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The American Journey of Barack Obama
<!--StartFragment--> For decades Americans have turned to LIFE to see, understand, and remember the most important events and people of our time. Just as LIFE once opened up the glittering Kennedy White House, LIFE now focuses its lens on Barack Obama. The American Journey of Barack Obama covers the candidate from his childhood and adolescence to his time as editor of The Harvard Law Review and his Chicago activist years, culminating with the excitement and fervor of the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention. The unfolding drama of Obama's life and political career is cinematic in scope, and never has it been presented so compellingly. In addition to a powerful array of photographs that were taken by many of the country's greatest photographers (and some that were snapped, in the quiet moments, by Obama family members themselves), this book also includes a Foreword by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an incisive narrative biography and original essays by some of our finest writers, including Gay Talese, Charles Johnson, Melissa Fay Greene, Andrei Codrescu, Fay Weldon, Richard Norton Smith, Bob Greene and several others. Many readers will find a new understanding of Obama. All readers will feel that they are bearing witness to a singular, undeniably American story.
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176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
LIFE
1,207 books70 followersLife was an American magazine published weekly from 1883 to 1972, as an intermittent "special" until 1978, and as a monthly from 1978 until 2000. During its golden age from 1936 to 1972, Life was a wide-ranging weekly general interest magazine known for the quality of its photography.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 20, 2012
My first book about Barack Obama. I am a Filipino and I have no business meddling in the American politics. However, the United States of America is still the world's greatest superpower so when America sneezes, the whole world gets sick.
I was in Ohio on a business trip during the 2nd and 3rd debates between Obama and McCain in the fall of 2008. I watched those on the television inside my hotel room. I do not religiously follow the politics in the US because if you are in the Philippines, your plate is already overflowing of too much politics everyday. I'd rather follow the US economic situation rather than politics because I work for a multinational US-based company. Somehow, if the US economy is not doing well, my paycheck also is not doing well and my wife's passion towards me is also not doing well.
Looking at the TV screen, I could not imagine a non-white man becoming the next US President. All my life, I had been used to the image of a white man delivering speeches in the White House. So, I thought I was rooting for McCain: a Vietnam hero and who fitted the role to a T. But when I heard Obama answered the questions also eloquently and brilliantly, I thought it would be a tight race. After seeing a white man on the TV screen all my life, Obama seemed like a new menu in my favorite restaurant that was too hard to pass up.
I have both read the hardbound copy of this book (that my brother passed on to me) and listened to its audio version (for four days in my car to and from the office). It was a quick entertaining read because of the beautiful so very-Life pictures of Obama's life including of course his family. At the end of the book are essays about Obama by well-known authors. My favorites are those of Gay Talese and Bob Greene. Their writings are easier to understand even for someone like me who did not follow the events that led Obama to the White House.
Things I learned from this book:
Did this book made me think whether Obama deserves his second term? As I said, I follow the news about the US economy. So, I'd rather not give my opinion. The US Politics is not my business as a Filipino. As I said, we already have too much politics going on in our country and that's more than enough for me.
I was in Ohio on a business trip during the 2nd and 3rd debates between Obama and McCain in the fall of 2008. I watched those on the television inside my hotel room. I do not religiously follow the politics in the US because if you are in the Philippines, your plate is already overflowing of too much politics everyday. I'd rather follow the US economic situation rather than politics because I work for a multinational US-based company. Somehow, if the US economy is not doing well, my paycheck also is not doing well and my wife's passion towards me is also not doing well.
Looking at the TV screen, I could not imagine a non-white man becoming the next US President. All my life, I had been used to the image of a white man delivering speeches in the White House. So, I thought I was rooting for McCain: a Vietnam hero and who fitted the role to a T. But when I heard Obama answered the questions also eloquently and brilliantly, I thought it would be a tight race. After seeing a white man on the TV screen all my life, Obama seemed like a new menu in my favorite restaurant that was too hard to pass up.
I have both read the hardbound copy of this book (that my brother passed on to me) and listened to its audio version (for four days in my car to and from the office). It was a quick entertaining read because of the beautiful so very-Life pictures of Obama's life including of course his family. At the end of the book are essays about Obama by well-known authors. My favorites are those of Gay Talese and Bob Greene. Their writings are easier to understand even for someone like me who did not follow the events that led Obama to the White House.
