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A Promised Land
- Narrated by: Barack Obama
- Length: 29 hrs and 10 mins
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A Promised Land
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Publisher's Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.
The number one Sunday Times and Audible best seller.
A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making - from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy.
In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency - a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.
Obama takes listeners on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4th 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation's highest office.
Reflecting on the presidency, he offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of both the awesome reach and the limits of presidential power, as well as singular insights into the dynamics of US partisan politics and international diplomacy. Obama brings listeners inside the Oval Office and the White House Situation Room and to Moscow, Cairo, Beijing and points beyond. We are privy to his thoughts as he assembles his cabinet, wrestles with a global financial crisis, takes the measure of Vladimir Putin, overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to secure passage of the Affordable Care Act, clashes with generals about US strategy in Afghanistan, tackles Wall Street reform, responds to the devastating Deepwater Horizon blowout and authorises Operation Neptune's Spear, which leads to the death of Osama bin Laden.
A Promised Land is extraordinarily intimate and introspective - the story of one man's bet with history, the faith of a community organiser tested on the world stage. Obama is candid about the balancing act of running for office as a Black American, bearing the expectations of a generation buoyed by messages of 'hope and change', and meeting the moral challenges of high-stakes decision-making. He is frank about the forces that opposed him at home and abroad, open about how living in the White House affected his wife and daughters and unafraid to reveal self-doubt and disappointment. Yet he never wavers from his belief that inside the great, ongoing American experiment, progress is always possible.
This beautifully written and powerful book captures Barack Obama's conviction that democracy is not a gift from on high but something founded on empathy and common understanding and built together, day by day.
Winner of best narration by the author – Audie Awards 2022.
Editorial reviews
Join Barack Obama himself as he recounts his journey into politics and presidency in this enchanting audiobook that offers an intimate look at the life of one of the 21st century's most influential leaders.
The skilled rhetoric of Barack Obama has long been considered one of the persuasive factors that won over the hearts and minds of the American people and carried him into office as the 44th President of the United States. That very gift with language and his captivating delivery are on full display as he expertly narrates his own memoir, leading you right into the Oval Office with him.
It would be hard to overestimate the wealth of challenges and monumental moments that Obama unpacks in A Promised Land. He’s generous with details, balancing honest, heavy political discussion with human tales of life in the White House and the grounding presence of his own family. From personal conversations with First Lady Michelle to climbing the Great Wall of China, Obama shares a wide variety of moments from his remarkable life with his signature warmth and bright sense of humour.
Whether you’re looking for a beacon of hope, a political tell-all or a deeper understanding of American government, you’ll find your wishes fulfilled with A Promised Land.
Critic Reviews
"What is unexpected in A Promised Land is the former president's candour." (David Olusoga, Observer)
"Gorgeously written, humorous, compelling, life affirming." (Justin Webb, Mail on Sunday)
What listeners say about A Promised Land
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Miss L J Besley
- 09-03-2021
Interesting and insightful
I found Barack’s style in this book to be thought provoking and educational. I learnt so much about politics in general, not just in the US. The key messages Barack tries to convey about the world at large and how he believed in striving to create a more just world for all is commendable.
Whilst I enjoyed the book, Barack has a tendency to deep dive into some areas perhaps with more detail than is required and oddly he is critical of this himself. There were sections of the book that could’ve been more succinct.
Overall I’d recommend the book. The tips and professional insight about being a political leader of the USA could be applied to any career and I found them extremely insightful and enjoyed the simplicity of how they were delivered in the book.
Thanks Barack for your leadership and for striving to be more than what the US political system allows politicians to be.
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7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 27-04-2021
Incredible, inspiring
I laughed, smiled, shed tears and was filled with hope for a better tomorro. Obama's stories are captivating and worth hearing. A perfect audiobook for a roadtrip!
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 09-12-2020
I felt sad when the book ended - It was amazing!
This was something else. To have Obama speaking to me as Barrack each morning as I went for my morning run was such an amazing start to my day. It was personal. It was smoooooth. It was candid. I absolutely loved it!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tom Watson
- 25-01-2021
An amazing story
an amazing story made better by the President telling it himself. definately worth listening to.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 27-01-2021
Inspired
An amazing story told by an amazing man. Written with insight and a surprising honesty.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- chikonde
- 06-12-2020
Brilliant!
Just finished listening to the audiobook! I bought the Kindle edition and then realised that Obama narrates the book so I got it on my audible subscription too! It’s an excellent and insightful account of the events, the highs, the challenges and the toll of his first term presidency on him, his family and colleagues!
Absolutely riveting... specially if you’re a politics nerd like me!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tanya Young
- 06-02-2021
A once in century hero
Dear Barack,
Thank you for your courage, kindness and intelligence. The world is a much better place thanks to you. I’ve never wanted to shake someone’s hand and thank them so profoundly in my life as I to you.
A fan for life.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Yasmine :)
- 13-05-2021
Inspiring
Such a well written book, told beautifully. Obama is an inspiration to politicians and humans everywhere.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Henny
- 02-01-2021
enlightening
loved listening to the musical tones. l learnt soooooo much more about the President's enormous responsibility
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Joao Gavazzi
- 03-01-2021
Great story well written and spoken
Well written account of his first term as president starting from his first steps into politics, all surrounded by an immense amount of details. Well worth the time.
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