The Obamas

by Jodi Kantor

Award-winning reporter Jodi Kantor takes readers deep inside the White House in a portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama that will surprise even readers who thought they knew the two icons. 

When Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, he also won a long-running debate with his wife Michelle. Contrary to her fears, politics now seemed like a worthwhile, even noble pursuit. Together they planned a White House life that would be as normal and sane as possible.

Then they moved in.

In the Obamas, Jodi Kantor takes us deep inside the White House as they try to grapple with their new roles, change the country, raise children, maintain friendships, and figure out what it means to be the first black President and First Lady. The Obamas is filled with riveting detail and insight into their partnership, emotions and personalities, and written with a keen eye for the ironies of public life. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Politics, History, Biography Memoir, Audiobook, American History

368 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

Jodi Kantor has covered the world of Barack and Michelle Obama since the beginning of 2007, also writing about Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Sarah Palin, Richard Holbrooke, Eric Holder and many others along the way.

Ms. Kantor graduated from Columbia and attended Harvard Law School. But soon after she arrived, she caught the journalism bug, took time off to work at Slate.com, and never looked back. She joined The New York Times in 2003 as Arts & Leisure editor, revamping the section and helping lead a makeover of the culture report.

The recipient of a Columbia Young Alumni Achievement Award, Ms. Kantor has also been named by Crain's New York Business magazine as one of "40 Under 40." She appears regularly on television, including The Today Show and Charlie Rose.

Though she is a Washington correspondent, she lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Kantor was signing my copy of this book during an appearance at the Chicago Public Library, I asked her why she was surprised by the "controversy" it caused--since it was a "warts and all" story, naturally all the media wanted to focus on were the warts. (Of course if there hadn't been any warts, she would have been criticized for that instead.) She just shrugged and said, "We live in strange times, don't we?" After reading the book, I think the idea that she portrays Michelle Obama as an "angry black woman" is even more misleading than I suspected. If anything, Michelle is the heroine of Kantor's story, which might be diagrammed with two lines: one, representing the President's popular status and enthusiasm for his role, starting high and trending downward; the other, representing the First Lady, doing just the opposite. And the insight from the book that has lingered with me is much more interesting and perhaps more controversial than an alleged blow-up involving Michelle and Rahm Emanuel: Kantor suggests that the very act of finally carving out a stable family life--one in which the President insisted on eating dinner with his family at least 5 nights per week--was at least partly responsible for the social and political isolation that characterized the first couple years of the Obama presidency. Then again, that's not easy to convey in a sound byte.

[Florence Buchholz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jodi Kantor probably thought she was being objective but she paints a very unsympathetic picture of the Obamas. Michelle is shown as being controlling, defensive, uncooperative and an overprotective parent. The President is characterized as an extreme introvert, socially awkward and overconfident about his abilities. None of it rings true to me. I have seen the President and the First Lady electrify a crowd of listeners and I will never forget it. Kantor says that he is an uninspiring speaker. She seems to blame the President for the failure to accomplish many things which have deliberately been sabotaged by an energized and at times, unethical opposition. When I look at the President I see a man that towers above other politicians, ethically and intellectually . Yes, he still inspires me, but I don't claim to be objective.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Obamas attempts to provide an emotional history of the Obama marriage. Jodi Kantor talks about their lives and their innermost thoughts as if she had been there, but in the tradition of such books, doesn't directly attribute her information to specific people. Michelle, she says, doesn't believe in government very much. She refused to participate in many political events, and refused to have her time frittered away to no real purpose by the disorganized West Wing. She insisted on having a family life and some control of her schedule. She was not an admirer of Robert Gibbs and Rahm Emmanuel. She was hard on her husband, sometimes too hard, and is like a drill sergeant with her kids. She is hyper-organized but also very warm and funny and popular. She prefers to visit small groups that other big shots don't visit and to visit with children. She tells it like it is. And when her husband turned 50, when he was so down it looked like he'd never get back up, she gave a loving speech at his birthday party and danced with him till dawn. But along with the facts, Jodi Kantor is not shy about dishing up a whole lot of her own conclusions.

I have seen the author on many TV shows, and I don't like her at all. I think her descriptions of the Obama's character and marriage are facile, flip and sometimes offensive. Jodi Kantor doesn't hesitate to draw grandiose conclusions about her subjects on the basis of gossip and a bit of hard fact. She does so with no apparent appreciation for the limitations of her method. As Michelle Obama points out, nobody on the outside can truly understand another couple's relationship. Jodi Kantor would have impressed me much more if she had remembered that she was speculating as much as reporting.

