A Promised Land

Goodreads Synopsis:

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.

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. (Goodreads) 

Should Lit Girls Read It?

The answer is an unequivocal yes. But that really didn’t surprise you, did it? Actually, I believe everyone should listen to A Promised Land (still not surprised). Narrated by President Obama, listening to this Audiobook offered not only an in-depth insight into the office of the Presidency but a calming voice reminding you that not all hope is lost. 

Lit Girls Take

Living in DC, it is easy to become disillusioned with the reality around you. When my family back in New York asks how DC is, my answer is always the same. “It’s still there.” The past four years have made that joke a little too real, but the fact remains; to live a normal life in our nation’s capital, you have to separate from the “capital” part as much as possible.

A motorcade will totally mess up your commute (regardless of who is riding in it). Your peace is sure to be disturbed by the sounds of Marine One on its way to/from Joint Base Andrews. Typically, unless your career is in/relates to politics, you can distance yourself from Capitol Hill or the White House. So, living in DC for as long as I have, I haven’t truly connected myself with all that’s happened here.

Much of Barack Obama’s story parallels my own, if not in stature or importance, then at least in timing. From his speech at the DNC and his primary campaign to Inauguration Day, I realized just how much of my life connected to his time in office.

I remember listening to that DNC speech with my parents, about to leave for a colleague and eager to vote in my first election. I spent part of my Senior year of college working as an intern for his opponent, Future Vice President(and President!) Joe Biden. Standing in the freezing, bitter cold on the National Mall full of pride as he took the oath of office on Inauguration Day. That was one of the first things to happen after my move to DC. I then spent the rest of the book pausing to remember where I was, who I was, at different moments. 

What struck me most was the emotion and candor with which President Obama delivered part one of this story. The detail he laid out about the White House and the Oval Office’s inner workings was equally fascinating and frustrating. He achieved something rare. Showing how high-minded and lofty the Presidency really is while simultaneously expressing his fears, pressure, and regrets. Barack Obama was not just the president. He is a full human being, if an extraordinary one, and it was a relief to be reminded that Presidents are people too (well, most of them). 

In an unfortunate bit of timing, I was listening to the end of this book in early January 2021. Listening to the rise of Trump and Osama bin Laden’s killing, just as Trump, in the present, was trying to dismantle the very core of our democracy. While most of the book left me feeling hopeful and calmed, this juxtaposition left me angry.

How I felt after hearing about bin Laden and watching the celebrations in my capital, my home, played over and over in my mind as I watched the insurrection that occurred a few weeks ago. “How is this the same America?” I asked myself. Then I wondered if President Obama was asking himself the same thing. I guess we’ll have to wait for part two to find out. But despite the current political climate, A Promised Land left me with one thought. Thank You, President Obama, for giving me hope when it seemed all was lost.