Things I learned from this book:
1. Michelle is also a lawyer. Some people voted for Obama because they felt that Michelle would be a good president someday.Incidentally, Obama is now campaigning for his re-election. I did not time my reading of this book and writing this review for that. I only saw this audio book being sold brand new for P45 ($1) when a big bookstore near my office participated in a mall-wide weekend payday sale. It felt too irresistible because I remembered that my brother passed on to me his coffee table edition a couple of years ago and it was already gathering dust in my bookshelf so I said why not listen to the audio and browse at the pictures? However, the narration was beautiful yet short and I ended up reading the whole book.
2. Obama has 2 half-sisters and 5 half-brothers. What I knew prior to this book was that Obama's mother was white and his father was black but I did not know that "he has siblings scattered all around the world."
3. Obama became the US president at the age of 45. Prior that that, his only experience in the government was his 6 years stay in the Illinois Senate as the Senator from the 13th district and his 3 years and 10 months stay in the US Senate. Well, of course he was the President of Harvard Law Review, a professor, civil rights attorney, etc.
4. He graduated valedictorian in high school and earned scholarship at Harvard Law School where he graduated as J.D. magna cum laude. His father, Obama senior, left Obama junior (2 years old then) and his wife in Hawaii when Obama senior earned Harvard scholarship. Obama senior only visited Obama junior once when the latter was 9 years old. Senior died in an automobile accident in 1982.
5. Obama's white mother, Ann Dunham, died of ovarian cancer at the age of 52. She was still able to read the draft of Obama's first book Dreams From My Father.
6. Obama played basketball very well in high school. He was called Barry O'Bomber because he was a sharpshooter.
Did this book made me think whether Obama deserves his second term? As I said, I follow the news about the US economy. So, I'd rather not give my opinion. The US Politics is not my business as a Filipino. As I said, we already have too much politics going on in our country and that's more than enough for me.
August 10, 2011
For decades Americans have turned to LIFE to see, understand, and remember the most important events and people of our time. Just as LIFE once opened up the glittering Kennedy White House, LIFE now focuses its lens on Barack Obama.
The American Journey of Barack Obama covers the candidate from his childhood and adolescence to his time as editor of The Harvard Law Review and his Chicago activist years, culminating with the excitement and fervor of the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention. The unfolding drama of Obama's life and political career is cinematic in scope, and never has it been presented so compellingly.
In addition to a powerful array of photographs that were taken by many of the country's greatest photographers (and some that were snapped, in the quiet moments, by Obama family members themselves), this book also includes a Foreword by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an incisive narrative biography and original essays by some of our finest writers, including Gay Talese, Charles Johnson, Melissa Fay Greene, Andrei Codrescu, Fay Weldon, Richard Norton Smith, Bob Greene and several others. Many readers will find a new understanding of Obama.
The American Journey of Barack Obama covers the candidate from his childhood and adolescence to his time as editor of The Harvard Law Review and his Chicago activist years, culminating with the excitement and fervor of the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention. The unfolding drama of Obama's life and political career is cinematic in scope, and never has it been presented so compellingly.
In addition to a powerful array of photographs that were taken by many of the country's greatest photographers (and some that were snapped, in the quiet moments, by Obama family members themselves), this book also includes a Foreword by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an incisive narrative biography and original essays by some of our finest writers, including Gay Talese, Charles Johnson, Melissa Fay Greene, Andrei Codrescu, Fay Weldon, Richard Norton Smith, Bob Greene and several others. Many readers will find a new understanding of Obama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2010
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook about Barack Obama. What a fascinating man he is, and there was so much I had no idea of.
It's odd how being Canadian I am so fascinated by him. I think that when he got elected it struck a cord with the whole world, and not just America. For me, I see someone who wants to do the right thing for all people, not just America, though being president it is a priority. I have learned through listening to this story, that family is very important, as well as morality, truth and humanity. I feel like there is more we can all do in our lives and worlds, and maybe Obama is the leader who can show everyone the way. Live by example you know.
