A Promised Land

by Barack Obama
A Promised Land cover
Good Books rating 3.81
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £18.99
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Format • £33.25
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Technical
  • ID: 1892
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2026-01-16
  • ISBN: 9780241991411
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2020-11-17
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 4

In 'A Promised Land', Barack Obama provides a riveting and deeply personal account of his journey from a young man searching for his identity to the 44th president of the United States. He recounts his political education and the landmark moments of his first term, offering a strikingly personal detail of his experiences. Obama reflects on his early political dreams, his Iowa caucus victory, and the historic night of November 4, 2008, when he became the first African American president. This is the story of one man’s bet with history, the faith of a community organizer tested on the world stage. Obama is candid about the forces that opposed him at home and abroad, bearing the expectation of a generation buoyed by messages of 'hope and change'. He reveals self-doubt and disappointment but never wavers from his belief that progress is always possible in the great, ongoing American experiment. This beautifully written and powerful book captures Obama's conviction that democracy is built on empathy and common understanding, founded together, day by day.

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

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