[Chris Aylott · Rating 4 out of 5]

NYT reporter Kantor tells a sympathetic story about the Obamas and how they've adapted to the Presidency and the White House. Personally, I'm amazed that everyone living there doesn't go stark, staring mad. The best analogy for their experience is probably that it's like living in an armor-plated goldfish bowl, with snipers swimming around at the top.

Michelle Obama is the focus here, and Kantor does a good job of contrasting her professionalism with her husband's populism. They seem to complement each other well, especially when her practicality keeps him from chasing down the rabbit holes of theory and idealism. (Hm. I seem to have some familiarity with that kind of relationship myself.)

That said, another thing that comes out is that the Obamas are pretty insular -- uncomfortable with small talk and gatherings outside a small circle of friends -- and that they've paid a heavy political price for their unwillingness to embrace the social side of Washington DC. (That feels familiar, too.) It's annoying to think that the nation might be better off if the President hosted a few cocktail parties and spent more time golfing with senators, but that's politics for you.

[Jaclyn Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit that I’m struggling to write this review. I’ll nit-pick in a moment, but for now I’ll simply say that this book was like the ultimate Dessert Book. It was voyeuristic and fun—the book equivalent of picking up US Weekly or InTouch. There was mention of how Michelle Obama’s wardrobe has played into public perception, there was a section on their disastrous New York City date night, there were little political asides and well-written summaries of the President’s challenges and victories over the past several years. It’s such a far-reaching book that you assume it will be completely vapid and underdeveloped or confusing chronologically. It’s neither. Perhaps the worst you can say about it is that it’s entertaining—and to some, that might be a negative thing.

As someone who voted for Obama in 2008, I have to agree with other reviews I’ve read in that the most irritating thing about reading this book was how often Obama’s missteps are laid out. The book is not overly long, and the problems that he’s encountered throughout his first term seem to come back to back to back. Among a sea of challenges (some of which were overcome, others not so much), there are occasional wins for the Obama team, but you come away with a general sense that the administration was initially overwhelmed and disorganized and that set the President’s agenda back too far to fully recover.

Another interesting thing: I became really curious to read this book after seeing the White House’s swiftly negative reaction to the publication of The Obamas and a recent Politico article seemed to align with my suspicions. Why did they condemn the book so strongly? I think it touched a nerve, especially with Michelle Obama and her public relations team. Her portrayal in the book is actually quite a positive one, but there has been a concerted effort on the part of the administration to make her seem less opinionated and more passive since the inauguration and this book moves to defeat some of that image “repair.” (Personally, I prefer an outspoken, opinionated First Lady, but I guess the majority of the country doesn’t feel the same way.) She is shown to be just as opinionated in the book—the only exception to this being that she reserves her remarks for private settings within the administration instead of speaking to reporters or to crowds about them.

Anyway, if you’re looking for something entertaining to read or you are intrigued by this President and the First Lady (who isn’t?), I recommend giving this book a go.

[Louise Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much information about this book, I was reluctant to read it. That would have been a mistake.

The Obamas does an excellent job of explaining the conflicts between the personal and political, being black instead of white, wanting to be private within a public view,and melding unique personalities amongst value-laden societal judgments.

One theme is The Obamas growing understanding of perception and images. The book shows how the Administration in general and Michelle in particular developed an improved sense of the value of imagery. The information about the children, their grandmother and the family celebrations is endearing.

To thoroughly enjoy in this book, take Jodi Kantor's point of view with a little grain of salt. She is obviously trying to impress us with her inside scoop reporting that allows her to be more honestly critical than the rest of us. I didn't like her attitude but I loved the texture of feeling I had as if I were really a part of the First Family, sitting in their living room watching the Super Bowl.

[Agnes · Rating 1 out of 5]

If the Obamas are annoyed with this author, they should be. Kantor pieces together stories we have heard already from news writers and commentators; along the way she adds what she assumes are Michelle Obama's thoughts and feelings about her public and personal life, claiming the basis for this information are interviews she held with Mrs. Obama's friends and those working in the White House. Don't waste your time with this book. You will learn nothing about the First Lady or the President that you haven't read elsewhere. And what may seem new comes straight out of Jodi Kantor's imagination. She is lucky she works for The New York Times and her publisher was smart to list that credential on the book's cover, as this gives her and this work some credibility--and no doubt has helped the book's sales.

