Fair and balanced, but positive overall
I just finished reading this book today. Although I've been drinking the Kool-Aid for some time now, it was great to read an objective biography that was fair, candid, and did a good job of recording what happened behind the scenes during Obama's sudden rise to the threshold of the presidency. Even though he tries to be objective and does a good job painting a fairly complete, believable picture of Obama the man as well as the politican, Mendell clearly admires Obama and the overall impression I came away with was very positive.
I'm giving the book four stars because Mendell has what I feel is an annoying tendency to interject himself into the story instead of being a strict chronicler. Also, the book stops right as Obama makes the announcement to run for the presidency. It feels like an unfinished work. I read another reviewer state Mendell is working on a follow-up. I sure hope so, because I'd love to find out the behind-the-scenes events that led to the debates, Iowa, and Super Tuesday.
Objective, Fair, and Useful
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R11Q7UEY8OJ1OX Here's a mainstream media account of Obama that happens to be objective and fair. It contains the story of his life, and Mendell refuses to portray him as a savior even though he really likes the guy. It's definitely useful for conservatives as Mendell's liberal bonafides are unimpeachable. A fine read I thought overall.
More Objectivity Than Elsewhere
I just got done reading this and am in process of reading Obama's autobiography as well as McCain's "Faith of My Fathers". I was pleasantly surprised at the frankness of the journalist (Mendell) and I actually viewed Obama in a much more human light and thought it was refreshing to hear about the good and the bad in one book, instead of only good or only bad (most of the current choices on the bookstands). I think that Mendell's point of view from having been around him from the beginning of his political aspirations in Chicago, it gives a much clearer view than an outsiders into what makes him tick and what motivates him. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!! - I am reading lots of other books before making my voting decision, but it definitely was pulling me towards Obama.
--a former Republican
An excellent report
This was a good book that suceeds in showing Obama's early political career. The only drawback to it is that the author clearly shows his newspaper roots. Rather than write the book in story form, I got the strong impression that I was reading an incredibly long newspaper article. That style issue aside, I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the man and his history in a clear and straightforward way.
Objective observations; not vitriol or sycophantic praise
A very good read and seemingly objectively written. He seems to call it like he sees it and not trying to butter up to Obama. He is critical in what seems a proper fashion and is not afraid to offer complementary remarks where appropriate. Gives you the feeling that you are getting an honest view of Obama. Mendell's writing does not get in the way of what he is trying to say.
