I put the question mark in the subject line of this entry because I don't know if this is really a "review"...maybe just more of a commentary.

I finally finished this book by presidential candidate Barack Obama and I have to say I enjoyed it. It's a hard read, because every word and every paragraph matters and my usual speed reading techniques for the mystery and science fiction I usually read don't work as well on this type of work.

It's a good look at Obama's thoughts on important issues, put on paper before he was a candidate for president. He covers tons of issues in this book, with several important issues falling under the topic of a single chapter. The chapters in this book are as follows:

1. Republicans and Democrats
2. Values
3. Our Constitution
4. Politics
5. Opportunity
6. Faith
7. Race
8. The World Beyond Our Borders
9. Family

It also contains a prologue and an epilogue.

I don't want to go into everything the book says, because for one, it would be way too long, and for two, it would be too much of a rehash of Obama's campaign issue statements perhaps. But suffice it to say, I was impressed by Obama's ability to THINK - he shows an excellent knowledge of history and and solid grasp of current events on his way to discussing issues such as education, health care, security, foreign affairs, and domestic policy.

I'm not sure what "experience" has to do with being president. Some would say it has everything to do with it. (But then how could one vote for McCain/Palin, since Palin has virtually no experience, her governorship of a state with a population less than many big cities notwithstanding?) But for me, the ability to THINK, to reason, to discuss, to see both sides of an issue, these are more important things to look for in a leader.

I was impressed with Obama's willingness to give credence to viewpoints that oppose his own, to understand where the holders of those views are coming from, and to take them into account as he makes his arguments for his ideas about all these important issues.

Anyone who is feeling unsure about Obama or scared about him should read this book - it comes straight from the candidate's mouth, and it is not one of those election-time tomes where it's basically just campaign propaganda.

Have at it!