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes we can!
Yes we must!

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Obamas" is not really about politics--when it talks about policy decisions and the frustrations of the office, it drags--but about what it is like for a fairly ordinary upper middle class family that has only recently run into fame and politics to suddenly have to adapt to life in the White House. The author really shines in her descriptions of how The Obamas were gradually stripped of their naïveté about how their private lives would continue to functions. At the beginning of the book we meet a Barack who was excited about finally being able to live under one roof with his family after spending most weeks away from them as a state legislator and US senator and wanted to keep his family life away from politics.

Their first trip back to Chicago to visit friends and family is a disaster that results in parts of the city being closed. An attempt to see a show in New York means an Air Force One trip and massive security detail, and the ensuing political brouhaha makes them throw in the towel and stay closer to home. Friends need to be imported to stay with them. Facing criticism on all fronts they become more insular with a few close family friends, to their own political detriment. Living at the White House is a mix of tremendous restrictions on their movements and wonderful, quirky perks, like the ability to raid the Smithsonian for paintings to decorate the White House. (and who among us doesn't start imagining here how we would decorate our own White House?)

The author is politically sympathetic to the Obamas but managed to maintain a clear enough lens when viewing some of their missteps, highlighting their loathing of DC schmoozing and Barack's tendency to communicate in arcane policy details instead of clearer broader ideas and his frustrated lashouts at news media's distortions of his statements.

All in all, I learned two things: I could never be a politician, and I wouldn't want to anyway.

It looks like there are a lot of criticisms of the author's methods of piecing together a story from interviews without crediting individual statements, and making assumptions about especially Michelle's thoughts and feelings. That is probably a fair criticism of the book - she only sat down with the Obamas for one 40 minute interview - but I still found it insightful, even if I only consider the verifiable facts in the book.

[Julie Bestry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before the book was released, I expected to like it, mainly because I like Kantor's New York Times reporting, and assumed it would be a well-researched book. I was dismayed by the media coverage of the book's release, as the mainstream media (on both sides of the political fence) seemed to make the book sound like an expose of terrible things about the couple.

Finally, warily, reading it, more than once I had to ask myself what the mainstream media was smoking. Angry Black Woman? MIchelle Obama comes across as intelligent, cautious and concerned. Things the media blew up as signs of her anger were normal expressions of frustration that the typical person would tweet about in a review of a bad day at work. Michelle Obama comes across as heroic and warm; the president ,at worst, as frustrated by the seemingly illogical actions to stymie efforts to improve various situations. He, more ideological than she, comes across as cool, reserved, and only able to fully show his warmth around his family and close friends; she comes across as someone dragged into a situation not of her own making, who attempts to give it her best, even when chafing against restraints that impact her first priority, her family.

So, the book isn't the lashing it was promoted to be; nor is it a history that's likely to stand the test of time. The writing has a staccato, newspaper-y feel. "This happened. Then he said this. And then ten minutes later, that happened. And on to the next topic." The book was neither engrossing nor illuminating, and I was disappointed that, while covering a smattering of chronological moments, managed to both lack depth and psychoanalyze based on suppositions. Meh.

[Colin Liddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jodi Kantor gives a very in depth account of the first three years of the Obama administration. It is a fascinating book and I blazed through it in just a couple of days. It explores some of the naïveté that the president had upon entering the white house, but also shows some of his steadfast characteristics that endured behind the scenes.

The only area that suffers is that Kantor appears to enjoy dwelling on the low points of his presidency while giving quick summaries of the high points.

Overall it made me view both Michelle and Barack in a more layered light and it painted a truly visceral picture of just how unappealing a life as leader of the free country would truly be.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

It is a new (2017) edition of a 2012 book and covers just over the first two years of Obama's first term. It is the same as the previous edition but for a three-page, post-Trump-victory preface. I'd thought it was a bit of a gimmick to market it as new, given the paucity of new information, but I was still wholly prepared to like the book.

However, it's terrible.

Unless you were under a rock from 2008-2010, you know all the news that's in here - it's all public, high-profile information. And Jodi Kantor provides interviews with many sources for it.

But she doesn't provide many sources for her behind-the-scenes information.

