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Obama: An Intimate Portrait
This is the definitive visual biography of Barack Obama's presidency, captured in intimate, unprecedented detail by his official White House photographer.
Pete Souza began photographing President Obama on his first day as a U.S. senator, in January 2005, and served as the chief official White House photographer for the President's full two terms. Souza was with President Obama more often, and at more crucial moments, than any friend or staff member, or even the First Lady--and he photographed it all. Souza captured nearly 2 million photographs of Obama, in moments ranging from classified to disarmingly candid.
This large-format (12"x10"), exquisitely produced book presents more than 300 of Souza's favorite and most iconic images from these historic years; many have never been seen before. This seminal work on the Obama presidency documents moments of national importance--including the historic image of the President and his advisors watching tensely in the Situation Room as the Bin Laden mission unfolded--alongside unguarded moments with the President's family, his many encounters with children, and his time spent interacting with world leaders, members of Congress, White House staff, artists, musicians and more.
The photographs are paired with captions and stories providing behind-the-scenes context for each, and offer insight into the special relationship Souza and the President forged during their time together. The result is a stunning record of a landmark era in American history.
Souza's work enabled us to feel that we knew the President. This book puts us in the White House with him.
Pete Souza began photographing President Obama on his first day as a U.S. senator, in January 2005, and served as the chief official White House photographer for the President's full two terms. Souza was with President Obama more often, and at more crucial moments, than any friend or staff member, or even the First Lady--and he photographed it all. Souza captured nearly 2 million photographs of Obama, in moments ranging from classified to disarmingly candid.
This large-format (12"x10"), exquisitely produced book presents more than 300 of Souza's favorite and most iconic images from these historic years; many have never been seen before. This seminal work on the Obama presidency documents moments of national importance--including the historic image of the President and his advisors watching tensely in the Situation Room as the Bin Laden mission unfolded--alongside unguarded moments with the President's family, his many encounters with children, and his time spent interacting with world leaders, members of Congress, White House staff, artists, musicians and more.
The photographs are paired with captions and stories providing behind-the-scenes context for each, and offer insight into the special relationship Souza and the President forged during their time together. The result is a stunning record of a landmark era in American history.
Souza's work enabled us to feel that we knew the President. This book puts us in the White House with him.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2017
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8224 people want to read
About the author
Pete Souza
14 books161 followersPete Souza was the Chief Official White House Photographer for President Obama and the Director of the White House Photo Office. Previously Souza was an Assistant Professor of Photojournalism at Ohio University, the national photographer for the Chicago Tribune, a freelancer for National Geographic, and an Official White House Photographer for President Reagan. His books include the New York Times bestseller The Rise of Barack Obama, which documents the president's meteoric ascent from his first day in the United States Senate through the 2008 Pennsylvania presidential primary. Souza is currently a freelance photographer based in Washington, D.C. and is a Professor Emeritus at Ohio University's School of Visual Communication.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 831 reviews
December 28, 2017
“I have had the extraordinary privilege of being the man in the room for eight years, visually documenting President Obama for history. This book is a result of that effort. I gave it my all. I hope that the photographs that follow, accompanied by my words, will show you the true character of the man, and the essence of his Presidency, as seen through my eyes and felt through my heart. (Pete Souza from the introduction to his book.)
