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A Promised Land

Author:
Barack Obama
Read by:
Barack Obama
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
1797
Narrator
329
Release Date
November 17, 2020
Duration
29 hours 10 minutes
Summary
A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making—from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE • NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW AND PEOPLE

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times • NPR • The Guardian • Slate • Vox • The Economist • Marie Claire
 
In the stirring 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 readers 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 U.S. partisan politics and international diplomacy. Obama brings readers 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 U.S. 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.
Reviews
Profile Avatar Monica Dieadra G. Nov 2020

Now I really see why Trump hates Obama! He wish he could be like him!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Nov 2020

I really wish that those who are Trump supporters and lovers, would not bother to comment and hate on Barack Obama's beautiful book. Because, let's be honest, no matter what he says, you're going to hate the book and him, regardless of what he says or does. The only way that this nation will heal is if we STOP lying to ourselves. You hate because it feels good to you. And, you're looking for someone or some group to release your rage and fear upon. Instead of, adequately trying to solve complex problems with intelligence.

Profile Avatar Marco D. Dec 2020

Beautifully written, articulate, and well rounded memoir. Obama illustrates his many wins but isn’t afraid to own his mistakes. Markedly humble giving credit where credit is due and leading by example in giving his team the tools, the space, and the support to succeed. His honesty, self awareness, genuine human emotion, and leadership are like a cool drink of water after an incredibly prolonged drought. I hadn’t realized how distant and disconnected I had become, steeling myself against the hate, fear-mongering, and division, of the current time. Thank you Obama for all you’ve done and continue to do!

Profile Avatar G B. Dec 2020

Fantastic read. I’m sure it will take more than one pass. I think it’s funny that the trumpers can’t spell or punctuate. I suspect if Trump wrote a memoir, it would only be 47 pages long and one continuous paragraph.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Nov 2020

could he be more full of himself. 29 hours of complete arrogance.

Profile Avatar J P. Dec 2020

It is a mirror of his presidency a bunch of flowery words that see division and hate

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2020

Magnificent. Thankfully, it is being read by not just the author but also the President of the United States.

Profile Avatar Desmond Burgess Jan 2021

As I complete the final seconds of this book, I feel as if I have a different insight on the country during the time President Obama's presidency. He presented keen intellect and a sharp analysis of how he perceived events that shaped his tenure in office. The one thing I love to do once I finish reading a book is to go read others reviews to see if they had the same immersive experience as myself, and it's quite sad reading so many of the anonymous negative comments about him. Honestly, I was hoping more people were "Fired Up, Ready to go!". Political views shouldnt play such a major part in how we see, judge, or perceive someone yet it's an unfortunate prejudice America still deals with. Overall I really enjoyed the book and even more with him reading it as it gave an essential value to his life, political encounters and story.

Profile Avatar Timothy C. Dec 2020

Loved the insights and behind scene details - great to listen to a president who actually knew what that meant!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2020

That; this book ought be in a syllabus for Political Science; I was fortunate that this wise and empathetic person devoted so much of his life to date to public service

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2020

Masterpiece

Profile Avatar Jennifer K. Dec 2020

Makes me proud to be a Democrat.

Profile Avatar Karola P. Dec 2020

A bit boring, but it was nice to listen to Barack Obama's voice, again.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2021

garbage.. wrost president to ever buy his way in .

Profile Avatar Priscilla F. Dec 2020

Thanks Obama. Thanks America!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Nov 2020

This book socks. He is so boring to listen to. trump is awesome

Profile Avatar Jenko Oct 2021

Long? Maybe ,, worth it? Hell yeah Politically one of the few books that i would recommend reading/listening to

Profile Avatar Bianca1976 Jan 2021

I love hearing this man speak and hearing the human side of a real President. A real family man and a man concerned about his country. It's also really sad to see that rather than work together for the good of our country, Republicans, like the deplorable Mitch McConnell, would rather do everything in their power to block a democratic president from doing good just because he's not a republican. Sad. But I won't take away from the fact that this book, although long, was great. I never tire of listening to Barack Obama speak.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2020

Extremely informative and it gives you a whole new perception on how to look at politics from the inside out. It also provides a portrait of the President, the son, the husband, the father and the friend the man Barack Hessen Obama! Great work!! Thanks for sharing your heart!!

Profile Avatar Bonnie Stanley Dec 2020

The book gave an insight of Obama's reason and actions towards becoming President. A must read, honest and truthfulness.

Profile Avatar Michelle G. Dec 2020

Great insights into leadership decision-making!

Profile Avatar JULIAN B. Nov 2020

Great read

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2022

Are you the one pulling joes strings?

Profile Avatar Lalexa Sep 2021

I can honestly say after reading this book I have much more respect for him

Profile Avatar Tina P. Jan 2021

Love love love this book,! The president was very generous in sharing his life stories of his family and presidential years. I was hooked and super excited that the President himself was the narrator. Thank you President Obama for all your hard work and commitment to your fellow American.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2023

Barak Obama is a great person

Profile Avatar Chad T. Dec 2023

loved it. I didn't pay as much attention to his time as president as I should have. seeing how it all came to be was interesting.

