A Promised Land

Written by:
Barack Obama
Narrated by:
Barack Obama

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
1719
Narrator
314
Release Date
November 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
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Monica Dieadra G.

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

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Anonymous

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.

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Marco D.

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!

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Anonymous

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

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.

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

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Anonymous

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

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Desmond Burgess

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.

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Timothy C.

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

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Anonymous

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

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Anonymous

Masterpiece

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Anonymous

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

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Jennifer K.

Makes me proud to be a Democrat.

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Karola P.

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

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Anonymous

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

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Priscilla F.

Thanks Obama. Thanks America!

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Anonymous

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!!

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Bonnie Stanley

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

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Michelle G.

Great insights into leadership decision-making!

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JULIAN B.

Great read

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Anonymous

Are you the one pulling joes strings?

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Bianca1976

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.

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Anonymous

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

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Jenko

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

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Lalexa

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

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Brian K.

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.

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Devan Tolbert

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

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Tina P.

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.

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Johan Wahlsten

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

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Anonymous

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!

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Ronald J B.

He reads to slowly

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Dietmar B.

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.

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Anonymous

Worst ever

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Anonymous

Barak Obama is a great person

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Dustin Ö.

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."

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Chad T.

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.

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Anonymous

Great.

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ValiantV

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.

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Jennifer B.

A glimpse into his path to the presidency!

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Sheila D.

Absolutly riviting! Best ever!

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Anonymous

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

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Jakery

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

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Anonymous

Thank you Barack for writing this incredible book!

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Erica Y.

Hearing Barack Obama narrating his own book was absolutely amazing!

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Anonymous

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.

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Anonymous

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

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DIE DAVY O.

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.

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Philip H.

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.

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Anonymous

Loved it and Obama's narrative

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Alazar B.

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

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Max Weiss

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

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Thelma F.

fantastic listening!

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Earleen S.

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

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Anonymous

Excellent.

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Daniel C.

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

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Anonymous

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.

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Anonymous

I liked this.

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Jeffrey B.

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.

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Jamie

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

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Anonymous

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

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Anonymous

Excellent

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Anonymous

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

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Angel A.

I love to hear Obama cursing and telling his perspective

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Nadine F.

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

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My S.

Great read. Soothing voice.

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Sandra M.

Eye opening account of politics.

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Anonymous

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

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Anonymous

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

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Anonymous

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

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Anonymous

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

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Anonymous

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

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Renee S.

Excellent read

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Deb B.

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.

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Anonymous

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

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Alberto O.

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.

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Anonymous

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

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Michael G.

Terrific in every way.

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Anonymous

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

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Erin N.

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.

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Patricia D.

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

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kiballer

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

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Jean L.

Must read! Revealing and riveting.

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Kristina V.

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

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Tyleah P.

Very descriptive loved it!

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Anonymous

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

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Anonymous

worth reading or listening to.

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Malik W.

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.

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J H.

very good

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Anonymous

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

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Vivek Menon

awesome narration. thoroughly enjoyed

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