Barack Obama: His Essential Wisdom

by Carol Kelly-Gangi (editor)

Barack His Essential Wisdom invites readers to experience the powerful oratory of our forty-fourth president. Obama’s skill at expressing deep empathy and thoughtful idealism made him a best-selling author at an early age. Speaking as a law professor, politician, and eventually the nation’s first African American president, he continued to hone a view of America as a unique place where all races and classes could achieve equality.
 
These selections have been drawn from his speeches, interviews, essays, books, social media posts, and other writings over the past twenty years, and they reveal a great intellect, dynamic leadership style, and steadfast determination. Arranged thematically, the selections reveal his thoughts and feelings, and even the occasional joke, about the many issues he faced during his two terms as president—universal healthcare, same-sex equality, racial equality, and the threat of terrorism among them.
 
In these passages,
Speaks passionately about the ideals and beliefs at the core of the American DreamVigorously advocates for the equality and inclusion of all AmericansEloquently expresses the need for smarter education and innovationElaborates a vision for a national security posture as judicious as it is toughMakes the case for decisive action on climate changeAdvocates for common-sense gun-control legislation and prison reform An illuminating and powerful collection, Barack His Essential Wisdom offers readers new insight into this remarkable leader, charismatic man, and gifted orator whose words have time and again restored the faith and bolstered the hopes of millions of Americans.

Genres: Politics, Biography, Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2016

Reviews

[Mike Sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Passages selected from Barack Obama's speeches, interviews, essays, books, social media posts and other writings over the past twenty years. Arranged thematically the selections reveal his thoughts and feelings and even the occasional joke - about the many issues he faced during his two terms as president:
- universal healthcare
- same-sex marriage equality
- racial equality
- the threat of terrorism
to name a few

These extracts reveal a great intellect, dynamic leadership style and steadfast determination.

Edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listing quotes from Obama's many speeches, interviews and social media posts is an interesting idea. And organizing them based on common themes is a great way to for someone to learn about his stance on some issues and beliefs. But, like a novel that focuses on plot instead of story, it made me yearn for depth. Interested in checking out the books he himself wrote. Not a bad book by any means though.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice book with quotes on assorted topics.All quotes came from interviews and speeches,etc. A nice compilation!!!!

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excerpts from President Obama's speeches, interviews, and various writings are presented in this book. Though it does not follow a traditional narrative, it produces a compelling story, for I read these and considered the context of each quote. At the same time that President Obama's life is presented to us, we readers can reflect on what was happening in our country when these words were first formed. What story were we collectively living when he was personally articulating these thoughts? I kept reflecting on that as I read these. I admired his eloquence and wisdom in some of these, and I enjoyed his humor in some of the others. In all, I was impressed by his insight. Again, he was making observations that corresponded with not only his life but many milestones of our country. For better or worse, we share this same story or at least the same time in history. I just wish I could generate the same wisdom and wit he has. This is not a traditional book; it is more of a reference for me, so I gave it a rating of 3. (Mind you, that still means I like it.) I'm looking forward to reading more of his other, longer writings.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

“In the end, if the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists—to protect them and to promote their common welfare—all else is lost.” — Barack Obama, University of Nairobi, 2006.

Quotable Wisdom I think is a bit too generous a title. Sure, lots of quotes. Many of them good ones. But it was more a repetitious sampling of his philosophy than a collection of quotes worth remembering.

Reasonably well organized, and a reasonable length. Not a bad book, just one I wouldn’t recommend you all go out and buy.

[Tomi Alger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of comments and statements from Mr. Obama, from speeches, commencement addresses, tweets, press conferences, and more. The topics are varied and include such things as race, the environment, government, women, climate change, the Presidency, family life, and education. These statements reinforce his hope in mankind, his hope for the future, and his enjoyment of people and life. It adds to my respect for him.

[Marguerite MacLean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books I will refer to again and again. Filled with quotes from Barack Obama through out his life from running for President and during his presidency. I forgot how very wise he was and just always seemed to be able to say what we the people needed to hear, even when sometimes some of us didn't want to hear it. If you are a fan of quotes and a fan of Obama's I would highly recommend this book.

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very idealistic and uplifting during the current times. I’m bummed that there was only one mention of Indigenous People in the entire book, however. Nothing was really said about his policies towards Native Americans. Some quotes were repeated. Overall, a short and sweet little book of Obama quotes that are very inspiring.

[Naori · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Never forget that we have it within our power to shape history in this country. It is not in our character to sit idly by as victims of fate or circumstance, for we are a people of action and innovation, forever pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

[Steve Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a lot of quotes from him.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, lists of quotes and information to provide a good insight of Barack Obama.

[Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads.com ARC giveaway. Even harsh critics of President Obama gave him credit for being a strong public speaker. This book contains some of his inspiring and articulate rhetoric.

[Tena · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely little book to add to one's historical library collection. #GoodreadsGiveaway

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't get better than #44 and this is a nice collection of some of his amazing oratory.