Profile Avatar ValiantV Sep 2023

A really great book - written and read by an intelligent, articulate man. I must admit that I didn’t think much of Obama when he was president. It’s only after witnessing the complete shambles that his successor made of the office - and our country - that I truly appreciated how a person believing in and dedicated to the concept of the USA and the Constitution is essential to the continuation of the grand experiment in democracy. This book is informative, witty, self-deprecating at times. We get to hear first hand of Obama’s triumphs and setbacks from his earliest days through neutralizing of Bin Laden. Im sure this audio book is much better because of its being read by the author. I’m not a Democrat, nor am I a Republican. I listened to the audio book with an open mind and was impressed with what I heard and gave a new appreciation for Obama, his administration, campaign workers, and his family.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2023

The book is typical narcissistic Obama, exactly what we all came to expect from him. But like many public figures, his stock went up tremendously in hindsight, or right when Joe Biden took office. This country’s love affair with the Obamas will continue for a while

Profile Avatar Brian K. Apr 2021

Not “hated on” and NOT “hated on” because I’m a Trump supporter. The way I’ve seen this is/was, WHY waste my precious time on a book/audiobook that I wasn’t quite certain was going to “bless my mind anew”, benefit me greatly as being the best - or A BEST CHOICE - of my money and time. Now, I have three accounts; so if it doesn’t confirm me as a purchaser of rhis audio from here, that’s all good. I LOVE this store, perhaps even the best, but again, it is t my only. So, of the VAST worlds of enlightenment on which President Obama could be offering his experience(s) to us as, say, “Lessons Learned”, or even as his perspectives on other topics not directly relating to, or educating him on, and giving him personal experience in matters whereon he has gained a vantage point and place from which to form opinions that we will surely never be so fortunate to, to me, this book falls as FLATLY as the other reviewers have evaluated it to be. Please don’t ALWAYS assume that from either the LEFT OR FROM THE RIGHT, the reviewers(s) could ONLY BE mud-slinging from their own place of political standing. I listen to so many audio books - and ALWAYS books that improve me in some way or another. I’m sorry, friends, d THIS ONE just landed rather FLATLY for me.

Profile Avatar Angel A. Apr 2021

I love to hear Obama cursing and telling his perspective

Profile Avatar Devan Tolbert Feb 2021

Great insight and transparency into President Obama's presidency, personal life, and himself.

Profile Avatar Johan Wahlsten Jan 2021

This book was truly amazing, you could follow Barack through decision making and he's thought behind the crazy rolling coaster.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2020

I loved this book! He spoke of his mistakes and well as his wins. I learned so much! I will read his other books as well. Well done Mr. President! Wish we had you back!

Profile Avatar Ronald J B. Nov 2020

He reads to slowly

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2024

Great

Profile Avatar Crystal Y. Mar 2024

Great book!

Profile Avatar Dietmar B. Mar 2024

He is an extraordinary man. This is my third book by him. He is like all humans flawed. There is a bit to much of love for everyone in the book (there is nothing he would not do for his initial group of volunteers...to this day). Yet in the age of hate of polarization for with I blame both sides it is a reminder as what we once had.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2024

Worst ever

Profile Avatar Dustin Ö. Dec 2023

Obama is an interesting character, a pretty scary one to me, but I think Thomas Sowell sums it up best: "Barack Obama's political genious is his ability to say things that will sound good to people who have not followed the issues in any detail - regardless of how obviously fraudulent what he says may be to those who have."

Profile Avatar Anonymous Nov 2023

Great.

Profile Avatar Jennifer B. Jun 2023

A glimpse into his path to the presidency!

Profile Avatar Sheila D. May 2023

Absolutly riviting! Best ever!

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2023

I thoroughly loved it. Great insight into the White House and how their political system works.

Profile Avatar Jakery Aug 2022

I was sad when it ended. What a fantastic book.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2022

Thank you Barack for writing this incredible book!

Profile Avatar Erica Y. May 2022

Hearing Barack Obama narrating his own book was absolutely amazing!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2022

Great read! I haven't read it yet, but it was nice listening to both Obama books back to back. Comparing the way events in their lives were viewed, so differently.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2022

This is a great book. It provides truth to experience.

Profile Avatar DIE DAVY O. Jan 2022

This book was very interesting to listen to and gave me deep insight on the challenges faced by Barack OBAMA during his presidency. I learned a lot about the USA politics and the real reasons that motivates some of the major political leaders. I strongly recommend it.

Profile Avatar Philip H. Oct 2021

Interesting account of Obama's life during his first term as President. I enjoyed Obama's narration. I think the book is too long, which is why I gave 4 stars.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Sep 2021

Loved it and Obama's narrative

Profile Avatar Alazar B. Aug 2021

Masterpiece, was specially great to hear president Obama’s voice and enjoy the journey on how his sharp analytical mind approaches and solves problems.

