Status
Available
Publication
New York, NY : Alfred A. Knopf, 2010.
Description
Through extensive on-the-record interviews with friends and teachers, mentors and disparagers, family members and Obama himself, David Remnick demonstrates how a rootless, unaccomplished, and confused young man created himself first as a community organizer in Chicago, then as a Harvard Law School graduate, and finally as President of the United States. "By looking at Obama's political rise through the prism of our racial history, Remnick gives us the conflicting agendas of black politicians: the dilemmas of ... heroes of the civil rights movement who are forced to reassess old loyalties and understand the priorties of a new generation of African-American leaders. The Bridge revisits the American drama of race, from slavery to civil rights, and makes clear how Obama's quest is not just his own but is emblematic of a nation where destiny is defined by individuals keen to imagine a future that is different from the reality of their current lives." -- from publisher description.… (more)
Media reviews
The Bridge may actually be ahead of its time. The events in it are so well-known right now that its scholarship may resonate better in 20 years, after Obama's presidency has truly become history. Future generations who haven't just lived through what it documents may find this book riveting. The
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Bridge, in short, may be like young wine -- requiring time for its value and quality to emerge in full force. Or, it may be like Obama's Nobel Peace Prize -- a massive achievement that has been issued, perhaps, prematurely. Show Less
If the outlines of the story told in “The Bridge” are highly familiar, Mr. Remnick has filled in those broad outlines with insight and nuance.
Remnick has written a near-definitive study of Obama from 1961 to 2009. If "The Bridge" fails in any regard, it's in recycling a lot of shopworn stories -- but this, of course, can't be helped.
User reviews
LibraryThing member auntmarge64
Written by New Yorker editor David Remnick, this lengthy journalistic look at Barack Obama's life examines the influences which shaped him, the choices he's made, and the events which have propelled him to prominence so quickly. The story begins with the lives of Obama's grandparents, the story of
I picked up this book hoping to get a better grip on who Obama is, what makes him tick, and how he works at problem-solving among people with so many competing agendas. I have profound respect for the President, a brilliant, charasmatic and highly-educated man who approaches those who disagree with him with patience and respect. I'm not sure how successful this will be in a field crippled by habitual distrust, hate, and lies, but if we have any chance to dig ourselves out of the hole in which partisanship has buried us, such an attitude is imperative.
Some of my questions, such as the details of his early life and the influences on it, were answered. Others, such as why he identifies as black rather than as white, say, are less clear to me, although the answer there may simply be a matter of what is allowed for a mixed-race child in our society. (Although Obama doesn't seem to have been embraced particularly warmly by black America, either, where his appeal to non-blacks has sometimes been used as proof that he isn't black enough.)
While it will be years before we know how successful Obama will be in finding others who will reach across the aisle (or even support his efforts from the same side of the aisle), I now have a much better idea of why he appeals to so many and what tactics he will use to promote America's well-being and future.
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his parents' brief marriage, and his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia. Broad-ranging information is also given on the history and leaders of the civil rights movement and the impact on Obama of the African-American heritage he investigated and made his own in his teens and later. A large section concerns his time in Chicago, and the last couple of chapters cover the race aspects of the 2008 presidential election. Much of the book is based on interviews with hundreds of people, from Obama and his far-flung family to his advisors, detractors, and adversaries. Perhaps as befits a biography of someone still at the beginning of his administration, there is not a great deal of analysis. Instead, the author delves into facts, reminiscences, and materials written by Obama and others.I picked up this book hoping to get a better grip on who Obama is, what makes him tick, and how he works at problem-solving among people with so many competing agendas. I have profound respect for the President, a brilliant, charasmatic and highly-educated man who approaches those who disagree with him with patience and respect. I'm not sure how successful this will be in a field crippled by habitual distrust, hate, and lies, but if we have any chance to dig ourselves out of the hole in which partisanship has buried us, such an attitude is imperative.
Some of my questions, such as the details of his early life and the influences on it, were answered. Others, such as why he identifies as black rather than as white, say, are less clear to me, although the answer there may simply be a matter of what is allowed for a mixed-race child in our society. (Although Obama doesn't seem to have been embraced particularly warmly by black America, either, where his appeal to non-blacks has sometimes been used as proof that he isn't black enough.)
While it will be years before we know how successful Obama will be in finding others who will reach across the aisle (or even support his efforts from the same side of the aisle), I now have a much better idea of why he appeals to so many and what tactics he will use to promote America's well-being and future.
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LibraryThing member AnneliM
A look at the background of the man who is our current president
LibraryThing member bigmoose
Filled with stories and personal encounters illustrating the formative experiences of President Obama's life, particularly his political life, this biography reads surprisingly fast, in spite of its length and considerable detail. It goes a long way in helping one gain perspective and understanding
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of the president's interests, character and his wide-spread appeal. Highly recommended to one and all. Show Less
LibraryThing member the.ken.petersen
I found the style of this book hard but, it was well worth reading to the end. My complaint is that it is written in that modern style whereby history is not chronological. One found oneself in 2008, then 1998, then 2001 within a few pages. Mr. Remnick also has a habit of introducing a character
Having been critical, let me now turn to the positive side of this work. Remnick turns out a biography of a real man, when it would have been easy to make Obama a fully fledged 'underpants on top of the trousers' hero. opponents are criticised, on occasion, but also got praise.
The greatest compliment that I can give to any biography is that I feel that I know the subject a little better for having read it. I now feel that Barack Obama is a man that I know considerably better: thank you Mr. Remnick.
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and going off into a five or six page biography of him or her: I found that this made the book a little disjointed, in places.Having been critical, let me now turn to the positive side of this work. Remnick turns out a biography of a real man, when it would have been easy to make Obama a fully fledged 'underpants on top of the trousers' hero. opponents are criticised, on occasion, but also got praise.
The greatest compliment that I can give to any biography is that I feel that I know the subject a little better for having read it. I now feel that Barack Obama is a man that I know considerably better: thank you Mr. Remnick.
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LibraryThing member jontseng
An illuminating treatment of an overexposed subject. Highlights the ruthlessness and ambition, as well as the achievement.
LibraryThing member JeremyPreacher
If you've read Dreams From My Father, this is a fascinating look at the story behind the story. Remnick does a ton of research into Obama's contacts and claims, and also provides historical background to many of the facets of Obama's life. It covers the ground from Obama's grandparents' history to
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his inauguration. I found it quite an engaging read and, while it's definitely sympathetic, it's definitely a little broader a perspective than an autobiography. Show Less
LibraryThing member nmele
"Why are you reading that?" someone asked. I started because of the reviews I read but Remnick's thoughtful biography of Barack Obama soon captured my attention for the several days it took me to read it. Remnick tries to be objective and analytical, which makes for an interesting analysis of who
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our current President is and the people and circumstances that have shaped his character and views. Show Less
LibraryThing member lindap69
I felt like I was on the journey of self-discovery with Obama through his early years until his presidency. Peripheral characters were also well developed as well as the story of race in America.
LibraryThing member Rockhead515
Pretty well written and it was interesting to learn about Obama, who I knew little about.
Covers his early life up to his run for president.
Covers his early life up to his run for president.
Awards
The Economist Best Books (2010.14)
Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction (Longlist — 2011)
The New York Times Notable Books of the Year (Nonfiction — 2010)
San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year (Nonfiction — 2010)
Language
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