A Promised Land

A Promised Land cover
Good Books rating 3.81
Technical
  • ID: 1892
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9781524763169
  • Publisher: Crown
  • Published: 2020-11-17
  • Formats: 16
  • Reviews: 4

A Promised Land is a riveting and intimate memoir by Barack Obama, detailing his improbable journey from a community organizer to the 44th president of the United States. The book offers a deeply personal account of his political education, the landmark moments of his first term, and the challenges he faced both domestically and internationally. Obama provides unique insights into the dynamics of U.S. partisan politics, international diplomacy, and the limits of presidential power. He reflects on his experiences in the Oval Office, including the global financial crisis, the passage of the Affordable Care Act, and the operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. /n/n The memoir is not just a political history but also a deeply personal story of one man's bet with history. Obama is candid about the balancing act of running for office as a Black American, the expectations of a generation buoyed by messages of 'hope and change,' and the moral challenges of high-stakes decision-making. He shares his thoughts on the forces that opposed him, the impact of living in the White House on his family, and his unwavering belief in the power of democracy and progress.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2026-01-16
Illuminating 4.25

This memoir is intelligent, thoughtful, and illuminating. It provides a deep dive into Obama's life and choices.

This reviewer found A Promised Land to be everything they expected—intelligent, thoughtful, and illuminating. The memoir offers a deep dive into Obama's life and the choices he made, providing a comprehensive look at his presidency. The writing is passionate and well-crafted, making it a compelling read for those interested in political memoirs. The reviewer appreciated the insights into Obama's personal and political journey.


Quick quotes

    The first volume of Barack Obama's highly anticipated presidential memoir is everything I'd expect it to be—intelligent, thoughtful, illuminating—and reading it.

    It provides a comprehensive look at his presidency.

    The writing is passionate and well-crafted.

The Journal Tribune · 2025-10-10
entertaining 3.00

The memoir is entertaining and well-written but does not present a compelling case for Obama being a great president. The reviewer finds it engaging but lacking in depth.

The reviewer from The Journal Tribune finds 'A Promised Land' entertaining and well-written, praising Obama's ability to capture the reader's attention. However, the reviewer feels that the memoir does not make a strong case for Obama being a great president. The book is seen as a personal account that is engaging but lacks the depth needed to fully understand the impact and significance of Obama's presidency. The reviewer appreciates the storytelling but wishes for more substantive analysis and insight into the political decisions and their consequences.


Quick quotes

    As entertaining and well written as it is

    The record as presented in A Promised Land does not make the case for a great president

    The Obama memoir, like his presidency, is a work in progress

Gissellereads · 2025-01-26
recommended 3.50

The book is recommended for fans of political memoirs. It is long and sometimes dry, which may not appeal to everyone.

Gissellereads' review recommends 'A Promised Land' to fans of political memoirs. They acknowledge that the book is long and can be dry at times, which might not appeal to all readers. However, for those interested in political memoirs, it offers valuable insights and a detailed account of Obama's presidency. The review suggests that readers who enjoy political literature will find this memoir to be a worthwhile read, despite its length and occasional dryness.


Quick quotes

    I recommend this book to fans of political memoirs.

    It is a long (and sometimes dry) book.

    If you are not into that you may not like it.

Gates Notes · Bill Gates · 2021-06-14
honest 4.50

The book is refreshingly honest and not afraid to acknowledge mistakes, making it a terrific read. The reviewer appreciates the candidness and finds it engaging.

Bill Gates praises 'A Promised Land' for its refreshing honesty, noting that Obama does not shy away from admitting his mistakes. Gates finds this candor refreshing and believes it makes the book a terrific read. The reviewer appreciates the personal and introspective nature of the memoir, which provides a unique perspective on the presidency. Gates highlights the engaging storytelling and the valuable insights into the challenges and decisions faced by Obama during his time in office.


Quick quotes

    A refreshingly honest book

    He isn't trying to sell himself to you or claim he didn't make mistakes

    It's a terrific read, no matter what