The intent of my review is to let Mr. Souza know that he has done an extraordinary job in achieving what he hoped in his introduction. I relived many of the moments with awe and respect for President Obama. There is not much text except a foreword by Barack Obama and an introduction by Pete Souza and a caption with the date of each of the over 300 stunning photographs, which Souza took in his official capacity of Chief White House photographer during Barack Obama’s two terms as President of the United States. There are though, a few photographs that are introduced with more than a caption, such as the one with the young black boy feeling the President’s hair, wanting to know if the hair felt like his, a meaningful moment, or a meeting on health care just before the Affordable Care Act passed, something that meant so much to the President or visiting a wounded soldier at Walter Reed Hospital or the photograph of the President and his advisors during the Osama Bin Laden Raid .The photos really say it all and then some about pivotal and intimate moments that Souza was privy to, seminal moments in our history. There is also the heartbreaking story of Sandy Hook, which is described by Obama as “the worst day of his presidency”. This is depicted in a photograph that is poignant and also telling of what an empathetic man he is. The family photos are beautiful with each of those pictures exuding his love of Michelle, Malia, and Sasha
These photographs reminded me of this smart, caring president who put the country before himself, of a time when we had a president who could relate to children, who could grieve with those who lost loved ones and who could console, of a president whose intellect was apparent in his understanding of the issues affecting our country and the world, of a man who brought dignity to the office . Barack Obama wasn’t a perfect president. None of them were, but I am thankful for his eight years. This is a book that I will look at over and over again remembering how much he did and feeling grateful that he graced us with his presence in the White House. Pete Souza has done a magnificent job with this visual chronicle of Obama’s time in office , beautifully depicting the man, his legacy and the events of the time. Souza has such a keen eye for detail and a wonderful sense of knowing the moments other than the big events that tell us so much about President Obama. Thank you , Pete Souza! This book was my favorite Christmas present.
The intent of my review is to let Mr. Souza know that he has done an extraordinary job in achieving what he hoped in his introduction. I relived many of the moments with awe and respect for President Obama. There is not much text except a foreword by Barack Obama and an introduction by Pete Souza and a caption with the date of each of the over 300 stunning photographs, which Souza took in his official capacity of Chief White House photographer during Barack Obama’s two terms as President of the United States. There are though, a few photographs that are introduced with more than a caption, such as the one with the young black boy feeling the President’s hair, wanting to know if the hair felt like his, a meaningful moment, or a meeting on health care just before the Affordable Care Act passed, something that meant so much to the President or visiting a wounded soldier at Walter Reed Hospital or the photograph of the President and his advisors during the Osama Bin Laden Raid .The photos really say it all and then some about pivotal and intimate moments that Souza was privy to, seminal moments in our history. There is also the heartbreaking story of Sandy Hook, which is described by Obama as “the worst day of his presidency”. This is depicted in a photograph that is poignant and also telling of what an empathetic man he is. The family photos are beautiful with each of those pictures exuding his love of Michelle, Malia, and Sasha
These photographs reminded me of this smart, caring president who put the country before himself, of a time when we had a president who could relate to children, who could grieve with those who lost loved ones and who could console, of a president whose intellect was apparent in his understanding of the issues affecting our country and the world, of a man who brought dignity to the office . Barack Obama wasn’t a perfect president. None of them were, but I am thankful for his eight years. This is a book that I will look at over and over again remembering how much he did and feeling grateful that he graced us with his presence in the White House. Pete Souza has done a magnificent job with this visual chronicle of Obama’s time in office , beautifully depicting the man, his legacy and the events of the time. Souza has such a keen eye for detail and a wonderful sense of knowing the moments other than the big events that tell us so much about President Obama. Thank you , Pete Souza! This book was my favorite Christmas present.
November 30, 2017
Follow Pete Souza on IG, you won't regret it.
Obama: An Intimate Portrait made me smile. I had almost forgotten what it was like to have an intelligent, calm and mentally stable President. This book will remind you of time when you could depend on a President to comfort and heal.
A few weeks ago I was discussing the current state of our nation with a friend and he said something that made a lot of sense. He said President Obama represented who this country thinks it is and 45 represents who this country really is.
Highly recommended!
Obama: An Intimate Portrait made me smile. I had almost forgotten what it was like to have an intelligent, calm and mentally stable President. This book will remind you of time when you could depend on a President to comfort and heal.
A few weeks ago I was discussing the current state of our nation with a friend and he said something that made a lot of sense. He said President Obama represented who this country thinks it is and 45 represents who this country really is.
Highly recommended!