If you enjoy audiobooks, then get a copy and give it a listen. I am sure it will have a profound effect on you too. If you prefer books, then grab a copy that way.
It's odd how being Canadian I am so fascinated by him. I think that when he got elected it struck a cord with the whole world, and not just America. For me, I see someone who wants to do the right thing for all people, not just America, though being president it is a priority. I have learned through listening to this story, that family is very important, as well as morality, truth and humanity. I feel like there is more we can all do in our lives and worlds, and maybe Obama is the leader who can show everyone the way. Live by example you know.
If you enjoy audiobooks, then get a copy and give it a listen. I am sure it will have a profound effect on you too. If you prefer books, then grab a copy that way.
January 18, 2009
The American Journey of Barack Obama by the Editors of Life is a beautiful coffee table book. It tells the story of Barack Obama from birth through the Presidential race, but it was printed before Election Day. This book doesn’t really introduce any new material but it does a nice job of presenting Barack’s history in a easily read, conversational tone. As would be expected from Life, the book is filled with beautiful, full-color photographs, some of which were not previously published.
My favorite part of the book is the essays in the back from “12 fine thinkers and writers,” including Gay Talese and Andrei Codresu. These essays and the photographs make this book unique among the Barack Obama books.
My favorite part of the book is the essays in the back from “12 fine thinkers and writers,” including Gay Talese and Andrei Codresu. These essays and the photographs make this book unique among the Barack Obama books.
November 8, 2009
Yippee, we now have a president I want to read about!
October 14, 2013
A gorgeous coffee table book; nothing more, nothing less.
(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Library Thing's Early Reviewer program.)
I’ve long been a fan of the Time/Life glossy pictorial hardcovers (e.g., the Time Annual Year in Review and Life Album: Pictures of the Year series), so when Life’s THE AMERICAN JOURNEY OF BARACK OBAMA became available through Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program, I jumped at the chance to review a copy. Though I’m not an Obama voter – I supported Kucinch in the primaries, McKinney/Clemente in the general election – I found myself moved by the historic nature of his campaign (and victory) nonetheless. In particular, the photos and speeches which came out of the 2008 campaign cycle have proven poignant and inspirational; considering previous Life volumes, I hoped that this book might capture some of the more memorable campaign moments.
Since THE AMERICAN JOURNEY OF BARACK OBAMA is largely a work of photojournalism, let’s start with the photographs. TAJOBO is a gorgeous, colorful book, filled to the brim with photos: Obama/Dunham and, later, Obama/Robinson family snapshots; photos of Barack Obama during his college years; pictures taken throughout Obama’s political career; candid shots of Barack and Michelle with children Sasha and Malia; and, of course, a number of photos from the campaign trail, including a few stills of the Obamas working the daytime talk show circuit. If you followed the 2008 elections, no doubt you’ll recognize some of the more iconic photographs, such as the one of Obama, leaning back in an office chair, with a phone nestled snugly between ear and shoulder, feet propped up on a desk - showing two very beaten, worn soles.
Sadly, Life only includes a few photos of Obama’s supporters, taken during his speeches and rallies; of the shots they do include, most are of the stadium-sized crowds, rather than of individual supporters. For me, these have been some of the most moving and emotional images from the campaign trail: seeing African American children and adults interact with Obama and react to his speeches. It’s a shame that Life didn’t feature more of these photographs.
In regards to the biographical text of TAJOBO, the book is primarily divided into five sections: Roots, Boyhood, A Young Man on the Rise, Chicago and Washington. The biographical section is largely laudatory, as you might expect; after all, one purchases Life pictorials for the photos – the hard hitting journalism, not so much.
