A Promised Land

By: Barack Obama

Narrated by: Barack Obama

Length: 29 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

The number one Sunday Times and Audible best seller.

A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making - from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy.

In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency - a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.

Obama takes listeners on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4th 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation's highest office.

Reflecting on the presidency, he offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of both the awesome reach and the limits of presidential power, as well as singular insights into the dynamics of US partisan politics and international diplomacy. Obama brings listeners inside the Oval Office and the White House Situation Room and to Moscow, Cairo, Beijing and points beyond. We are privy to his thoughts as he assembles his cabinet, wrestles with a global financial crisis, takes the measure of Vladimir Putin, overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to secure passage of the Affordable Care Act, clashes with generals about US strategy in Afghanistan, tackles Wall Street reform, responds to the devastating Deepwater Horizon blowout and authorises Operation Neptune's Spear, which leads to the death of Osama bin Laden.

A Promised Land is extraordinarily intimate and introspective - the story of one man's bet with history, the faith of a community organiser tested on the world stage. Obama is candid about the balancing act of running for office as a Black American, bearing the expectations of a generation buoyed by messages of 'hope and change', and meeting the moral challenges of high-stakes decision-making. He is frank about the forces that opposed him at home and abroad, open about how living in the White House affected his wife and daughters and unafraid to reveal self-doubt and disappointment. Yet he never wavers from his belief that inside the great, ongoing American experiment, progress is always possible.

This beautifully written and powerful book captures Barack Obama's conviction that democracy is not a gift from on high but something founded on empathy and common understanding and built together, day by day.

Winner of best narration by the author – Audie Awards 2022.

©2020 Barack Obama (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"What is unexpected in A Promised Land is the former president's candour." (David Olusoga, Observer)

"Gorgeously written, humorous, compelling, life affirming." (Justin Webb, Mail on Sunday)

A beautiful story told by an incredible human!

The best told stories giving you the view of the life of one in a lifetime President, Husband and Father!

Personal, lucid, great

Listening to Obama perform his oratory skills is a treat in itself. His personal account of probably the best US presidency in our lifetime, during a few tumultuous years in world history is another rewarding experience. His account, that keeps you hooked throughout, gives a well defined perspective of American and World politics. He speaks of the ups and downs of his years in office, the heartbreak in meeting those whose lives have been broken by war, the tempered jubilance of pushing through legislation that will change the life course of millions and his meetings with World leaders, all the while, battling racist undertones that plague US till this day.
A must read for anyone interested in political awareness, history and the well written word.

The best memoir ever written and read

Obama brilliantly tells the story of his ascent and first term in the White House in an engaging, thoughtful, and at times thrilling account. To experience this story read by the author made me feel as if I were sitting in the Oval Office with him, listening to him explain the multiple crises his administration faced with such poise, determination, and rationality. This book serves as a historical account, an introduction to progressive politics, a political thriller, a philosophical essay, a love letter to the best of what America stands for, and so much more. I cannot wait for part two!

An enjoyable and insightful educational piece

This was read as no doubt it was written, carefully. Very interesting introductions which led into the author's then experience. I appreciated the personal honest regarding his own flaws or actions, and the, without pointing the finger, way he described the actions of politicians. The media, well... Barack Obama articulated exactly how they fit into the world's chaos and the role they play. I was looking forward to hearing the rest of his term but the writing ended. I will have to wait for his next installment.

Simply Amazing

this is the first review i ever make in audible this book is that good. you're going to love this book from beginning to end

Inspiring Listen

Authentic, inspiring, touching & superbly narrated! Initially worried about length but hung onto every word & exceeded my expectations Highly recommended!

Can you ever choke in listening to a politician?

I am amazed by the balance of thoughts he has . Neither Left nor the Right sway him. His painful acknowledgment of compromises without ever having to justify his decisions is more striking . An awesome listening experience after a long time

Long, but such an amazing book.

I love that it’s read by Mr Obama himself. A great read going through his first term as President.

A great read; would recommend.

I came for the spicy back stage details of major global events taken place during his time, and I was not disappointed.

The beginning drags quite a bit, but once you're in the frying pan, it's a satisfying read until the end.

There are at least 4 standout moments from the book that will remain with me forever.

I especially enjoyed the fact that it was read by the man himself.

As someone who has had minimal political insight, this book did the job of giving great insight into policy making and passing of bills in a democratic government. So while I had fun, it was also a great learning experience.

It was a great read during the boring months of lockdown and covid restrictions.

Thanks to Ms. A. I. for getting me into audio books.

A great read

Obama allowed a window for us to peel into the inner workings of his first term in office and the lead up to that.

This helped tie up some of the loose strings of information one had as an outsider.

Additionally, for a more than passive supporter and observer of Obama and Obama's first term in office, it was quite exhilarating to relive some of the memorable moments and to learn the back stories to some of those.