Customer Reviews

The Obamas: Portrait of America's New First Family: From the Editors of Essence

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've seen Obama books that give you a speech here, a photograph there, and an editorial too, but "Essence" magazine really weren't playing around with this souvenir book. 112 pages, 59 photographs, and speeches that include Election Night, Inauguration Day, the famous "More Perfect Union" speech in which he takes on the Reverend Wright debacle, and his speech at the Democratic National Convention are laid out and intermingled between photos that are breathtaking.

With every more popular photograph like the fist bump or the Obamas' hands on President Abraham Lincoln's bible, there are more personal shots like those of Sasha and Malia on a hammock, Michelle Obama showing how hula hooping is done, a black man unashamedly tearing up on the night Obama won, and a younger and current photograph of Ann Louise Nixon (the 107-year-old woman Obama mentioned in his Grant Park speech).

"Essence" magazine editors took care to publish all the notorious photos and speeches that both young and old will rememember throughout history. This is one of those books that children may need in history classes and adults will want to reread just to remember the moment. If you missed a spot in Obama's speech, no problem, it's in this book. If you're a fan of photography, full-paged glossy prints greet you on just about every page.

My only con was that outside of Michelle Obama's mother, we didn't get to really hear from those who are close to the Obamas. I read several quotes and entries about people who felt like the Obamas were a part of history, but I could find those folks walking down any Chicago street. I wanted to read quotes from those who I don't speak to regularly like some of the celebrities who came out to show their support (MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Denzel Washington, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Jay-Z, Smokey Robinson, Diddy) or maybe even Valerie Jarrett, one of his closest confidantes. And what about Craig? I wanted to read a quote from how he felt about his brother-in-law winning or some of the African family members who traveled to D.C. to be there.

Other than that, excellent book.

This order was delivered quickly. A beautiful book from cover to cover. Lovely photographs,articles -beautiful insight into the First Family - you become part of the journey to the White House.A collector's item to pass on to generations.

This book was purchased is well written, easy to read. Great for personal use. However, I intend to keep it and pass it down to my grandchildren so they can read and have a piece of African American history.

This is a great book on the whole journey, emotions, and experiences of the Obama family on their unlikely success at become America's first black first family.

This is an excellent book to have in your own home or give as a gift. This is a book that easy to read. Its not to long. I have purchased 5 books about the president. I think this one is the best one.

While the pictures are well taken and presented a good image of the family. I have seen better pictures that tells a better story of the family.

What a wonderful book that really portrays the first family! They look so splendid on the cover.

If you're going to have an Obama Keepsake, you should have this one for your collection. The pictures in it are timeless, as well as the essays. It's rare that you are aware you're living in historical times, but that is what the campaign of Barack Obama was - historical times. It was living history, and I believe all families, but especially Black families, should have this book in their collection.

I got the book within 2 days. The book is beautiful! The pictures are colorful and clear.This is the best book I've seen yet because it covers everything you would be interested in. It's something I will keep in my family forever!

who, who likes our 44th President and his family, is NOT going to like this book? It is a keeper. Beautiful pictures, a wonderful family story told. I'll enjoy it for many years and many viewings.