Just checking some of the reviews for my new book, the autobiography of Barack Obama's family. What an extra-ordinary story.
I have met Barack's Kenyan family first on 2008. I realized that the family's powerful story was yet to be told. What a bi-cultural powerful saga: An incredible climb inspired by a visionary woman, against so many obstacles, heart breaking moments, tragedies ...
When I agreed to do the project and hosted members of the Obama family at my home this summer, I have been witnessing additional strong emotions. Such strong, that it became a task to portray Mama Sarah Obama the right way: The way women in the West can identify with her dreams, hard working, wisdom, caring for her big family ...All this despite clash of cultures.
So your reviews mean the world to me!
I have met Barack's Kenyan family first on 2008. I realized that the family's powerful story was yet to be told. What a bi-cultural powerful saga: An incredible climb inspired by a visionary woman, against so many obstacles, heart breaking moments, tragedies ...
When I agreed to do the project and hosted members of the Obama family at my home this summer, I have been witnessing additional strong emotions. Such strong, that it became a task to portray Mama Sarah Obama the right way: The way women in the West can identify with her dreams, hard working, wisdom, caring for her big family ...All this despite clash of cultures.
So your reviews mean the world to me!
Amazon:
An eye opener about women in Africa, September 2, 2012
This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition)
I heard about Mama Sarah Obama, of course - because of her grandson,the president of the United States of America. Whenever I watched the news and saw Mama Sarah, I could not really connect with her. In a way she was sort of being ridiculed by the reports. So when I started to read this book, I could not anticipate what I found out. This is a very smart woman. Barack Obama's grandmother is an entrepreneur. She understands more about economy and globalization than many of us. And it is her big ambition and determination that landed him (Barack Obama) eventually at the White House. From the book, I understand that he recognizes the importance of his grandmother in his life and has a tremendous respect for her. Who would not, once you read this book? And I am still emotional about the painful life that Sarah has endured and the fact that many other women in Africa are still facing it daily.
I couldn't stop reading it, September 2, 2012
This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition)
I must say that I did not understand many things about Barack Obama, and frankly did not care,until I started to read this book. In the middle of a very political season, this is the first time I'm starting to understand the Barack Obama factor. His grandmother autobiography is a candid account, discussing the clash between two different cultures. It is funny, painful, and you just can not let it down until you finish it.
This is an original content!
This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition)
We have all heard about Barack Obama's story from different sources. Now Sarah Obama,his grandmother, is telling her own story. She is a woman who had a big dream which ended at the White House. Mama Sarah Obama takes us through the bumpy road, from her home in East Africa into the making of the President of the United States. This book is a celebration of ambition, hard work and the importance of education.
A delightful personal account of Barack Obama's Kenyan Grandma!,
September 8, 2012
By
This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition)
I'm reading the powerful story of Mama Sarah Obama, and how her big dreams penetratedthe psyche of her son, Barack Obama Sr., encouraging him to strive for higher education and big achievements. Ultimately, this wise woman from Kenya inspired her grandson, Barack Obama Jr., right into the White House as President of the United States! But it makes me wonder where she was during the Democratic convention? How come her grandson mentioned only his American side of his family in his speech? I'm reading this beautiful chapter in the book about Barack Obama's trip to Kenya with his sweetheart, Michelle, to get Mama Sarah Obama's blessing on his marriage and learn about his roots. Why ignore your African roots in your acceptance speech? Mama Sarah Obama seems to have had so much impact on President Barack Obama's ambition; certainly more than Eva Longoria or Scarlett Johansson. Although it's at the root of our collective American heart, maybe it's too uncomfortable for us to embrace/respect our cultural diversities and the occasional "shortcomings" of our ancestors? We ALL experience these things!! Daphne Barak presents Mama Sarah Obama's fascinating personal account of the Obama family's African history in a delightful, easy-to-read way. Be proud, educate yourself, dream big, and never forget those who helped get you here!
Unwavering Dreams & Leaky Roofs - A wonderful read!, September 8, 2012
By
Hulagirl (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition)
I read Mama Sarah Obama's autobiography today in a couple of hours and it was time well spent!Some of the stories actually brought tears to my eyes. Daphne Barak really made me care about this woman, the African grandmother of President Barack Obama. It opened my eyes to the Kenyan/African culture, how African women have been treated by men, the polygamy and domestic violence; a culture whose attitude about women's rights is the polar opposite of those expressed by Michelle Obama at the DNC. In spite of it all, Mama Sarah has always found a reason to be optimistic. Even when she is struggling with a leaky roof and no money to fix it, and with family feuds similar to those we all experience, she refuses to give up her hopes and dreams for the family she loves. Imagine - the African grandmother of President Barack Obama, rubbing elbows at a presidential inauguration with the likes of respected icons such as the late Senator Kennedy. What an adventure that must have been for this steadfast tribal wife and mother from a small village on the shores of Lake Victoria! Barak describes it all in an intimate style that made me relate to each one of Mama Sarah Obama's emotions. This is a must-read for anyone (in either party!) interested in the fascinating multi-cultural background of President Obama. Next stop - I need to find out more about those yummy Kenyan recipes!
Posted September 8, 2012
A captivating tale about an African woman and her ambitions, hop
A captivating tale about an African woman and her ambitions, hopes and dreams. I enjoyed learning more about President Barack Obama's African ancestry and traditions, the good ones (love, encouragement, food!) and the bad ones (polygamy, wife-beating). Daphne Barak's style of planting small hints at the beginning of this powerful story just to reveal a fuller picture later, kept me glued to the book. With all of the theories about President Barack Obama's roots, I was curious to read it. But Barak manages to strike a nice balance between dreams, myth and reality. She did it in a respectful way to East African culture. Even when we find out down the road about lies and distortions, you understand them in the full context of the human beings involved. Barack Obama's grandmother comes across as a hard-working woman who can discuss Africa with President George W Bush, receive delegations from Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, and advise her famous grandson "You should work hard." I enjoyed that this is truly Mama Sarah's story and not just a glorification of her grandson and his fame. By all means, read it. It will inspire and touch you! |
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