Before coming to France, I bought a whole stack of books, because I thought I would be living in an apartment without internet access or my kids the entire first week of my stay. The flat was not ready for me to live in, so I stayed with the friends who own it, and spent my time in conversation with them rather than reading.
Of the four books I brought to France (for myself; I brought 4 other books for my kids), I only finished one: Barack Obama’s memoir, Dreams from My Father. I found it to be a very touching and interesting story, and I would encourage everyone to read it.
Around the time I left the States, Obama was being criticized by some as not being “black enough,” meaning that he had not lived the “black experience” in the U.S., that he was not descended from slaves. I found this accusation to be quite racist, and I enjoyed the irony of Barack Obama’s heritage: the man’s father was from Kenya, his mother from Kansas. He, then, is truly African-American.
As I read more of the book, I doubted that Obama’s critics had read it. When he was a younger man, Obama searched for his identity and his place in society. I think the experiences he describes in the book deflect any kind of criticism one could make about his blackness.
At the end of the book is an excerpt from The Audacity of Hope, which I plan to read, too. Barack Obama’s ideals match many of my own. I knew this already; I saw a video of a speech he gave a few months ago. I was going to say that he is much more coherent and concise than our current president, but that’s not too difficult a feat. Barack Obama is an orator, people. And having read his memoir, I can also say that he is a writer.
Speaking of writing, I am composing this in my hotel room. I brought a pot of coffee up from the breakfast room, and I have a few minutes before I need to head to Terminal 1. (Oh, how I hate Terminal 1). I have been thinking of blogging about this book (and this man) for a while, but this morning it just had to come out. There is much more to say, and I imagine that this isn’t very well-written, but here it is.
Right then. Must go. I look forward to reading your comments on this! And maybe I’ll blog some more during my six-hour layover in Philadelphia. It seems my muse is back.
PS: I’m now reading The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards. And it’s a page-turner.
I have such respect for Barack Obama, and, yes, he shares my ideals as well. Although I hate to put all my eggs in one basket, I feel as though he really holds the hope for my party and this country in his intelligent, thoughtful, well-meaning hands.
Terrific blog entry. Hope you're back safely.
Posted by: Denise | March 15, 2007 at 08:41
agreed. i do have a lot of respect for him. and really - i find a brocolli to be a better public speaker than our current president.
have a safe journey home.
Posted by: steph | March 15, 2007 at 13:37
I would like to read Barak Obana's books. My last trip back to the states was the first I heard of him and my interest was immediate. I'll have to look for the books.
I read the Memory Keeper's Daughter...great book.
Posted by: meredith | March 15, 2007 at 14:23
OH, how very weird. I am reading the Memory Keeper's Daughter too, and loving it. I started it on the plane back from Tampa. We'll have to do our own mini-book club about it. Barack has the charisma to do great things for this country, if given a chance.
Posted by: Margaret | March 15, 2007 at 20:40