Tags
Barack Obama, Book Review, confused identity, descrimination, discipline, Dreams from my Father, experience, global citizen, identity, memoir, racism, roots
Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama
July 2014
In the esteemed yet controversial memoir, Barack Obama tells a compelling story of his life – personal, determined and colourful in experiences yet so heartbreakingly full of unwanted truths. While it is a story of discovering one’s identity and roots, it also brings out the discrimination and cruelty prevalent in the world. It reminds us that we cannot escape our roots, that our cultural heritage plays a role in the universal journey of becoming who we are. Our race and nationality is not chosen but a gift.
The book got me thinking about a number of things – the first being race and discrimination. Man’s inherent evil to segregate, hate and despise. The second would be attitude – confidence versus pride. It was the confidence of Obama’s father and grandfather that made them exceptional men. They were confident and unafraid of change. They welcomed the unknown and sought new adventures. They didn’t mind being different but their downfall was their pride. Their prized intellect took away their humility, the capability to admit that they needed help. The third and final point would be that hard work pays off. Obama’s discipline as a child to wake up at 4 a.m. every morning to study with his mother was impressive. His motivation and drive to fight for a better cause in his younger days as a community organiser was remarkable. His work ethic today is exemplary. His discipline is to be admired.
Through the book, I realised that the President has so much more to himself than the smooth speeches and vibrant smile. I believe he would never have written the book in this fashion if he knew he was going to run for President. He would have told a tale that was much more voter-friendly. He would have painted another picture. That’s one reason I would recommend the book, an insight on the President of the United States that isn’t tainted by the ever-complicating issues of politics.
Being a global citizen, I empathize with his plight, his search for his identity. But while he may have reconciled his search with an awareness of his heritage and of self-discovery, I find my inheritance in being a child of the Lord Most High. A Father who is sovereign and compassionate, who sent His Son to die an excruciating death for my sins and shortcomings.
Would recommend the book but don’t be surprise if you get a little depressed along the way!
Favourite quote:
They both disturbed and comforted me , those trees that looked as if they might uproot themselves and simply walk away, were it not for the knowledge that on this earth one place is not so different from another – the knowledge that one moment carried within it all that’s gone before.
Dare to be Dffrnt 