If we're to believe this major Debbie Downer:

From the start, Barack Obama didn't want to go into politics; after he decided to, Michelle Obama didn't want him to. They argued. It seems, according to Kantor, they argue nearly all the time. Michelle is an overbearing witch who can't get along with people, especially White House staff, and Barack is an introverted, indecisive hen-pecked husband. They're constantly frustrated - with politics, the media, each other, Rahm Emmanuel, other staff. When something good happens, Kantor tells us where we can find the bad in it. She is especially unkind to Michelle Obama and about their marriage.

A person who had never seen Barack Obama would have no chance of coming away from this book with the idea that he has any degree of charisma. After the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, for example, Kantor writes," Obama, the former memoirist who now allowed others almost no access to his emotions, appeared diligent but remote, introverted, and stubborn." (p. 192)

On page 211, she writes that his "delivery [was]...terrible, no matter how hard he worked on the speech" when the speech was a political necessity rather than from inspiration. She continues: "The lackluster, rote quality of many of his speeches suggested something about his own never-discussed true feelings about the presidency." Not only is Obama known for his excellent oratory skills, but this is stunning claim about never-discussed true feelings.

When I started the book, I thought to myself: I didn't realize Michelle Obama is so controlling. Then I thought: wow, I didn't realize there had been so many problems in their marriage. Then I kept reading and realized I don't trust the veracity of this information. At that point it became an enormous chore to finish. I was uncomfortable anyway with the deeply personal claims, but once I realized their truthfulness was questionable at best, I just wanted it to end.

Worse than that: I wish this weren't out there for public consumption. Not because it's unflattering, which it is, but because it's a tell-all that tells more about the author than it does about a couple who deserves a far better biographer than this one.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2004, a young state senator from Illinois gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. His unusual name wasn't one anyone knew -- until that night. Barack Obama's address decried polarization as the work of pundits; he stressed the unity of the American people in their belief in simple dreams, in certain ideals like justice and equality. He called for people to work together, and created a wave of popularity that sent him from obscurity to the White House in just four years. For all his inexperience in high-level politics, Obama had the gift of stirring people into believing in themselves and governance again. But today, the chanting crowds are gone; the radical changes people expected haven't transpired, and as we enter an election season people are considering Obama anew. The Obamas covers the first three years of the Obama administration, with a particular emphasis on how two people only marginally familiar with the world of Washington and the trappings and burdens of office struggled to adapt to them, and how Obama's approach changed as the promises of his candidacy clashed with the realities of political administration.

Some of the appeal in a book like this is admittedly voyeuristic; like many Americans I've long been fascinated by the presidency, and the Obama experience is more likely to resonate with the average reader than any other presidency. Unlike the Bushes, Clintons, Reagans, and other families who preceded them, the Obamas had no experience living in the public spotlight, to being doted on by half the population and reviled by the other. The White House is both a residence and a state office, with blurry lines between work and home. Until the president's astonishingly quick rise to power, the Obamas were a thoroughly middle-class family living in an apartment in Chicago; no governor's mansion prepared them for the unique experience of state office. Learning the boundaries took time. The dynamic between the Obamas themselves is a second theme; although Michelle's familiarity with corrupt Chicago politics had soured her on politics, as First Lady she was expected to take a role in his administration. She turns out to be delightfully strong-willed: if the president and his chief of staff want her to help in the work of the West Wing, it must be useful work, constructive work -- not simply filling in whenever they need someone to give a speech or smile for the cameras. Mrs. Obama is a fantastic counterpart to her husband. While she distrusts politics, her years working in the mayoral office of Chicago give her knowledge into how the game of politics is played. By contrast, the president believes in the power of public office but despises the conventions associated with it -- opportunistic speeches, glad-handing crowds, photo opportunities with strangers. He wants to rise above these vulgarities, and comes across as aloof and elitist. The Tea Party is the absolute antithesis to his approach, and its popularity catches him by surprise. Not until the 2010 elections, when they sweep into office, does Obama begin to be schooled in politicking by his wife. Only November will tell if his new, more pragmatic approach will work.

I for one found the work heartening. I was one of those enthralled by Obama as candidate, and disappointed as he entered office. As we approach the 2012 elections, that disappointment has given way to a more moderate appreciation. I'm beginning to realize -- like he does, in this novel -- that one man can't change Washington through sheer strength of will. Although cynicism is tempting, I think it ultimately unrewarding, and I see no reason to see Obama as anything other than a frustrated idealist. An account like this, which follows the Obama as a couple of ordinary people thrust into the national office, certainly erodes attempts to villainize him. Its best audience is disappointed Obama supporters: while Kantor doesn't defend, condemn, or endorse Obama's record, walking these past three years again in his shoes may ease some misplaced bitterness and grief.

