A Promised Land

by Barack Obama
A Promised Land cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 1892
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781524763169
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2020-11-17
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £18.99
Bookshop
Format • £33.25

A Promised Land is a riveting and deeply personal account of Barack Obama's path to the presidency, from his early political aspirations to his historic election in 2008. This memoir provides a unique and introspective look at the presidency, offering insights into the dynamics of U.S. politics and international diplomacy. Obama shares his thoughts on assembling his cabinet, navigating global financial crises, and making high-stakes decisions, including the authorization of Operation Neptune’s Spear that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. /n/n The book is not just a political memoir but also a deeply personal reflection on the balancing act of running for office as a Black American, the expectations of a generation, and the moral challenges of leadership. Obama is candid about 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
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

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

The Guardian · Gary Younge · 2020-11-27
intriguing 3.50

The memoir is vivid and captivating but leaves out too much to provide a clear view of Obama's first term. The reviewer appreciates the detail but feels it is incomplete.

Gary Younge highlights the vivid detail and captivating storytelling in 'A Promised Land', noting that the memoir offers a personal and engaging look at Obama's presidency. However, Younge feels that the book leaves out significant aspects, making it an incomplete picture of Obama's first term. This omission, according to Younge, diminishes the book's ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events and decisions during that period. Despite this, the reviewer acknowledges the compelling nature of the narrative and the insights it offers into Obama's perspective.

Quick quotes

    A memoir with vivid detail and captivating pillow talk

    Leaves out too much to give a clear view of Obama's first term

    An impressive but incomplete memoir

Appears in Lists