Review of Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama

Barack Obama discusses race and identity from an introspective and multifaceted perspective. His evaluation is never too sure of itself, questioning, and reflective. Characters are given respect, though he mixes his judgment with apparently realistic, practical analysis. Their foibles and inconsistencies interweave with their superlative qualities to craft a humane diorama of one man's life in the presence of others. His characters evince a contrived quality as well. Their intonations often seem to reflect a composite attitude stereotypical of a certain type of person. Sometimes, the characters seem like vehicles for Obama to express ideas or opinions he would rather not have associated with the narrator.

Obama's conception of his father’s and grandfather's failures seems to exemplify his politics and survival strategy. These men were highly intelligent, capable of navigating the white world, and estranged from their culture and traditions, but their simultaneous failure to relinquish antiquated notions such as patriarchy, pridefulness, and inflexibility prevented them from living up to their potential. Their failure was exacerbated by racist hierarchies that assuredly stymied their advancement. In many respects, they adjusted more quickly to changing conditions, but they were ahead of the curve, which subjected them to alienation and ultimate disappointment. 

Obama himself hardly acknowledges the fact that he is incredibly adept at navigating the modern Western world. His adroitness at navigating rarified spaces is discussed more implicitly, particularly when he discusses the conundrums faced by black professionals who succeed beyond the confines of their original station. Obama's humility is striking. This must be due to the anxiety and precarity he evinces throughout regarding his role in life. He doesn't seem to be a shameless seeker of status but he does express fear about failing to live up to his potential. He ultimately attended Columbia and Harvard Law School and to also achieve power, status, and celebrity. 

Based on the content of this book, it does seem that Obama aspires to lead a meaningful and impactful life but doesn't articulate this desire expressly. Instead, he describes this worldview by example. Detailing his attraction to community organizing and empowering the disenfranchised. He even expresses skepticism about his intentions at times, but through his consistent engagement and sacrifice for the good of poor people, he demonstrates his activist bona fides. 

His politics are also manifested in the book's tone and style. Obama illuminates regular people, humanizing their experiences. He also de-emphasizes elites, showing their complicity and fixedness within a complex political system. The elites become lifeless props in Obama's narrative, and regular people shine with all their individuality. 

However, we should be wary of not understanding this book as a political treatise that serves larger purposes besides its own existence. Obama's future political career demonstrates that Obama had major ambitions and this book could serve as a vehicle to realize those ambitions. Books are great for connecting you to an audience, signaling legitimacy as a serious thinker, and provide a venue to elaborate your ideology or political agenda. 

Obama succinctly achieved multiple objectives in the publication of this book. It is thoughtful, shrewd, literary, and profound.