Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

Obama, Barack

ISBN 10: 081292343X / ISBN 13: 9780812923438

Published by Times Books, 1995

About this Item

1995 Times Books TRUE STATED FIRST EDITION with typical Random House # line to "2." With a **SIGNED** card by PRESIDENT OBAMA ( and a 100% guaranteed COA). pasted onto the half-title page. Though ex-library this copy was clearly little circulated and has very minor markings: some stamps at the top page edges and 2 small stamps on the inside rear board. There is some color bleed at the base of the spine end on the rear board as well. Otherwise in VG/VG+ condition. The unclipped ( $ 23) DJ has been continuously wrapped so there is basically no wear . **Bonus** In addition receive an invitation to his First Inauguration on a 10x12 paper with raised gold seal. Plus both the Time magazine Special Commenmorative Edition of Obama's Inauguration & the 2009 five ties publ. First/First Official Inaugural Book in F/F MINT condition. A terrific set! Seller Inventory # 6597

Bibliographic Details

Title: Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and ...

Publisher: Times Books

Publication Date: 1995

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine

Signed: Signed by Author

Edition: 1st Edition.

Book Type: Ex-Library

About this title

Synopsis:

The son of a black African father and white American mother discusses his divided ancestry and his place in America's racial society, analyzing the demands of racial identity and culture, multiculturalism, and the quest for his own racial identity. 35,000 first printing. $35,000 ad/promo. Tour.

Review:

One of the many refreshing things about Barack Obama is his self-deprecating sense of humour. Responding to the unrealistic expectations for his presidency, Obama said 'I've been sent by my father from the planet Krypton to save the Earth.' Unfortunately, the irony of this self-comparison to Superman was probably lost on many of his dedicated followers, who clearly believe that – once in office – he can exercise a few super powers and rid the world of all its thronging ills, economic and otherwise. But as Dreams from My Father proves, Obama is no fool, and knows the cold realities that face him, even though this intelligently written book is filled with optimism and hope. Which is understandable enough; after all, what else could Obama offer?

The politicians who can actually write may be counted on one hand, but on the evidence here, Barack is among their number (he reminds us that William Faulkner said the past is never dead and buried – it isn’t even past; can you imagine Barack's predecessor in the Oval Office quoting Faulkner – unless the allusion was written for him by one of his speechwriters?). In fact the book -- Obama’s remarkable life story – was, of course, written before his destiny was irrevocably changed by his success in the US presidential election, and it is a striking account of a young man coming to terms with the problem of his identity and issues of belonging in a racially divided country (a racial division that Obama – by the very example of his success – may do a considerable amount towards healing). The son of a black African father and a white American mother, Obama details the dramatic journey that constituted his parents’ life before his own trip to Kenya to confront the sobering realties of his father’s life. It is a book about coming to terms with the past – and comparisons with writers such as Proust in such areas are not as ridiculous as they would be if almost any other politician were involved.

Dreams from My Father gives real hope that ‘dumbing down’ – in order to appeal to the lowest common denominator – will not be the hallmark of the Obama presidency. --Barry Forshaw