Hopes and Dreams: The Story of Barack Obama: The Inaugural Edition: Revised and Updated [Paperback]

Steve Dougherty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 18, 2009

No political figure in recent memory has galvanized a nation and generated the interest and excitement that Barack Obama has since the day he announced his candidacy. His election as the 44th President of the United States has been hailed around the Globe as a victory for democracy and the American political system. Now, with the inaugural edition of this popular biography, his story is brought right up to the minute, including the choices for his new administration and his inaugural address.

Hopes and Dreams follows Obama's fascinating story, beginning with his difficult childhood and struggles coming to terms with his heritage to his remarkable success in school—he was the first black president of the Harvard Law Review—and his astonishing journey to the White House. Along the way, readers will meet his friends and family, discover moments that shaped his life, and learn more about the man and his motivations. Written by a leading journalist and filled with more than 200 color photographs, this new edition is a dramatic portrait of the new leader of the free world.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A lively overview of Barack Obama's life, this timely book relates the story of his difficult childhood as the son of a Kansas-born mother and a black Kenyan who abandoned the family, through his election to president of the Harvard Law Review (the first black Law Review president ever); his early political career; his own family life with his wife, Michelle, and two daughters; his 2004 election to U.S. Senator; and his emergence as a symbol of hope for America. Including Obama's own words and comments from both his critics and supporters, Hopes and Dreams is essential reading for people curious to know about the man being talked about as a candidate for our highest office.

No political figure in recent memory has generated the interest that Obama has, and many compare his appeal to that of a rock star. Only forty-five years old, Barack Obama is certain to play an important role in America's future. Here is his inspiring story to date, in words and more than one hundred revealing images. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Steve Dougherty is a longtime writer for People magazine and contributes to The New York Times.  He has also written for Gannett, the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, and the Atlanta Constitution.  He is the coauthor, with Ralph Cooper, of Amateur Night at the Apollo.  He lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers; Inaugural ed edition (February 18, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579128106
• ISBN-13: 978-1579128104
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,204,513 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book, September 6, 2007

By 

bklynsam (Plantation, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hopes and Dreams: The Story of Barack Obama (Paperback)

It is more of an outline than a fully fleshed out view of Senator Obama, but very well written. The photos are fantastic, also. I would suggest delving deeper after reading this by purchasing the 'Audacity of Hope', which really shows the depths of this man's knowledge on not only political but social complexities that have shaped his life and helped mold him into one of the most amazing candidates of a generation.

31 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good intro to Barack Obama., March 1, 2008

By 

J.L. Populist (WI,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hopes and Dreams: The Story of Barack Obama (Paperback)

My first impression of the book was that it would have great photos and little substance.
I was correct about the photos,wrong about the rest.
"Hopes and Dreams" is an overview of Barack Obama's life covering his childhood as a bi-racial child,his search for information about his father and how that affected him. His decision to pass up a Wall Street career and opting to take a lower-paying job training as a grassroots organizer in Chicago. It also covers his journey through politics and eventual decision to run for president.

His mistakes regarding drugs is discussed as well as his middle name.

Here are a few quotes from the book:

"He is a voice of strength and moderation,an American success story."-John McCain page 46.

"We must understand that the might of our military has to be matched by the strength of our diplomacy."-Barack Obama page 107.

This book is what I call a "coffee table book". Loaded with photos and enough information to serve as an introduction to Barack Obama. I recommend "Audacity of Hope" also.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An Overview of the Obama Phenomenon, March 9, 2008

By 

V. Kannon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hopes and Dreams: The Story of Barack Obama (Paperback)

Good for those who want a quick look. Sentences are long, clause-filled, and difficult to follow.