The final section, Aspects of Obama, features twelve essays from “fine thinkers” (while I probably take in more CSPAN than your average American, none of the names ring a bell), with the goal of examining how Obama is viewed “by the black man and the white, the cultural anthropologist and the historian, the northerner and the southerner, the immigrant and the foreigner, the woman who suffered when Hillary got beat.” While this section practically begs for an essay critical of Obama – just one, mind you! – the editors at Life wouldn’t hear of it. Likewise, the specter of racism is discussed in depth, as it should be – as I noted above, this was a historic election cycle. However, 2008 was notable not just because it saw the first African American presidential candidate on a major party ticket – but because he was competing against the first viable female candidate in the Democratic primaries. Just as race(ism) was at the forefront in 2008, so too was sex(ism) – but the misogyny directed at Hillary Clinton and her supporters (and later, Sarah Palin and her supporters), is barely given a nod. But again, I expected as much when I requested the book from LT; a masterpiece of political journalism, TAJOBO is not.
To be fair, THE AMERICAN JOURNEY OF BARACK OBAMA doesn’t claim to be a comprehensive biography or exhaustive journalistic endeavor. Rather, it’s a pretty book, meant to commemorate the first African American President of the United States. (I somewhat doubt that Life would have released THE AMERICAN JOURNEY OF JOHN MCCAIN, had Obama lost the election, you know?) In this, the editors at Life largely succeed; and yet, because Obama’s American journey is also a journey shared by the many people of color who supported Obama, campaigned on his behalf, braved harsh weather and crushing throngs in order to hear him speak, and celebrated with him when he won the election, I can’t help but feel as though more of the photos in this (photo)essay could have – should have – been dedicated to them: “Yes WE Can.”
http://www.easyvegan.info/2008/12/17/...
(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Library Thing's Early Reviewer program.)
I’ve long been a fan of the Time/Life glossy pictorial hardcovers (e.g., the Time Annual Year in Review and Life Album: Pictures of the Year series), so when Life’s THE AMERICAN JOURNEY OF BARACK OBAMA became available through Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program, I jumped at the chance to review a copy. Though I’m not an Obama voter – I supported Kucinch in the primaries, McKinney/Clemente in the general election – I found myself moved by the historic nature of his campaign (and victory) nonetheless. In particular, the photos and speeches which came out of the 2008 campaign cycle have proven poignant and inspirational; considering previous Life volumes, I hoped that this book might capture some of the more memorable campaign moments.
Since THE AMERICAN JOURNEY OF BARACK OBAMA is largely a work of photojournalism, let’s start with the photographs. TAJOBO is a gorgeous, colorful book, filled to the brim with photos: Obama/Dunham and, later, Obama/Robinson family snapshots; photos of Barack Obama during his college years; pictures taken throughout Obama’s political career; candid shots of Barack and Michelle with children Sasha and Malia; and, of course, a number of photos from the campaign trail, including a few stills of the Obamas working the daytime talk show circuit. If you followed the 2008 elections, no doubt you’ll recognize some of the more iconic photographs, such as the one of Obama, leaning back in an office chair, with a phone nestled snugly between ear and shoulder, feet propped up on a desk - showing two very beaten, worn soles.
Sadly, Life only includes a few photos of Obama’s supporters, taken during his speeches and rallies; of the shots they do include, most are of the stadium-sized crowds, rather than of individual supporters. For me, these have been some of the most moving and emotional images from the campaign trail: seeing African American children and adults interact with Obama and react to his speeches. It’s a shame that Life didn’t feature more of these photographs.
In regards to the biographical text of TAJOBO, the book is primarily divided into five sections: Roots, Boyhood, A Young Man on the Rise, Chicago and Washington. The biographical section is largely laudatory, as you might expect; after all, one purchases Life pictorials for the photos – the hard hitting journalism, not so much.
The final section, Aspects of Obama, features twelve essays from “fine thinkers” (while I probably take in more CSPAN than your average American, none of the names ring a bell), with the goal of examining how Obama is viewed “by the black man and the white, the cultural anthropologist and the historian, the northerner and the southerner, the immigrant and the foreigner, the woman who suffered when Hillary got beat.” While this section practically begs for an essay critical of Obama – just one, mind you! – the editors at Life wouldn’t hear of it. Likewise, the specter of racism is discussed in depth, as it should be – as I noted above, this was a historic election cycle. However, 2008 was notable not just because it saw the first African American presidential candidate on a major party ticket – but because he was competing against the first viable female candidate in the Democratic primaries. Just as race(ism) was at the forefront in 2008, so too was sex(ism) – but the misogyny directed at Hillary Clinton and her supporters (and later, Sarah Palin and her supporters), is barely given a nod. But again, I expected as much when I requested the book from LT; a masterpiece of political journalism, TAJOBO is not.
