The reviews I have perused are about people's feelings about their projections of what Obama means to them. Reviewers are sharing their feelings about the symbolism of Obama, and not reviewing the book. And as a symbol - wow - what a wide variety of feelings from far extremes he represents.

Thirteen years ago I read this out of curiosity. We just weren't sure what he would have to say. At the time it wasn't exactly a bestseller. But it was worth checking out to see if I recognized anyone. He managed to have something to say and to say it without sounding like a callow youth. Although most people don't write their memoirs when they graduate from law school. That is usually just the beginning. He must have always had his eye on the ball because he managed to write an entire book about himself without really revealing too much. He concentrates on the parts of his story that deal with issues, and manages to write a fairly didactic, even boring story. Which considering how colorful his life was remains quite an accomplishment. But the book holds up through the years as 'presidential' quality, and the didactic quality lends maturity to the writings of a young man.

And now he is a public figure, so we'll never read about his mischievous and free spirited days, at least not from himself. Maybe he should have been a writer instead. He could have honed his craft a bit, edited out a ton of this book, and added some fun bits. But that would have been another story, about another man.