Title: The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream

Author: Barack Obama

Publisher: Crown 2006

Genre: Memoir / Political Science

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; U.S. Presidents; ebook; 52 Books -- W4

The Audacity of Hope is Barack Obama’s call for a different brand of politics—a politics for those weary of bitter partisanshipand 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 explores those forces—from the fear of losing to the perpetual need to raise money to the power of the media—that can stifle even the best-intentioned politician. He also writes, 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.

I'll tell you up front that I voted for Obama twice.  I'm not an ardent fan, but I definitely liked him better than what the other offered.  That being said, I went into this book with a desire to know more about his thoughts before becoming President.  It was interesting reading it with the knowledge of what he's done since 2008.  Overall I really enjoyed reading the book.  I agree with Obama on many political and cultural issues.  This country is artificially divided.  We do hold many of the same values and yet the media and politicians would have us think that every neighbor is our enemy.  The other parts that I took issue with were those that dealt with religion.  I definitely have some disagreements with Obama on that topic.  Thankfully his Presidential leadership has kept the separation of church and state intact.