undecided voters last year.

I enjoyed most when he made it personal - how he found his Senate campaigns, his private jet vs. commercial flight story, his trip to Iraq, meeting Michelle and his musings on fatherhood. Some of the background civics, political science, foreign policy stuff while necessary to make his case -- sadly, my brain finds this less interesting.

Only three stars simply because it is not the type of read I enjoy - I read more to escape. But kudos to President Obama -- as a liberal Democrat I, of course, was made easily to see things his way. Yet, he succeeded in making me see the other side of the coin on many issues -- use of force, guns, religion, etc. So, well-done. ( )

Verbose. I think he could have done with half the pages. I can't say I agree with all of the plans he put forth, there are certainly some good ideas there. But most of all I really liked, and agreed, with the way he framed the problems. I think if we re-frame the problems of today maybe we'll be able to make some progress.

President Obama is so very eloquent and articulate. It is a pleasure listening to him read his own book. I am so moved by his ability to see beyond the superficiality of partisanship. It is a little difficult reading this knowing it was written as part of a campaign strategy, yet that does not diminish my wholehearted support of his values and goals. ( )

Or as it should probably be known, Barack Obama's first election manifesto. Obama is unquestionably the most exciting political figure in the Western hemisphere in my lifetime. Rather than the tired dogmas that have dragged down previous election campaigns he ran on a platform of positivity and hope, summed by his simple and brilliant slogan 'Yes, we can'. It was inclusive and challenging to the electorate, invigorating.

The hook here is to see what we can divine of Obama's possible actions as President. It's clear from the book that he's genuinely unaffected by the cynicism that often develops in politicians, but that his enthusiasm is tempered by intelligence and thoroughness, setting forth what he sees as the major issues facing modern America and possible solutions.And instead of rendering politics a dry, dead subject, as professional politicians often do, Obama makes the subject engaging. Policy is never talked about in abstract terms, he always gives a human dimension to the issues and has a gift for striking imagery that encapsulates the ideas he's trying to get across (speeches to an empty Senate chamber, the stunning view from a jet). And the prose itself is beautiful, although occasionally becoming flowery. It's a book you couldn't imagine any of his recent predecessors (particularly the immediate one) having the sincerity, compassion or way with words to write. Whereas the previous regime tried to link compassion with conservatism, one read of this book should show them what compassion truly looks like, and in this case it isn't just a hollow word.

Obama himself comes across as a man of rare perspective, probably due to his eclectic, catholic (the small c is crucial there) upbringing. He seems open to ideas and genuinely thoughtful as to the wide ranging effects policies may have. His beliefs and conclusions are based on thoughtful analysis tempered with human compassion - almsot too good to be true. I actually finished the book even more fascinated by the possibilities of Obama's term. If he is a man of deeds as well as words, and he's alllowed to follow the guidelines he sets down here, then his Presidency may live up to the hope and expectations placed upon it. ( )

Let's see what our potential future president has to say...

I don't want to finish this. I probably should have gotten his earlier book, the more biographical one. The writing is not bad, he's obviously a smart guy, and you do get the sense that he set out to write an honest book, but ultimately it's still a politician's book, and I don't want to read it.

Hope _is_ audacious, and I am usually a sceptic. I fear the politics of personality, where style can take precedence over substance. I expect disappointment, knowing that no-one can live up to the very high expectations that people have of Obama at this time. No-one can live under media scrutiny that intense, and maintain an unblemished public profile. I’m not even sure that anyone could live surrounded by all the trappings of power, and public adulation, and not be adversely affected. And when I find myself agreeing with page upon page of content at a time, I worry that I am being swept away by rhetoric, and suspending my own powers of critical thinking. Or worse, that I am agreeing with trivial banalities, of little practical importance.

And yet I was impressed by this book, and the way of thinking about politics that Obama outlines in its pages. The book is well-structured and very readable, with each chapter starting with a personal anecdote that serves as a helpful introduction and entry point to each subject (Republicans and Democrats, values, the constitution, politics, opportunity, faith, race, the world beyond America’s borders, and family). I feel that Obama brings to light a number of themes that are a welcome addition to political discourse in any counry (i.e., the role of values and empathy in politics, the capacity to seek consensus and assume one's opponents are acting in good faith etc.).

And I find myself thinking that regardless of what happens in the future, the capacity to hope, and to hold our leaders to higher standards, is a good thing. This week – a very appropriate time to be reading this book – I feel as if I myself have also been transformed from cautiously to audaciously hopeful!! ( )