Profile Avatar Max Weiss Jul 2021

I miss him and his intelligence and calm demeanor. it gave me joy to hear his voice again to tell me everything is going to be okay

Profile Avatar Thelma F. Jul 2021

fantastic listening!

Profile Avatar Earleen S. Jul 2021

So enjoyed this book. Hearing the President’s voice made it so special and real. Learned a great deal.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2021

Excellent.

Profile Avatar Daniel C. May 2021

I really enjoyed it, which is saying something since I've always hated politics.

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2021

Truly enjoyed the brilliantly told story by our most awesome President. I did not tire of his voice. His inflections and tone were so comforting to listen to.

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2021

I liked this.

Profile Avatar Jeffrey B. May 2021

The job of the president is amazingly complex (when taken seriously as Obama did). This book is a real education in the workings of Washington.

Profile Avatar Jamie May 2021

Full of emotion and insight. And I learned a lot.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2021

An entertaining, intellectual, enjoyable listen into the life of a monumental American President.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2021

Excellent

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2021

I am a Obama fan and I really enjoyed this book.

Profile Avatar Nadine F. Apr 2021

Its well worth the time, a very good insiight into the complexity of being a president

Profile Avatar My S. Apr 2021

Great read. Soothing voice.

Profile Avatar Sandra M. Mar 2021

Eye opening account of politics.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2021

A must read for everyone interested in politics and these United States of America!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2021

It was an inside look of how demanding the presidency can be. I appreciate his service to our country. He is an amazing human.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2021

I really like the part when he was talking about his personal feelings and thoughts of different people and situations

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2021

President Obama's book is well written and his voice is easy to listen to almost lyrical.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2021

Compelling insight in the human interactions and vivid characters of top DC politics.

Profile Avatar Renee S. Feb 2021

Excellent read

Profile Avatar Deb B. Feb 2021

Excellently read and presented by Obama himself. The reflectiveness and self awareness of his character, his thoughtfulness and sincerity come through flawlessly. The political ins and outs and difficulties throughout his presidency are relayed pragmatically and honestly, without self-promotion, only humility. He gives interesting background information and history to each scenario he faced as Commander-in -chief. Despite his power and status in the world, his humility and humanity shine through. The discrimination this welll-meaning, well-intentioned person suffered at the hands of his political rivals is shameful.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2021

Wonderful, interesting, blooming language and perfectly narrated by Obama.

Profile Avatar Alberto O. Feb 2021

Outstanding. A lesson on leadership, taking responsibility, understanding words matter, inspiring performance, praising others, empathizing with humanity, leading by example, why truth/values/morals/integrity matter.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2021

While the writing style is very rich, it is very personal as well. It touches my soul, my mind, and my conscious in a very deep levels. The communication is so effective that I feel I'm experiencing it, as if I'm that very character in the story. The fact that Obama is the narrator as well, amplifies all the aspects of the book; the influence, the message, and the joy of having it. It opens up my eyes to the brutal reality which is all around us. Sepehr MemarSadeghi Iranian/Canadian Toronto, Canada

Profile Avatar Michael G. Feb 2021

Terrific in every way.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2021

This book was a great journey! As is the nature of politics, it got a little technical and hard to push through in certain parts. Obama defends his legacy well and pulls back the curtains with a very detailed view of what was really going on. I loved this book!. The only con to the book is its wordiness and focus on details that could have been left out. Other than that I love how he described each action, how he felt, how it affected Michelle and his family, and who the players were in every situation

Profile Avatar Erin N. Feb 2021

I laughed, I cried, I fumed with anger and beamed with pride. What a beautifully written and even more beautifully articulated history. I am so impressed with you Obama.

Profile Avatar Patricia D. Feb 2021

great book very interesting and very educational love the history lesson that it also gave and very easy listening

Profile Avatar kiballer Feb 2021

President Obama's best book yet. It's like a diary up to and through his presidency.

Profile Avatar Jean L. Feb 2021

Must read! Revealing and riveting.

Profile Avatar Kristina V. Jan 2021

Loved everything about the book. Can’t wait for the next.

Profile Avatar Tyleah P. Jan 2021

Very descriptive loved it!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2021

Absolutly loved it! Can’t wait for the second!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2021

worth reading or listening to.

Profile Avatar Malik W. Dec 2020

Barack Obama's memoir really gives you all of the details like McCullough & Chernow books. Too long (esp. since there's 2 volumes) but really good.

Profile Avatar J H. Dec 2020

very good

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2020

Can't wait for part2. Wish that he would narrate other books too.

Profile Avatar Vivek Menon Dec 2020

awesome narration. thoroughly enjoyed

A Promised Land

A Promised Land

Author: Barack Obama
Read by: Barack Obama
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