Dreams from My Father

by Barack Obama
Dreams from My Father cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9245
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781847670946
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Dreams from My Father is a deeply personal and introspective memoir by Barack Obama, exploring his complex heritage and the struggles he faced growing up as a biracial man in America. The book provides a candid look at Obama's early life, his relationships with his family, and his quest to understand his identity. It is a story of self-discovery, resilience, and the search for belonging in a society grappling with racial divides. /n/n Obama's narrative is not just a personal account but also a broader commentary on race and inheritance in America. The book is praised for its honest and poignant exploration of themes that resonate with many, making it a significant work in the realm of memoirs and biographies.

Reviews
A Haven for Book Lovers · 2021-04-14
enlightening 4.00

The book is beautifully written and offers a poignant journey of self-discovery and heritage. It's a compelling read that sheds light on the intricacies of race and identity.

A Haven for Book Lovers praises Dreams from My Father as a beautifully written story that delves into Obama's journey of self-discovery and heritage. The reviewer finds the book compelling, highlighting its exploration of race and identity. They appreciate the honest and introspective narrative, which offers a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding these themes. The book is seen as a poignant and enlightening read that resonates with readers on multiple levels.

Quick quotes

    Dreams from my father is a beautifully written story about Obama's journey towards discovering his heritage.

    Obama's mother was an American but his father was Kenyan.

    A compelling read that sheds light on the intricacies of race and identity.

UU Library Blog · 2020-02-17
intellectual 4.75

The book is intellectually stimulating and hard to find fault with. It feeds the reader's mind with its profound insights.

The UU Library Blog reviewer loves this book for its intellectual stimulation. They find it hard to find any faults with the memoir, praising its profound insights and thought-provoking content. The reviewer appreciates the way Obama delves into complex issues of race and identity, making the book a valuable read. They also note how the memoir's honest and introspective nature adds to its appeal, making it a standout work in the genre.

Quick quotes

    I loved this book because of how it fed me intellectually.

    It's hard for me to find much fault with it.

    The book is intellectually stimulating and profound.

Reddit - Recommended Books · 2018-01-01
essential 4.20

The book is recommended to every American, offering a unique perspective on identity and heritage. It's a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of these themes.

The Reddit review highly recommends Dreams from My Father to every American, emphasizing its unique perspective on identity and heritage. The reviewer finds the book to be a must-read, offering profound insights into the complexities of race and personal identity. They appreciate the honest and introspective narrative, which provides a deeper understanding of these themes. The book is seen as an essential read for those looking to explore these topics in a meaningful way.

Quick quotes

    As bold as this might sound, I recommend this book to every American—especially those who weren't particularly fond of him.

    A unique perspective on identity and heritage.

    A must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of these themes.

Confessions of a Book Geek · 2016-11-28
unforgettable 4.75

The book is an unforgettable read that illuminates not only Obama's journey but also our universal desire to understand our history.

Confessions of a Book Geek finds 'Dreams from My Father' to be an unforgettable read. They appreciate how the book illuminates Obama's journey and our universal desire to understand our history. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to connect with readers on a personal level, making it a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. This book is seen as a significant contribution to the understanding of race and identity in contemporary society.

Quick quotes

    Dreams From My Father is an unforgettable read.

    It illuminates not only Obama's journey, but also our universal desire to understand our history.

    A compelling and thought-provoking narrative.

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