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This is not a book by a politician hoping to woo the public. I think that's why I couldn't put it down. Written long before his presidential candidacy began Obama explores his identity & childhood here. White grandparents from Kansas, a father from Nigeria, an upbringing in Hawaii & Indonesia, & his 1st trip to Africa is all included. It's less polished & more powerful because of that. There's a palpable struggle to find his footing in this world.

A coming-of-age story about a Black man who works on Barack Obama's campaign (though Obama is not actually named). The novel had some interesting moments but didn't seem especially exciting or insightful to me.

#ToB25
#52bookclub25 (Cover font is in a primary color)

I think this is going to be a DNF for me. Library loan is due and I just don‘t care enough to race through it. Not the book‘s fault, but I can‘t really get into the world of a fictional Obama staffer right now… 🤷‍♀️ #ToB25

Written as a memoir. I thought it was very pretentious. It was a good thing I read this on my kindle because there were several times I had to figure out a word. I used to think I had an extensive vocabulary.

There were moments I read with great interest, as when he talked about his childhood. But, even those stories would be interrupted by another tangent.

I knew this book was not for me when the word "miracle" invoked Judy Garland's singing.

#hope #25Alive
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

I am not as mad about this as other Litsy members seem to be. I thought this was fine. I liked that the Senator was not named. This was not his story. I prefer this - a side character story vs books that take a still alive famous person & novelize their story
The writing is good, I liked the pacing. Overall though it is a book that didn't make an impact on me and I will probably forget I read it by end of the year. I would read the author again.

Audio lego -ing with bag #3 and laundry, always laundry

Feeling super “meh” about this one. A “historic” presidential campaign in which Barack Obama is never named, but so well described and perfectly brought to life. I wonder why the author chose to not name him, maybe feeling that it‘s unnecessary because it‘s so obvious. Anyway, the main character, a young black man, grows on the campaign trail. He reminisces about a former pastor and other religious experiences.. One more #ToB25 book to go!

Bailed on the audiobook at 80% because I was struggling so much to pay attention. I just don‘t like “fiction” that‘s so closely based on real events. A disappointing #tob25 entry.

When books meet reality: the MC meets and gets a hug from Peter Yarrow, who died today, January 7, 2025. May he rest in peace.
Coming of age on a political campaign. #Jan2025 Book3 #Audiobook #AudioPuzzling #PieinLit #SweetPotatoPie