To be fair, THE AMERICAN JOURNEY OF BARACK OBAMA doesn’t claim to be a comprehensive biography or exhaustive journalistic endeavor. Rather, it’s a pretty book, meant to commemorate the first African American President of the United States. (I somewhat doubt that Life would have released THE AMERICAN JOURNEY OF JOHN MCCAIN, had Obama lost the election, you know?) In this, the editors at Life largely succeed; and yet, because Obama’s American journey is also a journey shared by the many people of color who supported Obama, campaigned on his behalf, braved harsh weather and crushing throngs in order to hear him speak, and celebrated with him when he won the election, I can’t help but feel as though more of the photos in this (photo)essay could have – should have – been dedicated to them: “Yes WE Can.”
http://www.easyvegan.info/2008/12/17/...
November 17, 2008
Perfect for : Personal reading, Gift book, Great coffee table/office book
In a nutshell: This is an absolutely beautiful book. The pictures are wonderfully candid and bright, and the information contained within the book gives us some wonderful information on the life of our soon-to-be 44th President of the United States. With an inspirational foreword by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the book starts by allowing readers to see Obama's family tree, showing an impressive seven half-brothers and half-sisters! We then get to see photos (and read information) of his family, his childhood, his school years, and his early career and his entry into politics. As readers, we also get the opportunity to see him as a boy, a man, a teacher, a husband, a father, a politician, etc. This is a wonderful look at a fascinating life. There is no doubt that readers will learn a lot about our 44th President, and they will get to see the many sides of Barack Obama!
My Review:
This is a beautiful book, which contains a multitude of pictures and facts about the 44th President of the United States. It was a joy to leaf through the pages of the book, pausing to read the captions of the pictures, or the information contained on the pages. Regardless of your political views, this is an interesting book, which I certainly recommend!
Characters: As a non-fiction book, the "characters" are Barack Obama and his family. We get to have a candid look at his life growing up, and as an adult. We also get to learn tidbits of the rest of his family, making his story that much more interesting.
Story-Line: This is the story of Barack Obama's life. It is amazing in that his father is from Kenya, and he has had to work hard to achieve his accomplishments.
Readability: The information in the book is easy to read, and broken up into a great time-line with lots of pictures. The pictures within the book are amazing, and fun to look through.
Overall: I highly recommend this book. It is a beautiful representation of an amazing life. Regardless of your political views, this is a wonderful way to gain some insight into the life of the 44th President of the United States. I particularly loved the photographs of him with his wife and/or girls. He seems to be a wonderful family man. This book would be a great addition to a personal book collection, as well as a professional/business collection (why not put a copy in your office or lobby?).
In a nutshell: This is an absolutely beautiful book. The pictures are wonderfully candid and bright, and the information contained within the book gives us some wonderful information on the life of our soon-to-be 44th President of the United States. With an inspirational foreword by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the book starts by allowing readers to see Obama's family tree, showing an impressive seven half-brothers and half-sisters! We then get to see photos (and read information) of his family, his childhood, his school years, and his early career and his entry into politics. As readers, we also get the opportunity to see him as a boy, a man, a teacher, a husband, a father, a politician, etc. This is a wonderful look at a fascinating life. There is no doubt that readers will learn a lot about our 44th President, and they will get to see the many sides of Barack Obama!
My Review:
This is a beautiful book, which contains a multitude of pictures and facts about the 44th President of the United States. It was a joy to leaf through the pages of the book, pausing to read the captions of the pictures, or the information contained on the pages. Regardless of your political views, this is an interesting book, which I certainly recommend!
Characters: As a non-fiction book, the "characters" are Barack Obama and his family. We get to have a candid look at his life growing up, and as an adult. We also get to learn tidbits of the rest of his family, making his story that much more interesting.
Story-Line: This is the story of Barack Obama's life. It is amazing in that his father is from Kenya, and he has had to work hard to achieve his accomplishments.