[Jeff Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not someone who necessarily admires or likes the first family politically, so picking this book up came more from the interesting media feedback that came about upon its release than anything else. Especially after being disappointed in the election results, a little something to read about four more years of the Obamas can't be a bad choice. Interestingly, this book ended up providing an entirely different perception of both Barack and Michelle than I anticipated it would, and the book actually ended up being a valuable use of my time.

The key point the media appeared to prey on was this idea that Michelle Obama came across as more of the unfortunately stereotypical angry black woman. I'll be honest - not only does Michelle Obama not come across that way in the book, but she actually comes across as incredibly well-meaning and sympathetic. Her concerns are portrayed as incredibly relevant and well-thought out, she is brought across as the anchor of that family who shows deep care for her husband and children. While the general media perception of her seems to be a more driven, stern character, those lines are softened considerably in the detailed look at her life in the spotlight.

That contrast becomes even more apparent when placed against her husband. While Barack Obama certainly had some missteps during the first term, and perhaps misunderstood and underestimated the challenge the population and Congress would give him, incompetence was not the word I would have generally used to describe him in most areas. Unfortunately for the president, this book shows him to be wildly out of touch with the country he governs, with the expectations of the office he holds, and shows a rather disengaged, disappointed man who is holding an office much larger than he can perhaps handle. Reading this post-election makes it that much more stunning, and perhaps a little disconcerting.

This isn't a partisan book by any means - if anything, the classic New York Times liberal lean comes through from time to time in the descriptions of certain events that occur during the times observed. The book, however, is also a very solid look at two people we really know surprisingly little about given their status in the country. I wish more people had read it before the election, and I think more people should read it now after the fact.

[BIPL Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I don’t usually read political books, I was intrigued when I heard about Jodi Kantor’s book, The Obamas. It promised to provide insight into the first couple’s powerful partnership and talk about how these two equally successful and driven people make their marriage work while living in the spotlight.

The main theme of this book is how the Obamas changed when they moved to Washington. We explore Michelle Obama’s struggle to be a modern first lady with a purpose and her conflict with the President’s advisors. We follow the President’s fall from popularity and isolation from the American people. And we see the first couple’s ongoing struggle to hold on to some semblance on normalcy while living in Washington and dealing with traditional Washington politics. Ever present is the idea that Michelle and Barack Obama have a dynamic, ongoing dialogue about what their purpose is and what they can accomplish.

The White House has criticized this book and the first lady spoke out against its portrayal of herself. However, contrary to what the first lady said, I do not see her portrayed as an “angry black woman” – but instead as someone with immense inner strength, drive and vision. A force to be reckoned with, and someone who is very admirable indeed. Michelle’s story – her growth and transformation - are what drive this book and make it successful.

Readers should be able to enjoy this book regardless of their political affiliations. Ms. Kantor wrights in an even-handed, nuanced way that is free from political hype.

I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy current events and political news- especially to those who may not know a lot about the Obamas to begin with. Those who are already well read in this subject may find the book doesn’t have much new to offer. Those who are serious about politics and who enjoy reading books with considerable political heft may think this book is too gossipy.

I’d also recommend it to those who enjoy biographies and memoirs. It tells a story of overcoming obstacles and of tremendous personal growth. It also has a lot of compelling details about the first family’s life in the White House that many readers will find interesting.

[Susanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read, and the (somewhat limited) politics it contained was quite accessible. I was really interested in the subject, especially after hearing the debate in the media over whether or not it contained a positive portrayal of Michelle Obama. As far as that part is concerned, I can see why Mrs. Obama might have been unhappy with how she came across in the book, but I can't say that I got the same impression- it made her seem forceful, opinionated, strong, and unwilling to be silenced. These are traits that are often seen as negatives for women, especially African American women, but it actually made me think even more highly of her than I had before. And I already loved me some Michelle Obama, so that's saying something. I don't think this book is going to change anyone's mind either way if they come in with pre-conceived notions about that: someone who already thinks of the first lady as an angry black woman isn't going to be persuaded, and nor is someone with a lot of respect for her.

