Friday 9 July 2010

Yes sir, Mr President




No time for anything like a book review but I've just read the book pictured above and it is really interesting, moving and enjoyable so I would definitely recommend it for your summer reading pile. Obama wrote 'Dreams from my Father' in 1995 (long before the presidential race, never mind the unbelievable victory) and it is all about his background, his life and the countries that he is connected to by family (Kenya and the USA). I loved every word of it, I will admit and it makes me wonder what it must be like to be ruled by someone with a brain and who gives even half a damn about ordinary people. I really can't imagine what that feels like.

x

18 comments:

Niamh B said...

not to mention good lucking...

Rachel Fox said...

Oh don't...or one H McMillan will be back telling us we don't deserve the vote again.

But yes, of course Obama is gorgeous...and best of all no right wing loony has shot him yet.
x

Argent said...

He does come across as being the complete package, doesn't he? Compare him with the colourless drones we've now got. Hey ho.

Niamh B said...

It's just when I saw the title and the photo, I just heard the yes sir in a kind of breathy Monroe type voice, but yeah, all the other stuff is important of course.

Dr. Jeanne Iris said...

It's wonderful, Rachel. Whenever he addresses the nation, it's such a relief to hear someone speak who can put together a complete sentence in a coherent manner. He's been getting some negative press lately here because the economic pendulum has yet to swing back to the positive, but hopefully, his creative and analytical skills will help to make this situation right again.

Oh, and don't forget about his Irish roots from Monegall, County Offaly, Ireland. Here's the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xkw8ip43Vk

Tommaso Gervasutti said...

Well, it's the exception in a world where most of things seem to go wrong.
He is the opposite of the political maggots who govern us here in Italy...only a tiny glimpse of some of them, not to mention the Head whose name I have always refused to write and pronounce, and total distrust is the only feeling somebody in their right mind can get.
Obama should obly get tougher with Israel and he would be even better.
What he did for health care in the US is probably the greatest thing in this super- wounded decade.

Thank you for your comment in my blog.

Eryl said...

I read it in between him being nominated to run and the election, and I, too, loved every word of it. Margaret Elphinstone said she couldn't wait for his term to be over so he could get on with what he does best: write. Totally agree!

Unknown said...

This is definietly a book I am going to be reading. Oh how I wish we had someone even half way to beng like Obama - we' ve essentially got two leaders dragging us along and they can't seem to manage it!

Rachel Fenton said...

Or even half a brain and no damn...

Rachel Fox said...

Hadn't heard that Elphinstone quote about Obama, Eryl, but I could see why she'd say that as this book is such a good read - intelligent, thoughtful, interesting.

We have two types of crap ruler of course...first there are the duff politicians...and then there's the royals. I just can't believe we still have a royal family!

hope said...

He is a GRAND improvement over can't-string-ten-words-together-for-a-coherent-sentence Bush.

He's already run into the reality of the honeymoon is over and life consists of highs and lows. Fortunately, so far even his low points are higher than the last nutcase. :)

I wonder, however, if fickle America will want him for a 2nd term? We're not use to people who can think before the P.R. guy tells him what to say. :)

Rachel Fox said...

Yes, obviously the reality of the job is...what it is (complicated, impossible at times, particularly impossible to please everybody, never mind the fact that one man, of course, doesn't do any job like this alone) but just to have a brain in his head and some compassion...hallelujah for that!

x

George said...

He's my President, Rachel, and I could not be more proud. To have an intelligent, well-educated, sensitive, and progressive person as the leader of my country is something I never imagined. I don't know whether he will be reelected, but it's great while it lasts, notwithstanding the fabrications of the right-wing diehards in our country. Check out Obama's first book; it's equally well-written and inspiring. What impressed me was the extensive knowledge of history that Obama acquired at such an early age. And by the way, I, too, am a rambler. I just completed the coast to coast walk across England. Articles and photos about the trip can be found on my blog. A final note: It's wonderful to have people in other countries appreciate what Obama offers to the world, especially in contrast to his predecessor.

Rachel Fox said...

Hi George
You're new here, aren't you? Welcome.
'Dreams...' is his first book from what I've read (first published in 1995 - though the cover I've posted here is a reissue cover, I think). I am going to read 'The Audacity of Hope' now (first published 2006?).

The Solitary Walker said...

Yes, a great book, and a great man, Rachel. How greater he becomes remains to be seen.

Rachel Fox said...

It will be hard to top being the first black American president...in itself it's a huge achievement...but judgement can wait...
I'd be happy to have written a book as good as this one.
x

George said...

Sorry, Rachel. I should have said "second" book. In any event, "The Audacity of Hope" is also a great read by a great writer, as well as a great man.

Rachel Fox said...

Just making sure I hadn't missed one!
x