A PROMISED LAND by Barack Obama

Synopsis: Chronicle of President Barack Obama's ascent to the White House and his early years governing from the Oval Office.

Writing Style: Jocular. Polished. Commercial.   

Pacing: Panoramic. Verbose. 

Personal Highlights: For starters, this is a president who believes in dotting all his i's and crossing all his t's. This absolute is right away apparent by the pristine world-class paper the cover and text is printed on. And yet, what I really celebrated, was reading this memoir, in its entirety, in one week!!! First 700-page political memoir I’ve ever read.

But it was a treat reading how Barack loved being president. Being a 'State Senator wasn't as "glamorous" a position...' a point he makes clear, both posed in his afterthoughts and meticulously weaved through the kaleidoscope of National events he draws out. Winning the presidency was like "he won the lottery."  

I made (at least) 50 pages of notes—most noteworthy being the historically symbolic moment Barack gave African Americans (in particular). Reading (and remembering) grandma's crying in crowds (on winning that first election) choked me up... like the photo insert of the little black boy looking into Barack's eyes. How could anyone NOT MELT seeing that image? That one photo says so much. Well Placed!

…Which brings me to the generous innuendos, or rather well placed subtle messages. Up front, he’s sharp and sure of his abilities. Readily he owns whenever he comes up short, and yet I couldn't help but be tickled by Rahm's quip: "I know too much to believe that shit about a family friendly White House..." AND fell out laughing at Michelle's comment: "...in fact, you shouldn't even count on my vote!" …And oh my goodness, there was so much to read into… and be amused by… such as Bush (during the inaugural drive) blasély talking about Crawford, Texas, while protestors were busily running alongside 'the beast' heckling him. 

Cushy intermissions aside, it was good strategy checking off 'easy' campaign promises early. Also thought the White House could've benefited from a few more 'not so’ diplomatic Larrys. And passionate and energized as President Obama was on Healthcare, Climate Change, and Financial Markets, I couldn’t help but wonder if he (Federal government) was taking on too much. (Delegate. Let States decide for its unique constituents). Case in point, I had to look up "a form of Bolshevism" when it came to the Affordable Healthcare Act, a policy my family struggled with; and as well paused coming upon Barack’s inflections meeting Putin… and Mubarak’s ‘insular comfort’. 

Overall, ‘A Promised Land’ did not disappoint. I’m indebted to the inspiration, and forever more informed. Must Recommend! (read copyright 2020 print edition)