March 6, 2018
I felt a gamut of emotions paging through this book, reading Souza's reflections and reminiscences, but mostly I felt proud. Obama was the first president I was old enough to vote for, and I did so twice with excitement and joy. It's a little heart-breaking to look at this book, which tells the story of eight years of a man's life, knowing that the man who succeeded him is doing his best to spit on all Obama tried to achieve for the betterment of the country. I know people were left behind, people struggled and mistakes were made, but the biggest mistake happened on November 8, 2016 and it rhymes with dump.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
January 1, 2018
Let's begin at the end:
Words cannot express the joy, pride and hope I felt going through this amazing book with my daughter. Joy in sharing in the memories, both good and bad, of Obama's eight years in office. Pride as I remember holding my infant son when Obama won reelection in 2012. Hope that the US will be able to reclaim her glory and respect throughout our country and the world. The Obama presidency was not all roses and rainbows, but it was not the "alternative" reality we are living in now.
Major kudos to Pete Souza for being there to capture moments and experiences that we will only know because of his wonderful eye. Obama: An Intimate Portrait clearly shows the Leader of the Free World as he serves the interests of the people he represents. But, equally important, it shows a man who is grounded in the love for his wife and daughters. It shows a man who is surrounded by a strong support system, both personally and professionally. In the words of the former President himself, "[Pete] ...has the capacity to capture the mood, the atmosphere, and the meaning of [an interesting] moment...[And], he never made himself a part of the story those images told" (The Forward).
You will not regret taking time from your schedule to go through this book. Trust me.
**In case you are wondering, one of the last images in the book shows the new rug that Obama had commissioned for the Oval Office. The rug includes the quote from Roosevelt.
"The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us".--President Theodore Roosevelt**
Words cannot express the joy, pride and hope I felt going through this amazing book with my daughter. Joy in sharing in the memories, both good and bad, of Obama's eight years in office. Pride as I remember holding my infant son when Obama won reelection in 2012. Hope that the US will be able to reclaim her glory and respect throughout our country and the world. The Obama presidency was not all roses and rainbows, but it was not the "alternative" reality we are living in now.
Major kudos to Pete Souza for being there to capture moments and experiences that we will only know because of his wonderful eye. Obama: An Intimate Portrait clearly shows the Leader of the Free World as he serves the interests of the people he represents. But, equally important, it shows a man who is grounded in the love for his wife and daughters. It shows a man who is surrounded by a strong support system, both personally and professionally. In the words of the former President himself, "[Pete] ...has the capacity to capture the mood, the atmosphere, and the meaning of [an interesting] moment...[And], he never made himself a part of the story those images told" (The Forward).
You will not regret taking time from your schedule to go through this book. Trust me.
**In case you are wondering, one of the last images in the book shows the new rug that Obama had commissioned for the Oval Office. The rug includes the quote from Roosevelt.
March 12, 2018
I checked this book out from the library and now I am dying to purchase the book to have a copy at home. I discovered this book when I saw the junior novelization of it and placed a hold on the original. Cue 3 months later when my hold finally came in (there was a long list!) and I couldn't wait to rush home to read it.
I had tears in my eyes when reading this book and looking at all the wonderful photos Pete Souza took. The part where I really had to hold back from crying was seeing the photos of Obama's reaction to the Sandy Hook shooting. I smiled a lot whenever I saw photos of him interacting with kids.
I miss the class and sophistication of the Obama presidency. I want him back.
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I had tears in my eyes when reading this book and looking at all the wonderful photos Pete Souza took. The part where I really had to hold back from crying was seeing the photos of Obama's reaction to the Sandy Hook shooting. I smiled a lot whenever I saw photos of him interacting with kids.
I miss the class and sophistication of the Obama presidency. I want him back.
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
May 11, 2018
This photo collection of the Obama presidency is gorgeous, both in content and composition.