Readability: The information in the book is easy to read, and broken up into a great time-line with lots of pictures. The pictures within the book are amazing, and fun to look through.
Overall: I highly recommend this book. It is a beautiful representation of an amazing life. Regardless of your political views, this is a wonderful way to gain some insight into the life of the 44th President of the United States. I particularly loved the photographs of him with his wife and/or girls. He seems to be a wonderful family man. This book would be a great addition to a personal book collection, as well as a professional/business collection (why not put a copy in your office or lobby?).
March 13, 2011
This colorful chronological compilation of stunning, photos and candid text makes this book an enjoyable read. This is no simple coffee table book. It is a chapter by chapter biography starting with Barack Obama's intriguing family tree to his rocket rise to top political ranks.[return][return]The introduction by Ted Kennedy is inspiring. He sets the tone and theme of the book when he says of Barack Obama,[return][return] "he refuses to be trapped in the patterns of the past."[return][return]How many of us have put our hope and faith in this man to lead our country during these tenuous time?[return][return]Published in October 2008, prior to knowing the election outcome, this beautifully crafted book follows the life of Barack Obama and his orbital spin from Senator in 2004 to Presidential Candidate in 2008. His personality shines through each chapter with dialog and exceptional photography capturing just right moments in time.[return][return]He admits being shaped by his maternal grandparents and mother. It was fascinating to read that his mother was a child of the 60's who had a Utopian view of a better life common to youth of the time. She instilled in him her ideals of fairness and freedom. It was noted that Barack remembers his mother's lessons of tolerance, equality and standing up for the disadvantaged. Themes he echoed in his campaigning.[return][return]This is the type of short biographical stories, snippets and sketches of Barack Obama that are presented in this multi-chapter book. The chapters are, The Family Tree, Roots, Boyhood, Young Man on the Rise, Chicago, Washington, Aspects of Obama, and lastly, The Journey Continues.[return][return]Fascinating stories, captivating pictures and a compelling subject will make everyone want this on their Christmas Wish List. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2009
The American Journey of Barack Obama
Written By: The Editors of Time LIFE
Published By: Little, Brown and Company, a Division of the Hachette Book Group Inc., 2008, First Edition, 176 pages, over-sized hardcover
ISBN 978-0316045605
The American Journey of Barack Obama is a rich collection of photographs and information about the new US President! I really enjoyed reading this book as there is not an over abundance of detailed political information and strategising, though it still talks about President Obama’s rise in the political arena. This book focuses on President Obama’s family and his diverse upbringing. It tells of his multiculturalism and his strong desire to unite the United States, for the betterment of all.
I was so pleased by the overabundance of the large, colourful photographs, which were so telling, all on there own. I was delighted to see...
**Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
Written By: The Editors of Time LIFE
Published By: Little, Brown and Company, a Division of the Hachette Book Group Inc., 2008, First Edition, 176 pages, over-sized hardcover
ISBN 978-0316045605
The American Journey of Barack Obama is a rich collection of photographs and information about the new US President! I really enjoyed reading this book as there is not an over abundance of detailed political information and strategising, though it still talks about President Obama’s rise in the political arena. This book focuses on President Obama’s family and his diverse upbringing. It tells of his multiculturalism and his strong desire to unite the United States, for the betterment of all.
I was so pleased by the overabundance of the large, colourful photographs, which were so telling, all on there own. I was delighted to see...
**Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
October 2, 2009
He is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@#################################################$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^&*&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&***************************(((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
December 31, 2008
Timely
“The American Journey of Barack Obama” is excellent and relevant! It detailed some of the controversial things in his campaign and destroyed a lot of myths before they got started...like how he entered politics, his role as editor/reviewer of the “Harvard Law Review” and a general tenacity to be the best of multiple worlds without insulting others. “The American Journey of Barack Obama” is highly recommended, definitely deserving of 5 stars and greater because it was published before the election. This book has universal appeal to inform!
Reviewed by: Gail
“The American Journey of Barack Obama” is excellent and relevant! It detailed some of the controversial things in his campaign and destroyed a lot of myths before they got started...like how he entered politics, his role as editor/reviewer of the “Harvard Law Review” and a general tenacity to be the best of multiple worlds without insulting others. “The American Journey of Barack Obama” is highly recommended, definitely deserving of 5 stars and greater because it was published before the election. This book has universal appeal to inform!
