Customer Reviews:
 A Must Read for All Americans August 31, 2008
4 out of 7 found this review helpful
I'm a lifelong Republican since Ronald Reagan. I wanted to learn about Barack Obama, the man of the hour, so I bought this book. Not only is it an excellent read, interesting whether you like him or not, but it's highly informative of what Barack's motivations and background are. If you have any doubts, are uncomfortable with Obama, or just don't know what he's about, I highly recommend this book. You may not become a supporter, as I have, but you will certainly be better off for knowing more about this man.
First time I've felt optomism/hope for the future of our country August 30, 2008
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
I recently turned 18 so this will be the first time I'm able to vote, but I have payed a lot of attention to politics since Gore lost in 2000. Reading this book has shown me that not only is Obama experienced enough to lead, he is thoughtful enough to see all sides of every decision he makes. This book is extremely well written and gives me hope for the future of the country and the world.
Getting to Know Barack August 29, 2008
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
For anyone who has been following Obama's campaign, reading The Audacity of Hope will dispel once and for all any notion of his insincerity, being "too good to be true", or flip-flopping--all of which have been thrown out at us as discouraging comments. Throughout his book, written before he tossed his hat in the ring, one witnesses his most deeply held values. The wondrous part is that they are perfectly consistent with the values he has been espousing on the campaign trail. This takes one by surprise, given the fact that he is campaigning for a political office. After reading his book, one can readily believe that his having to counter McCain's style of campaigning must be gut-wrenching for Obama. Mud-slinging is totally unlike, and against, the very fabric of his being.
His book--beautifully written by him, not a ghost writer--also demonstrates the depth of his vision and coherence of all he sees. These are rare traits in someone of his age. He takes us on a tour of Congress, of politics, of his mind, and other topics, reflecting all the way on his assessment of what is happening and his response to it. This gives the reader a behind-the-scenes picture of how he would most likely approach the Presidency.
Lastly, his book shows the care and attention he gives to others' ideas--even those of Republicans. He truly respects all persons, valuing them just for being other human beings like himself. Because he listens, hears, and values what others have to say, the gnawing feeling one may have about his lack of experience becomes assuaged. He may not have had the on-the-job training that unquestionably would be useful as President, but he is clearly bright enough to surround himself with those who do have the needed experience. More importantly, he shows no signs of egocentricity, giving him the capacity to take others' advice, filter it through his brilliant and well-ordered mind, and come out with his own, value-based decisions. It makes one think, "I could be proud to have that kind of President."
 Great writing and wonderful entertainment // ciao // gurkha August 27, 2008
15 out of 21 found this review helpful
This book was a wonderful surprise. To tell you the truth, I bought it because my foster grandson Lois goes to the same school as the author's literary agent's children, and I felt that it would be the right thing to support local people.
I am a rather conservative reader in my tastes. I like good writing skills, a reasonable plot, a read which is not relying on too much "experimental" writing (such as misspelled slang that makes you wonder what the author/character meants). I want to enjoy reading a book, and, if possible, not be so discouraged that suicide seems to be a rationale course of action.
This book reached 5 stars at almost every level. First, it is a true page turner, one of those books which you cannot put down until you are done with it - not so much because you want to know what will happen (although there is a bit of that too) - but because it plays with your emotions and enjoyment in such an unusual way. The language is wonderful - precise when discussing a detail oriented individual, passionate for a romantic, always well tuned to the characters and to the events. The vocabulary is full, although not as rich, maybe, as Joseph Conrad. The characters are deeply etched and displayed, yet not revealed to their innermost layers. They are unusual and interesting, yet not so outrageous that you are interested in them because of their anomalous behavior. The story is non-linear and absolutely ignores classical rules of composition, yet it achieves grandeur which reminds you a bit, without all the pathos, of Sempleton-MacFee (although the large number of characters also contributes to that echo). The period seems quite well researched, and the author has mixed in his story true details as well as "fake" notes or "small history" regarding his own made-up additions, sometimes creating funny or ironic moments.
I was impressed by the story and how the writer is able to sell us that story - very few could have pulled it off. I loved the language and its effects. I enjoyed the mix of post modernity and classicism. I loved the book and at the same time enjoyed the fact that it stretched my tastes in literature. I am still trying to describe what makes this such a wonderful novel - it might be the non-linearity of its story, the seeming lack of logic that some of its turns have, and yet the richness of the language and of the events it depicts.
But:
Some loops in the story are superfluous and could have been cut to greater effect and Obama (as well as several minor characters) lack true depth and seem to be paper folks imagined by some spin doctor. Not real people with flaws and anger and errors and upset dreams.
So only 3 stars eventhough this novel is one of the best I have read this year.
ciao // gurkha
 I used to be a Democrat till I read this book August 27, 2008
32 out of 32 found this review helpful
Obama is clearly Al Quiedas candidate of choice. this book proves that for sure. this book also proves:
A vote for Obama is a vote for no morals.
A vote for Obams is a vote for no values.
A vote for Obama is a vote for no truth.
A vote for Obama is a vote against America.
Save America and dont vote for Obama
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