Pete Souza was the official White House photographer for all eight years of the Obama administration. He was a constant companion of the president and traveled all over the world with him. The pictures in this book tell an amazing history and serve as a reminder of what a kind, compassionate, dignified and thoughtful leader he was. Highly recommended.
Passage from Souza's Introduction
"President Obama and I shared a lot of time in each other's presence. It was 10 to 12 hours a day, five days a week (and sometimes six or seven). I photographed every meeting, every day, every place he went to ...
"Along the way, I became his friend. And he became my friend. How could you not when you share so much of life together? ...
"In the 12 years I've known him, the character of this man has not changed. Deep down, his core is the same. He tells his daughters, "Be kind and be useful." And that tells you a lot about him. As a man. As a father. A husband. And yes, as a President of the United States."
Pete Souza was the official White House photographer for all eight years of the Obama administration. He was a constant companion of the president and traveled all over the world with him. The pictures in this book tell an amazing history and serve as a reminder of what a kind, compassionate, dignified and thoughtful leader he was. Highly recommended.
Passage from Souza's Introduction
"President Obama and I shared a lot of time in each other's presence. It was 10 to 12 hours a day, five days a week (and sometimes six or seven). I photographed every meeting, every day, every place he went to ...
"Along the way, I became his friend. And he became my friend. How could you not when you share so much of life together? ...
"In the 12 years I've known him, the character of this man has not changed. Deep down, his core is the same. He tells his daughters, "Be kind and be useful." And that tells you a lot about him. As a man. As a father. A husband. And yes, as a President of the United States."
February 22, 2018
With a foreword by Barack Obama, this beautiful book by Pete Souza, the White House's official photographer, captures the essence of the man who was President of the United States for 8 years. Almost two million photographs were taken of the President over that period, with a spectacular array enclosed between the covers of this book.
The closeness between the President and his family is obvious, even the family's two dogs are included. The times of sadness, of tragedy - and the times of happiness and success. All are documented in this exceptional record of a time in America's history that marked the presidency of a man who was empathetic, caring, devout and intensely strong in his running of his country.
Photographer Pete Souza and President Barack Obama became fast friends over the twelve years - it shows in the expressive and well-worded summary of photos, plus the more detailed writing in parts of the book by the author.
A coffee table book which I'm sure many will look at again and again, Obama: An Intimate Portrait: The Historic Presidency in Photographs makes me wish (once again) that this man was still President of the United States. Highly recommended.
The closeness between the President and his family is obvious, even the family's two dogs are included. The times of sadness, of tragedy - and the times of happiness and success. All are documented in this exceptional record of a time in America's history that marked the presidency of a man who was empathetic, caring, devout and intensely strong in his running of his country.
Photographer Pete Souza and President Barack Obama became fast friends over the twelve years - it shows in the expressive and well-worded summary of photos, plus the more detailed writing in parts of the book by the author.
A coffee table book which I'm sure many will look at again and again, Obama: An Intimate Portrait: The Historic Presidency in Photographs makes me wish (once again) that this man was still President of the United States. Highly recommended.
March 1, 2018
The combination of an extremely talented photographer with a terrific eye for the evocative and a stellar subject in President Obama is extraordinary. The captions add a sense of intimacy to this inside look. Spectacular! 5 stars
March 6, 2018
I've downed this book in little sips since it's almost too painful to look at these beautiful pictures of a White House in which chaos, discrimination and criminal behavior were not present, in which there was a family that defined the word family and not the empty shell of one. In which efforts were made to advance, not to destroy. The fact that those efforts are deliberately being gutted is beyond belief.
August 14, 2018
I bought “Obama: An Intimate Portrait: The Historic Presidency in Photographs” by Pete Souza for myself for Christmas, and it’s my favorite coffee table book. I flip through it every day...With a foreword by President Barack Obama himself, this beautiful book by Pete Souza, the White House's official photographer, captures the essence of the man who was the President of the United States for 8 years. He supposedly took over two million pictures! Souza has done a magnificent job with this visual chronicle of Obama’s time in office — beautifully depicting the man, his legacy, and the events during the time. Some of my favorites are the ones of with president and his family & babies. What is your favorite photo from the book? I know it’s ridiculous difficult to choose one?