I thought this book's strength was putting a human face to the First Couple, explaining where they come from and how their backgrounds have influenced them. It put a lot of President Obama's decisions into context, such as all the times when many of his 2008 supporters would sit around wondering what happened to their old idealistic candidate. It was interesting to learn more about Michelle, and about how difficult it was for her to adjust to life in the White House. It certainly doesn't sound like an easy position, even with all the household staff and other luxuries. I mean, the White House doesn't even have good wifi, for crying out loud. I could certainly never survive there.

While I liked that the chapters were arranged chronologically, to chart Obama's rise to the presidency and then the first three years of his first term, the narrative jumped around a lot within the chapters. I'd be reading about the contentious redecorations of the residential quarters, and suddenly it would jump away to the family background of Mrs. Obama's mother. Interesting, but it didn't feel that organized. Additionally, it seemed like Kantor made a lot of personal interpretations of what her subjects were feeling in a given moment. As far as I can tell she only interviewed the president and first lady twice, so it just wasn't all that compelling that she could possibly know everything that she argues in this book, even with all the other personal interviews.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kantor wrote a very personal and insightful look into the first term of President Obama and the adjustments that his family went through to settle in to the Washington lifestyle. Both Michelle and Barack came from families that struggled to make ends meet and they have reached the pinnacle of life in America. Most of us believe we would envy the life they lead, but until I read this book, I do not think I could have believed the personal sacrifice they have given up as a family to allow President Obama to serve the nation.
POTUS (President of the United States) and FLOTUS (First Lady of the United States) will never again have the simple pleasure of walking around to do everyday errands or watch their girls compete at school events like an everyday citizen. Normal life for them is gone, and it will never again be within their reach. Even though, Marian Robinson, the first lady’s mother, manages to sneak out of the white house once and a while, not recognized, her life too is open and she is vulnerable. But Malia and Sasha are stronger and better rounded with Grandma in the house. Yet with all that they have given up to serve the public, the hate for them is real and dangerous, partly because in some crazy pockets of America the angry racist has made them targets.
Much of the book was a reminder of all of the top news items that I had followed over the course of the last four years, but the personal struggles within the family on how to deal with their loss of privacy made me respect all of the Obama members even more. I am not sure where the next four years will take our country, but I know that Michelle Obama will continue to encourage her husband to fight for the 99%.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book out of curiosity and must say I learned a lot from it. One thing I learned was just how truly meteoric Barack Obama's rise to power was and exactly how deeply and fundamentally Barack and Michelle Obama hope to change the country. Michelle was unsupportive of Barack's desire to invest himself in political life because she felt she'd seen enough to convince her that politics doesn't have the power to change things as deeply as she felt they needed changing. Insights into their relationship were interesting and the insularity they've demonstrated in Washington was also interesting and something I hadn't previously realized. They seem to cling to their five early friends from Chicago with all their might - those are the people who are with them constantly and there is a strong flavor of racial discontent and anger among that group of friends. The author is clearly favorable to the Obamas, but writes with enough remove and objectivity that it isn't blatantly obvious. Her alliance is as clear by what she avoids covering as by what she addresses. It was a quick read - but worth the time I took to read it. It definitely didn't make me pro-Obama, far from it! I also believe that the so-called trials and challenges that so tripped them up in the early going are largely attributable to how truly politically neophyte they were. I see things described in the book differently than the author sees them...but the book definitely helped clarify my thoughts and opinions, and solidified my beliefs about Obama's narcissism and arrogance and Michelle's disdain for the American citizenry in general.

[Lim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrative spun by Kantor is delicious, anchored by the brilliant question of how the dynamics between Barack and Michelle Obama would shape the force and character of US policies. Inverting the typical storyline of how presidency affects the First Couple, in this case, the possibility that the private can influence the public, reveals an optimism about the Obama presidency that is nonetheless realistic and replete with the failures and disorganization of Obama's management of the White House.

At the larger level, the tale is really about whether bipartisanship, or even post-partisanship is a conceivable reality. In short, whether society can truly solve problems despite ideological differences. And the question remains: what would unify American politics? Here, Obama is portrayed as the dejected philosopher-king who struggles to deal with savvy Washington politicians, and the only thing that carries him forward is the love and fierce belief of his wife, in his potential. The subplot is seared with the idea of how a couple complements, supports and believe in one another. A great weaving together of bigger political issues and the demonstration of love between two human beings, by the author.

