US News and World Report, 12/21/09
With almost daily television appearances and endless analysis of his every move, Americans — and those around the world — think they know Barack Obama well. Yet according to Sasha Abramsky’s latest book, Inside Obama’s Brain, the president is too complex to be pigeonholed. Based on interviews with people who have known Obama throughout his career — friends, neighbors, colleagues — Abramsky paints a private portrait of the public icon, one that highlights just how multifaceted the man can be.
– Jessica Rettig.
**
Inside Obama’s Brain Sasha Abramsky. Portfolio, $24.95 (288p) ISBN 978-1-59184-302-3
This breezy, engaging book does not explicitly attempt biography; instead journalist Abramsky dissects the personality of Barack Obama, examining the qualities—focus, self-confidence and curiosity—that fueled his meteoric rise. The book, the fifth in this series, draws on an impressive number of interviews with Obama’s friends and associates—though not one with the president himself—and includes illuminating anecdotes from every phase of the president’s life. Case studies of the Iowa caucus, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy and the appointment of Hillary Clinton as secretary of state bring the book’s arguments into focus. Abramsky does little to conceal his enthusiasm for Obama, comparing him repeatedly to Lincoln and Kennedy and labeling him a potential “once-in-a-generation leader.” Skeptics are likely to find the author’s praise off-putting (he includes dissenting views but generally dismisses them). None of the book’s insights are revelatory—for example, Obama’s poise and calm under pressure have been fodder for journalists and talking heads since the primaries began—but supporters are likely to enjoy the book’s concision and fresh approach to familiar material. (Dec.)
**
Booklist, 11/1/09.
Issue: November 1, 2009
Inside Obama’s Brain.
Abramsky, Sasha (Author)
Dec 2009. 270 p. Portfolio, hardcover, $24.99. (9781591843023). 973.932092.
What is it about Obama that has allowed him, a relative political neophyte and a black man, to achieve the pinnacle of world power? Political journalist Abramsky attempts to answer that question in this psychological profile of a man of polyglot cultural background and great intellect, oratorical skills, and charisma. Abramsky draws on Obama’s writings and speeches, as well as interviews with friends and colleagues, to offer a portrait of an idealistic, ambitious man driven to ever higher achievements. Abramsky focuses on Obama’s role as a community organizer and its impact on him and his ability to bridge differences and reach consensus. Interview subjects recount scenes of ambition tempered by idealism, liberal ideals tempered by pragmatism. The book begins with a look at the inner workings of Obama’s mind, his methods and motivations. Later chapters examine his political persona as affected by his life experiences. Finally, Abramsky takes a broader view of what Obama’s election says, not only because of his race but also because of the contours of his personality, about the U.S. at this point in its history.
— Vanessa Bush
**
Library Journal Reviews November 15, 2009
Inside Obama’s Brain
BYLINE: Dennis J. Seese
SECTION: REVIEWS; Social Sciences; Pg. 73
LENGTH: 255 words
Abramsky, Sasha. Inside Obama’s Brain. Portfolio . Dec. 2009. c.288p. ISBN 978-1-5918-4302-3 . $24.95. POL SCI Journalist Abramsky attempts to delineate the working of President Obama’s mind by analyzing his voluminous record of speeches, interviews, and published writings, in addition to interviewing many of his friends, colleagues, classmates, and professors for this concise yet well-researched work. From the comprehensive range of interviews and interpretive analysis certain traits and talents emerge, notably the President’s ability to listen, which Abramsky and others contend has been as instrumental in his rise as his lauded oratorical skills. Indeed, many argue that Obama’s ability to listen, empathize, and craft pragmatic solutions made him an effective community organizer, which was in turn a formative influence on his subsequent career. Abramsky examines the academic milieus of Harvard and the University of Chicago to demonstrate how their competitive, demanding cultures honed Obama’s intellect and, perhaps more important, his desire to familiarize himself with, and sometimes incorporate, ideas and philosophies contrary to his own. He also skillfully applies context, e.g., the Iowa Caucus, to illustrate Obama’s use of his skills. VERDICT An informative look at the people, places, and philosophies that have shaped the 44th President; recommended for all readers interested in psychology, unconventional biographies, or current affairs.-Dennis J. Seese, Jefferson-Madison Reg. Lib., Charlottesville, VA