April 30, 2018
This is a wonderful book by Pete Souza, President Obama's White House photographer. I'm proud to say I voted for President Obama twice and this book reminded me why. In addition to being an excellent president, he's also a truly good man. I enjoyed this look back at his presidency but it also made me sad because I think the man who took over his job has been such a monumental disaster.
My favorite pictures are the ones where Obama is interacting with children. Especially when he met Prince George in Kensington Palace. George is adorable in his monogrammed bathrobe!
I recommend this book highly!
My favorite pictures are the ones where Obama is interacting with children. Especially when he met Prince George in Kensington Palace. George is adorable in his monogrammed bathrobe!
I recommend this book highly!
November 17, 2017
The best accolade I can bestow is that my two boys lined up to be next to look at and read this book. Can I read it next, please? is the most lovely literary request in this house.
This was a family photo album of the highest order. Constructed with love, attention, and respect—you feel all of that with every page. Beautiful and carefully chosen images dominate this book, but there are captions, blurbs, and snippets of stories that really say a lot with few words. His pictures speak, too.
This was a family photo album of the highest order. Constructed with love, attention, and respect—you feel all of that with every page. Beautiful and carefully chosen images dominate this book, but there are captions, blurbs, and snippets of stories that really say a lot with few words. His pictures speak, too.
February 18, 2018
This pictorial history of the Obama presidency made me too nostalgic at the moment. Knew I’d miss him just didn’t know how much:)
Many of the photos are iconic that I’ve seen over the years but there are just as many I’ve never seen. It’s a wonderful journey over eight years and Souza has a talented eye. I’m so glad to have this as a memory of a better time.
Many of the photos are iconic that I’ve seen over the years but there are just as many I’ve never seen. It’s a wonderful journey over eight years and Souza has a talented eye. I’m so glad to have this as a memory of a better time.
December 28, 2017
Bought the book. Brought it home. Read it in one gulp. Give me the laughter, tears, sadness and joy in one sit. How could you not love this book ? Candid, beautiful photos (plus captions)
I beg you to check out Pete Souza's Instagram!
My memorable moments.
Because Norwegian Wood was really something for me!
link : https://www.instagram.com/p/BPI2ipKgE...
The first lady.
and “the worst day” of Obama’s presidency
I beg you to check out Pete Souza's Instagram!
My memorable moments.
This story is better than the photo. Back in 2011, the President invited Bono and Alicia Keys to lunch in his private dining room adjacent to the Oval Office. Bono asks where he should sit. Potus says sit wherever there's a chair. Bono sees a guitar case in the corner, a campaign memento from Rock The Vote event. Bono quickly tunes the guitar and starts playing/singing Norwegian Wood by the Beatles. Why? Because the second verse goes like this: "She asked me to stay
And she told me to sit anywhere
So I looked around
And I noticed there wasn't a chair"
In the midst of this, the President looks back at me and says, "How cool is this?"
Because Norwegian Wood was really something for me!
link : https://www.instagram.com/p/BPI2ipKgE...
The two has forged a friendship as she sought to establish diplomatic ties with the Unites States.
The first lady.
Michelle, Ma Belle June 2, 2010
What were the odds, he said to me, that an African-American girl from the South Side of Chicago would one day be sitting in the front row of the White House, as the First Lady of the United States, while a member of the Beatles sang her name ?
and “the worst day” of Obama’s presidency
“I’m sure he was thinking foremost of the parents, imagining the horror of learning that their six-year-old son or daughter had been shot to death by a madman and would never come home.”
November 23, 2020
An interesting look at some of the moments of the Obama presidency through the lens of Pete Souza.
November 14, 2019
11/14/2017 A beautiful book-so many memories. Pete Souza is a photographic genius. In these difficult times, it's lovely to be reminded that good things are possible.