[Michael Thomas Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sympathetic portrayal of the Obamas. In her descriptions of the Obamas through their nomination to the White House up to the present, she is able to give readers a sense of the difficulties Barack and Michelle face in such unforgiving public roles. I was left with a sense that Barack Obama is an idealist with a big heart who took the job of President with the intention to make real, positive change and do some good in the world but was left severely disillusioned. Michelle's dilemma is intimately described as she struggles to find her place and make her mark as First Lady in a role with as many limitations as there are expectations. The author takes readers on a journey as Michelle finds her voice in the anti-obesity campaign she championed in the schools. The bottom line of the biography is that Barack Obama couldn't care less if he loses the 2012 nomination because he is already on to other things.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess if you know absolutely nothing about the Obamas, you could find this very interesting. But I feel the book is pretty shallow. I wanted to know more about their personal struggles, individually and as a couple, during their crazy-fast rise to the White House. But really, how much more could you get from one interview with your subjects and then interviews with others? And it would have been nice to have the resolution of the 2012 election included. As it is, I felt like I was left hanging a little in the midst of the climax.

It's an interesting skim of the Obamas' rise from quiet, private people in Chicago to the first family of the United States. But it has no depth of feeling.

I got this book through a Goodreads First-reads giveaway.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fascinating. Plowed through it. So much info on inside the administration, the Obama family, marriage and the challenges of the presidency. To think that 4 years prior to being elected the Obama family of 4 was living in a condo in Chicago just amazes me. Quite a culture shock to be in the White House! This book explores the couple's dynamic both of whom were both such high achievers from working class families. Definitely not your average U.S. presidential family! But the book also delves into attempts at bi-partisanship, and Obama's eye-opening experience that no one is above politics in Washington. Don't see why this was supposed to be a negative portrayal of Michelle. She's a smart,strong woman and is portrayed as such. Nothing wrong with that. Would definitely recommend.

[Lncropper · Rating 5 out of 5]

In case you think being president is all about glory and power, and that presidents' wives all want that for their families, you should read this book. I learned so much about what really happens behind the scenes in this well-researched, carefully written book. It is not strongly for or against our president and his wife; it just tries to show the effects of elections and time in office on this family, and the difficulties of working with the many personalities who surround them. My only complaint is that it was written in 2012--before the second election, even. I wish Jodi Kantor would write another one detailing the second term. This is definitely one of my favorite books in recent history.

[Luke A. Bunker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was painted largely in the media as an anti-Obama book, particularly towards the first lady. And towards the beginning, this seemed to be the case. However, I found myself barely able put this book down and believe that, at the same time she wasn't sugarcoating their shortcomings and isolation, she was also being quite fair to the couple. She talked about their triumphs and failures, supported throughout with many interviews and a great deal of research. Overall, "The Obamas" is a really great and fast read that I would recommend to anyone interested in the Obamas, the Presidency, or White House life.

[susan kj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed. I don't buy the way the author strung events and interviews together and connected the dots about Michelle's feelings, parenting and relationship! Really?? SHE knows what they feel? ? And she makes a big deal about how, sadly, the Obama girls can't trick or treat like other kids. Barack can't go snorkeling without an entourage... Tragic! I did come away with more respect than ever for the Obamas and their accomplishments especially in light of media scrutiny, the impulse to cherry pick incidents and compose a story that sells and biased reporting like this book!

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book although it's a bit more gossipy and vanity fair-like than my expectations. And I don't understand why others (including the WH) came off thinking that Mrs Obama was illustrated as an "angry black woman" in this book. That was not my impression at all from reading this book. To me, she came across as a strong and sensible woman who loved her husband, and helped keep him grounded amidst all the political posturing and personal dramas in DC.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid reporting that reads like a very long NYT article. You can't quite tell whether the author is an Obama supporter or not, which I suppose is a positive reflection on her reporter's objectivity, but she also doesn't get inside anyone's head at all. Still, it was interesting to have history's eye-view of a presidency I am living through, and also engaging how she builds the book around how the First Couple complement and contrast with each other.

[Shelli McDowell]

Really enjoyed this look at the presidency and how the First Lady had had to find her own role within the administration. I have even more respect for both the President and Michelle Obama. The book really only covers the first 2 years of his time in office with intermittent stories from their past providing more context of their relationship - but I still thought it was interesting and an easy read. Any fan of Michelle Obama would enjoy!

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was like reading the world's longest People magazine article....

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of it feels dated now, but it's fascinating to know a little about what goes on behind the scenes.