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Also by David Mendell:

Obama, April 2008
Paperback
Obama: From Promise to Power, August 2007
Hardcover

Obama
David Mendell

Obama: From Promise to Power

From Promise to Power
Amistad
April 2008
On Sale: April 15, 2008
448 pages
ISBN: 0060858214
EAN: 9780060858216
Paperback
Add to Wish List

Non-Fiction Political

Barack Obama is arguably the most dynamic political figure to grace the American stage since John F. Kennedy. His meteoric rise from promise to power has stunned even the cynics and inspired a legion of devout followers. For anyone who wants to know more about the man who would be president, David Mendell's Obama is essential reading. Mendell, who has covered Obama for the Chicago Tribune since the beginning of Obama's campaign for the Senate, had far-reaching access to the senator, the details of which he shares in this compelling biography. Positioning Obama as the savior of a fumbling Democratic party, Mendell shows how Obama conquered Illinois politics and paved the way brick by brick for a galvanizing, historic presidential run. With exclusive contributions by family members and advisers, and details on Obama's voting record, this is a complete, complex, and revealing portrait, a must read for anyone interested in American politics in general and Senator Barack Obama in particular.

Comments

18 comments posted.

Re: Obama

I don't read biographies now. It's been some years since I even read one and don't believe I have any in the TBR mountain. When my FIL was ill he and I listened to some excerpts of Barack Obama's books--interesting but didn't make me even want to read or listen LOL
(Barbs Ferris 1:41pm January 18, 2009)

I am not really into biographies, but I have read the odd one. I read Katherine Hepburn bio and reading about her life with Spencer Tracy. I think we hear so much about public people and thier lives on the TV and in print media, that when they bring out a book, I just can't be bothered.
(Kathleen O'Donnell 1:52pm January 18, 2009)

I can't remember the last time I read a biography, maybe in school! I have looked at them in the store and I have been interested in reading a biography about a historical figure, maybe someone like George Washington or Queen Victoria. I've too many other books in the TBR to take the time out for a biography though! LOL
(Shauna George 2:02pm January 18, 2009)

As is being pointed out the media has changed so much that do we really need to read a
biography to learn about someone these days? I know that I'd rather lose myself in a good
piece of fiction, than learn something new!
(Sandi Shilhanek 2:13pm January 18, 2009)

Every once in awhile I am moved to read a biography! I acutally have 2 on request at our county library system. One is Barbara Walters, Audition & the other is Robert Wagner's, can't remember the name! When I put my request in for his there were 45 requests ahead of mine & only 1 copy of the book! The other day I checked to find I am now 43 on the list. Guess they didn't think it would be so popular. He was such a heart throb in his early career. I still love his voice.
Sometimes reading something that is true is interesting. I have the 3 books by Tom Brokaw done about WWII. The books are The Greatest Generation, The Greatest Generation Speaks & An Album of Memories all excellent books and dear to me as my Dad & 4 of my uncles served in WWII. One uncle died of a tropical disease during the war and I never met him. WWII is such a part of the men I grew up with that it is a part of history that interests me. They were the best as were many of their friends that were like extra uncles.

Sorry to carry on!

Hope you are all having a great Sunday.
(Donna McClure 5:32pm January 18, 2009)

The last time I read one was probably when I was in school and that was a long time ago.
(Joyce Mandle 5:39pm January 18, 2009)

Donna, I don't think you carried on at all. WWII probably played a part in many families lives, and I've often
wondered about those Brokaw books, but unfortunately not enough to take time away from my fiction!
(Sandi Shilhanek 5:50pm January 18, 2009)

You know, I don't read biographies all
that often. And I should, because I
find them fascinating. I do enjoy
autobiographies. One of the ones I
enjoyed the most I read a very long
time ago--Lauren Bacall's bio about
her life and marrying Humphrey
Bogart. I enjoyed Priscilla Presley's
autobiography about her life with
Elvis.I'm looking forward to reading
Robert Wagner's too. And of course,
Obama's biographies will be
fascinating reading.

Great topic!
(Jaci Burton 6:41pm January 18, 2009)

I love biographies, but tend to stick to those about people who are already dead. LOL I just love to learn about people and their lives. :)
(Amy Inholt 7:56pm January 18, 2009)

Me it depends on who it is, if it's somebody I'm a fan of I will buy it and read it, if not then I leave it alone and let somebody else have it. Most of the ones I have are pro wrestlers autobiographies because I'm a wrestling fan. Haven't bought any in awhile though.
(Maggie Roso 8:20pm January 18, 2009)

I dont read anything but romances.
(Debbie Beverley 8:21pm January 18, 2009)

Maggie, somewhere in my son's room I think he has a wrestling biography. I was reluctant to buy it because I was
sure he wouldn't read it, and I know he read a few pages, and gave up!
(Sandi Shilhanek 9:07pm January 18, 2009)

I haven't read biography since high school when I learned Dizzy Dean had to quit pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals when he stubbed his big toe and threw his arm out compensating for the pain.

Ike's parents had a living room so vast that they couldn't hear the children playing at the other end of the room.

Well, I have read some historical biographies by Gore Vidal, but that is about it since high school and that is longer ago than many readers have been alive.

Ray
(Ray Getzinger 9:51pm January 18, 2009)

I loved the books "The Spy Wore Red" and several others by Countess "Somebody" about her life as a spy during WWII. I just bought a bio by Madeline Albright about her life as an ambassador. It only cost me a buck so even if I skim it, I'll get my money's worth.
(Ilene Pedersen 10:05pm January 18, 2009)

I don't think I ever read a biography, but I have several autobiographies. I know I have one on Jeff Gordon in my tbr (for those who don't know, he drives for NASCAR). I have Brett Butler's and loved it (she didn't have the easiest of lives, if I remember correctly, since I read it years ago). I also have one on Jim McMahon (ex-Chicago Bears quarterback). His life was a riot! A very entertaining book. Oh, I also have an auto and bio on Charles Schulz (Snoopy is the dog!)

Here's a question: Can you call some books partial auto's? Comedians especially for this. I have a few Tim Allen, Bill Cosby, Paul Reiser books that could fit this. Its just a thought . . . .
(Amanda Reeder-erdly 11:50pm January 18, 2009)

I read biographies and most non-fiction(I give into romances for a change) and I find it interesting the different highlights of a person's life are different from another author's perpective. I have read three different books about Mr. Woodrow Wilson and each had a unique viewpoint concerning the man and President.
(Dawn Raymer 12:19pm January 19, 2009)

Hey Sandi! I've read a handful of biographies and autobiographies, but not so many recently. I guess I just prefer fiction. I was at the mall over the weekend and there was one entire display devoted to Obama biographies - I was surprised at how many there were. I'm certain there are many more to come.

Interesting topic, as always!
(Laurie Damron 3:33pm January 19, 2009)

I used to read biographies of movie stars but haven't in a long time. Maybe I should give it a try again sometime.
(Joy Hoormann 11:41pm January 19, 2009)