A Promised Land

By: Barack Obama

Narrated by: Barack Obama

Length: 29 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 4, 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 authorizes 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 organizer 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. 

©2021 Barack Obama (P)2021 Random House Audio

Obama is a great man, but is this book romcom?

I am a fan of Obama. He created history. He is a great man. No doubt.

But cmon, this book is just fluff, meant to sell his brand name of Obama to make several million dollars.

I can feel from the writing that ghost editors/writing used the most fancy vocabulary to make the book prose sound very poetic.

I felt I was reading/listening to a romcom. It is full of cliches like “hope” “dreams”.

I was expecting to hear some REAL stuff from Obama, some real stories that tells us backstage story of how good and BAD the world is.

The book feels like a politician again trying to present a romantic view of the world.

Well, Obama do you know why Trump happened? Why it will happen again? Why Bolsanaro happened? Why Poland, Philippines, Brazil, Uk and other countries are going in the wrong direction?

Obama knows the reason. I also do. But it is like that dark truth about human nature that nobody wants to talk about it. It is scary. It is shameful how crooks like Trump make it to the whitehouse.

Anyway, this book is either a political “everything is good and will be good” kind of fluff to make money or maybe polished good words for high school kids.

I am worried that if Obama cannot talk about the darkness that surrounds us, then who will. Another Trump or another monster version of Trump is coming. We do not have time to sell books with fluff. We need to raise the humanity so that the good can feel safe again.

Soothing, Oratorical and Insightful

If you enjoy hearing President Barack Obama speak, you'll love this. Such a soothing voice but moreso an amazing storyteller. Kept me engaged and on the edge of his every word. Love his candidness, insight and respectful way in which he pulls back the curtain on his time in office. HIGHLY recommend.

A candle in the dark. Renewing my faith in America

We sometimes feel that empathy, respect for humankind, enthusiasm for knowledge and just common decency are slipping in this world.

President Obama finds a way to make me believe in my fellow man again. I admire this man's story, it honestly makes me want to be better myself.

This audible book shows just how good he is at painting a picture, and why so many love his speeches. Great listen! Hardcopy is being purchased as I write!

Brilliantly entertaining

I did not anticipate being so greatly entertained. President Obama is a truly gifted storyteller. His narrative includes interesting people and conversations, but he could even make a trip to the hardware store engaging. For example, he makes buildings and locations come alive: a condo, the walk from the residence to the West Wing. Delightful book. I deeply appreciate the generous gift of candor and humor it encloses.

Color me grateful.

Mr. President,

Thank you for writing this beautiful book, it reads like poetry, so fluid, so pure. And, it’s perfect for such a time as this.
I am grateful for this book: a healing balm to my soul.
Kindly,
Ángela 🙏🏾❤️

Show and painful rehash

I don’t know what I expected; this S L O W moving narrative was not it. Half way through and thoroughly confused by the economic plans I’m finally giving up. This one is apparently for a much more patient and developed intellect than I have!

Exceptional!Could not have been more aptly titled.

I am only halfway through the book and I'm savoring every chapter. it is with humor, facts over feelings where needed...the walk-through in civics, priceless and awesome to have it narrated by the author himself! Will also purchase hardcover.

I know you might not read this but... 😄

I'm crying and listening to this book. As a maid I can picture the cleaning crew and butlers joy serving for you. What an honor!! As a Jehovahs Witness it was nice the mention in your book. As a latina thank you for the César Chaver National Park. I can relate to your thoughts that so much history gets omitted in schools. For the epilogue in you next part 2 book I would like to read about when you get to hang your presidential picture in the white house. I can't wait to see that day. I keep dreaming of that day for 4 years.

A president from Hawaii with an aloha spirit.

This book is absolutely delightful! It will make you laugh, cry, and feel inspired. Obama tells a story of a his journey from being born in Hawaii raised without a father to becoming America’s first biracial African American president. As a fellow Hawaii native, this story and his legacy will always be held in a sacred place in my heart.

A real snoozer

As much as I love listening to obama speak, I think he is better suited for speeches and interviews. I can’t help but fall asleep. A lot of boring details.