A Promised Land

A volume in a proposed two volume series, The A Promised Land Audiobook concentrates on Obama’s life, beginning with his early years and ending with the political events surrounding the killing of Osama bin Laden in May 2011. The audiobook is a 29 hour for a listening experience that gives an in depth and personal account of Obama’s path to the presidency and the time spent in office. If you're a reader maybe you will want to read it at some point but there's over 700 pages in the physical book and the audiobook is a nice way to consume it, especially if you're using your ears more than your eyes.

Plot Summary

This audiobook covers the life of Obama from his childhood in Honolulu to became the president. When viewed within the context of his early years; his education; and his journey into politics — as a state senator serving his term and his historic presidential campaign — the audiobook covers all that.

The story also examines his presidency, from the passage of the Affordable Care Act to the capture of Osama bin Laden, to the political response to the BP oil spill. In the course of the audiobook, Obama tells a candid and reflective account of his time in office, taking us with him into the midst of the fights and successes of that time.

Characters

Barack Obama himself is the main character of the A Promised Land Audiobook, whom he has himself narrated in the story and has given his own view on people and events that had an impact on his life and presidency. His family members, like his wife Michelle and his grandparents were also notable characters not only playing important roles at his upbringing and development. The audiobook includes a range of historical figures including politicians, world leaders and activists with whom Obama met during his time in office.

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Themes

A Promised Land Audiobook covers topics of hope, change, and equal and justice battle. "What I've always said about any challenges I've faced, whether it is as a black man in America," Obama writes, "or a man trying to accomplish anything - anything at all in life - is that you've got to impose some discipline and order on your life, so that you can succeed." It is also the leadership theme and brings out the teaching Obama carefully learnt while serving as a president. The audiobook also looks at the role of family, friendship and community in life and presidency and the importance these relationships had on Obama’s life.

Writing Style and Pacing

The A Promised Land Audiobook has a conversational writing style, similar to Obama talking right to the listener. Obama moves from one topic to another and event to event, but the pacing is well balanced. Each section of the audiobook takes the form of different periods or themes in Obama’s life in order to provide structure and flow. The story does come to life, and feels more intimate and personal due to Obama’s narration: clear and expressive.

Conclusion

A Promised Land Audiobook is a must listen for any fan of the life and presidency of Barack Obama. The audiobook, with its engaging account through its fascinating narrative, well balanced pacing and personal reflections, is a ‘must hear’ for anyone interested in politics, history or memoirs.

The audiobook is a historical document, useful as a rare glimpse into the historical record of what is Obama’s time in office, as well as a more intimate, more introspective introduction to the man in the White House. Overall, The A Promised Land Audiobook is a big and an enjoyable listening experience that will hopefully last listeners for years to come.

• Written By

  : Barack Obama

• Narrated By

  : Barack Obama

• Published By

  : Penguin Random House Audio