Reviewed by: Gail
November 18, 2008
A beautiful quality book about the life of 44th president, Barack Obama. While I didn't expect to learn any new info about Obama considering all the reading I've done about him, I did learn quite a lot; more info about his family in Africa, especially. It's an even-keel kind of book. It's not all roses and daisies, as it critiques him and his candidacy to some extent as well. Very good book for those who want a keepsake to remember this election or a good biography on Obama.
December 12, 2008
This book is what you would expect from Life books! There are photographs of just about every stage of Obama’s life. As a young boy, teenager, and as an adult. There are photos of him with each of his parents and grandmother and many of him with his beautiful family. There is even a photo of Barack and ...
Read the full review Here:
http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2008/12...
Read the full review Here:
http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2008/12...
April 14, 2009
I decided I should learn a little about our new President. This book was a good choice for me. It was very informative, especially in its explanation of Obama's family history, quite a genealogical potpouri. The pictures, true to the LIFE tradition, were great! After reading about him, I can't help but be impressed with Obama's self confidence and drive.
March 28, 2009
OK so I really didn't read too much of it, but I like looking at pictures of our handsome president. He's lovely and I wish I had time to read all about him, but I have to choose books that are slightly more pertinent to my life right now.
December 25, 2008
Beautifully illustrated book with some awesome photographs about our new President of the USA. Uplifting writing about the history and journey of this man, things that I did not know, I learned from reading this great book.
February 11, 2009
While the text and the story are great, the focus of this book is the fabulous photographs. Trust Life magazine to create such a beautiful book about one of the most fascinating men in a generation.
March 28, 2009
I'll admit it--I'm a fan of the First Family. This would have received more stars from me if the book included more photos and a little less text. It's a LIFE book, so I expected more visuals and, let's face it, he's cute (no disrespect) and the camera loves him.
Read
August 30, 2010Very good book. I'm looking forward to reading other book about him. Made me realize anyone can become POTUS if they put their mind to it. I am very curious about his mother; I would love to learn more about her.
December 1, 2008
My boss gave me this book for my birthday! It's the perfect coffee table book for this post election season. Lovely photographs and plenty of good commentary too.
January 9, 2009
What a phenomenal book about our 44th President and his incredible backgound!
This is definitely a book to keep on your bookshelf!
This is definitely a book to keep on your bookshelf!
January 20, 2009
Very good book to read this week - and I learned some more facts about our 44th President! Lots of nice pictures too.
Read
February 23, 20092008-Fall,politics,non-fiction,2008 Presidential Election,Democratic Party,first African American President
March 9, 2009
OK, I just looked at the pictures! Really nice view of our new president. Plenty of biographical information as well as being a re-cap of his candidacy.
March 14, 2009
I've read a couple of books about and by Obama and so I just wanted to look at his life in pictures.
had-to-have-but-likely-wont-read
March 4, 2011I bought this book back in 2008, when I was an Obamamaniac. I've yet to do much more than breeze through it. And at this point, it's probably all I'll ever do. But it's nice to have, anyway....
March 13, 2011
Text and photographs present the life of the Harvard Law School graduate, legislator, civil rights lawyer and 2008 presidential candidate, from his childhood in Hawaii to his presidential campaign
February 2, 2012
I think that the journey of Barack Obama has been wonderful and this book will take you step by step into his life and what he has gone through in his life.
Read
September 2, 2012I think the authors are missing the point and praising qualities that don't really matter.
January 16, 2017
I enjoyed this book. The book is loaded with pictures that give you a close look at the many sides of Barack Obama. The book also contains enough verbiage that you will get a good sense of who this man is. The book was written just prior to the 2008 US presidential election. It contains several references to Obama's biography "The Audacity of Hope". The book does not cover every aspect of Obama's life. In truth it is probably not a biography as much as, a telling of his story and the acceptance of his words and inspiration by the various contributors of the book. I did learn some new information about Obama from the book and I gained a greater perspective of why people like or dislike his views.
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