11/14/2019 The followings was a comment I posted on my GR friend Malia's review two years ago. I was reminded of it when the book showed up in my Facebook Memories today, and I thought I'd add it here.
"I bought two copies of this beautiful book on pub date, one for myself and one for my young niece whose husband is a wonderful young man who immigrated (legally) from Pakistan with his parents at age six, sponsored by his uncle who had obtained his green card. My niece and her husband had just had their first child, a daughter. I mention this because what President Obama represents, all that he stood for and fought for is not dead and forgotten. His ideals and vision live in young people like my nieces and nephews, now in their early 30s, and they are my hope for the future. They are educated professionals and activists, and they are not going back. Social justice, inclusion, gender and racial equality, opportunity for all, responsibility for the poor, the disadvantaged, the sick are not just words to them; it's ingrained in their bones. And President Obama and Michelle were their leaders inspiring their important coming-of-age years. They ease the anger, futility, and despair I have felt every single day since The Election. They're angry, too, but they are determined, energized, and committed, and I must believe they will ultimately prevail. Perhaps that is President Obama's real and lasting legacy."
reply | edit | delete | flag *
11/14/2019 The followings was a comment I posted on my GR friend Malia's review two years ago. I was reminded of it when the book showed up in my Facebook Memories today, and I thought I'd add it here.
"I bought two copies of this beautiful book on pub date, one for myself and one for my young niece whose husband is a wonderful young man who immigrated (legally) from Pakistan with his parents at age six, sponsored by his uncle who had obtained his green card. My niece and her husband had just had their first child, a daughter. I mention this because what President Obama represents, all that he stood for and fought for is not dead and forgotten. His ideals and vision live in young people like my nieces and nephews, now in their early 30s, and they are my hope for the future. They are educated professionals and activists, and they are not going back. Social justice, inclusion, gender and racial equality, opportunity for all, responsibility for the poor, the disadvantaged, the sick are not just words to them; it's ingrained in their bones. And President Obama and Michelle were their leaders inspiring their important coming-of-age years. They ease the anger, futility, and despair I have felt every single day since The Election. They're angry, too, but they are determined, energized, and committed, and I must believe they will ultimately prevail. Perhaps that is President Obama's real and lasting legacy."
reply | edit | delete | flag *
September 6, 2018
I received this book during the holidays and have flipped through it a few times, but tonight I felt the need to read it cover to cover. I have been so disheartened by the current occupant of the White House that I needed to be reminded of what it was like to be led by a knowledgeable, moral, compassionate, thoughtful, reasonable, erudite, humorous, serious, humble, kind, respected and respectful man. A man who teaches his daughters “to be kind and to be useful.” A man who consoles others during times of tragedy; who asks his staff to bring their children by the Oval Office so he can play with them; a man who weighs all options before he acts; a man who openly shows affection to his wife and daughters; a man who can put the needs of his country ahead of his own. In this glorious book of photos of the presidency of Barack Obama, you get to see all these sides of the man, and more. It is a magnificent reminder of what we once had, how lucky we were to have this man as our President for 8 years, and how far we have fallen from his example.
My heart breaks for our country. It is going to take us a long time to recover from the current state of chaos. But this fabulous book is a way of reliving, if only for a short time, that wonderful era of the Obama Presidency.
Pete Souza is a genius at capturing just the right shot at just the right moment. There are some amazing photos in this book. Every time I turned the page, I found new favorite.
A absolute recommend for those who are Barack Obama fans.
My heart breaks for our country. It is going to take us a long time to recover from the current state of chaos. But this fabulous book is a way of reliving, if only for a short time, that wonderful era of the Obama Presidency.
Pete Souza is a genius at capturing just the right shot at just the right moment. There are some amazing photos in this book. Every time I turned the page, I found new favorite.
A absolute recommend for those who are Barack Obama fans.
January 4, 2018
If I could give this book 100 stars, I would.
