The Audacity of Hope - Book Review

Today I officially completed the book "The Audacity of Hope " by Barak Obama. I brought this book while I was traveling to Pune in Hyderabad airport. I was pleasantly surprised to see that book in Hyderabad. The book was priced at Rs.250 which I thought was a pretty good deal for a book in an airport.

The book definitely is a good read and a very pleasant one for that. I think for me it was my first introduction to American history and the amazing things that this country has in store for itself and for the whole world. Being an immigrant in this country and that too an unwilling one I had trouble adjusting to American way of living and the way things work in here But once I started working I think I have started realizing the good sides of it. And reading "The Audacity of Hope" really made me appreciate the american way even more. What is more endearing to me is the realization of the inherent flaws of humans and still striving to make this world a better place. And the way Obama writes his thought, it seems like its a no brainer. What is to be appreciated is the blatant frankness of the author in admitting the flaws that American ways have inflicted on foreign soils.

Reading the way in which Obama explains some of the points from the American Constitution, I envied all those students who got to listen to him really teach about American Constitution in his classes. Of course I know I would be worst fit in such a setting, but even then what is wrong in dreaming..

What is more interesting to me personally was the last chapter in which he talks about Family and his Family in particular. The relationship he has with Mitchel and how she manages and juggles as a working woman and a mom. Being a working mom myself I did identify very much with many of the feelings Obama says Mitchell Obama goes through, like feeling not good enough as a mom and at work. I am sure there is no reason for Mitchel Obama to feel that way but I definitely for one feel that way so many times. But reading this book has given me a new perspective of looking at things and made me realize that I am not alone and there are hundred of people who feel like me. And what I am doing is the best for my kids and my family,

Obama is a great writer and thinker. He has a uncanny way of connecting with people through his books. I can'nt wait to read his first book "The dreams of my father".