Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

Thank you to Mr. Obama for sharing his very interesting life. His descriptions of Hawaii, Indonesia, Chicago and Kenya put you right there. His descriptions of his family make you feel as if you have known them all your life. This audio book was my walking companion for 1 week, I was sad for it to end. I laughed out loud and cried, often on the same walk. Mr. Obama's voice is very charismatic, and I think I could listen to him read my grocery list!

As a bi-racial woman, born just 2 years before him, it was very affirming to hear about the doubts and questions of "who am I?" I am giving this book to all of my family members as gifts this year (they too have had these questions). Great listen, highly recommend it!

I read this in print and was captivated. I did not know too much about Mr. Obama but thought it looked interesting. It brings to light how human he is and how difficult it is to negotiate the world being bi-racial. The most interesting portion is the last third. It is the story of his journey to learn of his family in Africa. It is told almost completely in story format from his family's perspective. The writing is wonderful too. I was sad to finish it.

Biracial Obama was first raised by the Anglo part of his family then entered and lived African-American in early adulthood. He is able to view social dynamics from many perspectives. By revealing his journey in such a compelling manner, he helps the listener consider our American society from its good and its bad sides. This is a great listen.

It took me a couple of weeks to read the paper back leisurely. Not so with the 7 hr audio book. Although I had read the book, I was rivetted to the audio book.

If I was to use one word to describe the experience, it would be "profound". The narrative clearly brought out the emotions. I could feel the mood as Obama intended it to convey.

The only downside, it was abridged. Skipped on some parts that I would have liked to go through again.

Two thumbs up.

Explains how he became the man we know today as President Obama. Amazing well read by the author himself. It is enjoyable and startling at times ot hear his voice tells you about so many intimate details about his life. It is a story any self-made person can all relate to even though we may not have such exotic life experiences. It is also a lesson in tolerance and race.

Fascinating story. I hope Obama becomes president but, if he does not, he should record more books.
He has a terrific reading voice.

Barack is rare, I think. It is not terribly unusual for a politician to speak or write well, but Barack also reads well. And given the interesting life he led, this is an engaging listen.

Wonderful book and story. Enlightening take on life and how we can make our lives happen by taking responsibility for ourselves. I wish there were more with the ability to think this way. What a positive place we could live in!

I was not one of the first to jump on the Obama wagon, automatically prejudiced by his name and unsure about his religious beliefs (not that I am religious myself), but when it was between him and McCain I started to listen and notice and believe that he would be a great leader and someone who could change the course of history. I downloaded this book around election time to see if there was anything in here to change my mind. The book itself was mediocre - the man is not. I appreciated learning his true background in a book written many years before his presidential campaign, which is quite different from what the McCain/Palin thumpers and those who fear change are trying to sell. It was honest and showed me that this is a real person who has achieved so much in his 40+ years and will go one to achieve so much more. I recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about our current President Elect. What a special time we are living.

and this one is a good one...and it is good to learn about him and hear his words his way.