The pictures and captions provoked emotions in me I wasn’t anticipating. Pete Souza’s pictures really are worth a thousand words. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. A must read!
The pictures and captions provoked emotions in me I wasn’t anticipating. Pete Souza’s pictures really are worth a thousand words. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. A must read!
May 30, 2018
I was iffy about reading this for fear that it would send me into a downward spiral of depression from which there might be no return. I mean I didn't exactly want to be reminded for perhaps the fifteenth time this week just how much I miss this man. Squirting lemon juice on the paper cut ya know?
I was pleasantly surprised though because in the end what this lovely book (that my husband is demanding we buy) did was remind me for a few precious moments what the office of the presidency can mean and will mean again once this long, long, long, long, dear god will it never end, national nightmare is over.
So go ahead and remind yourself that once upon a time we had the coolest fucking guy as president. Pete Souza as the official presidential photographer has put together an amazing look at this truly remarkable man, his family and the people he worked with. His simple, personal recollections about horrendous moments like Sandyhook (the self described worst day of Obama's presidency) and far sweeter moments like catching Malia in a hug on her return from school were just the thing I needed to see right now.
I found myself filled with a sense of hope again, just a for a few moments, that we can be the change we want to see in the world. We really do live in a country where anything is possible. That was a good feeling to have right now. I really, really needed it.
I was pleasantly surprised though because in the end what this lovely book (that my husband is demanding we buy) did was remind me for a few precious moments what the office of the presidency can mean and will mean again once this long, long, long, long, dear god will it never end, national nightmare is over.
So go ahead and remind yourself that once upon a time we had the coolest fucking guy as president. Pete Souza as the official presidential photographer has put together an amazing look at this truly remarkable man, his family and the people he worked with. His simple, personal recollections about horrendous moments like Sandyhook (the self described worst day of Obama's presidency) and far sweeter moments like catching Malia in a hug on her return from school were just the thing I needed to see right now.
I found myself filled with a sense of hope again, just a for a few moments, that we can be the change we want to see in the world. We really do live in a country where anything is possible. That was a good feeling to have right now. I really, really needed it.
December 27, 2017
On Christmas Day, I settled down for a quiet hour with this gorgeous book and it actually brought me to tears. The photographer is amazing, and has captured some truly beautiful moments and images. I’ll treasure this one.... 💕
February 4, 2018
What a wonderful pictorial of the Obama presidency. Pete Souza captures the humility, humor, sadness and love of President Obama. I'm so happy that I experienced the administration of the greatest POTUS. This book is a keepsake for the ages!
November 26, 2019
4 1/2 stars
This is an exceptional pictorial history of Obama's presidency. I had to withhold part of a star because the book is contaminated by two photos of Vulva Neck (commonly known as Individual 1).
This is an exceptional pictorial history of Obama's presidency. I had to withhold part of a star because the book is contaminated by two photos of Vulva Neck (commonly known as Individual 1).
November 26, 2017
I'd give this five stars if it hadn't made me so sad and nostalgic. I hate our current president.
November 9, 2017
Beautifully curated collection of emotionally evocative photos. Lots of history captured with a masterful eye. Souza can make even the mundane or routine feel poignant.
There is not much text, but I did find a typo in one of the longer descriptions, which irked me. “Geronimo,” not “Gerinomo.” (:
There is not much text, but I did find a typo in one of the longer descriptions, which irked me. “Geronimo,” not “Gerinomo.” (:
April 1, 2018
Chief White House photographer Pete Souza spent literally every waking moment documenting the eight years of President Barack Obama’s presidency. He culled about 300 photos from his massive collection to produce this book, hoping to “show you the true character of the man, and the essence of his Presidency”. Mr. Souza, you definitely succeeded.
There are many photos of historical moments, but the photos that most impressed me were the candid photos of Obama in more relaxed, personal moments: with his family, his dogs, children, and just regular citizens. Souza has captured the true character of Obama in these beautiful photos. I’m going to quote another GoodReads reviewer, Angela M, because she expresses exactly how I felt when I looked through this book:
"These photographs reminded me of this smart, caring president who put the country before himself, of a time when we had a president who could relate to children, who could grieve with those who lost loved ones and who could console, of a president whose intellect was apparent in his understanding of the issues affecting our country and the world, of a man who brought dignity to the office."
I am Canadian so Obama obviously wasn’t my president, but when looking at these photos I couldn’t help but wonder how Americans would feel. Obama’s character: his humour, his empathy, his genuine caring for those around him (both family and strangers), simply oozes out of the photos. How does one reconcile these photos of a president who was in power a mere two years ago, with the current president? It makes me feel heartsick, and I’m not even an American.
So as absolutely wonderful as this book is, and as much as I enjoyed it, it also made me feel a bit sad for what Americans, and the world, has lost. These photos say it all. This is an amazing book.
There are many photos of historical moments, but the photos that most impressed me were the candid photos of Obama in more relaxed, personal moments: with his family, his dogs, children, and just regular citizens. Souza has captured the true character of Obama in these beautiful photos. I’m going to quote another GoodReads reviewer, Angela M, because she expresses exactly how I felt when I looked through this book:
"These photographs reminded me of this smart, caring president who put the country before himself, of a time when we had a president who could relate to children, who could grieve with those who lost loved ones and who could console, of a president whose intellect was apparent in his understanding of the issues affecting our country and the world, of a man who brought dignity to the office."
I am Canadian so Obama obviously wasn’t my president, but when looking at these photos I couldn’t help but wonder how Americans would feel. Obama’s character: his humour, his empathy, his genuine caring for those around him (both family and strangers), simply oozes out of the photos. How does one reconcile these photos of a president who was in power a mere two years ago, with the current president? It makes me feel heartsick, and I’m not even an American.
So as absolutely wonderful as this book is, and as much as I enjoyed it, it also made me feel a bit sad for what Americans, and the world, has lost. These photos say it all. This is an amazing book.
March 29, 2019
This is a gorgeous book full of beautiful photos of the behind-the-scenes life at the White House during the Barack Obama presidency. Although I am not a fan of Obama's politics, I do appreciate many things about him and this book illustrated many of them. I appreciate how he respected the office of the presidency and filled it with grace and humility. I also appreciate how committed he is to his wife and daughters. This book has many photos of Obama and his girls and his love for them is supremely evident. Some of the best pictures were of Obama on the floor of the Oval Office with toddlers and babies. He encouraged his staff members to bring their children in whenever they liked and he never missed an opportunity to interact with them. He was known as the baby whisperer of the White House.
Even if you are not an Obama lover, I would recommend this book for the amazing photography and the intimate look at the White House.
Even if you are not an Obama lover, I would recommend this book for the amazing photography and the intimate look at the White House.
April 2, 2018
How amazing to have lived through the Obama presidency with all the tangible steps forward his Administration took along with all the hope and promise his presidency symbolized. Why did we have to fall so hard with the next president? Souza's book fills me with a sense of wonder that I lived to see the first African-American president not only be elected, but do such an honorable and outstanding job and then be re-elected. Paging through this book and reflecting on the photographs reminds me of how much work we have ahead of us to steer this country back on the right track away from Trump and his minority of followers who only want to destroy and profit. Onward.
November 19, 2017
I’ve been following Pete Souza on Instagram for many years and pre-ordered this book when he first announced it was available. I teared up many times while reading it... remembering these photos and our amazing President. One warning, this thing is massive and it’s heavy. Don’t let it sit on your lap while you read it; your legs will fall asleep.
December 27, 2017
I laughed; I cried, and I was reminded of eight great years and all the hard work, success, terror, sadness, solutions, triumph, goodness, and humor those years contained. This book is a wonderful showcase of President Obama's persistence, accomplishments, and humanity along with those same qualities and the talent of Pete Souza.
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