Inaugural Presidential Address

by Barack Obama

description

Genres: Politics, Picture Books, Essays, Nonfiction, African American

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2009

About the author

Barack Obama was the 44th president of the United States, elected in November 2008 and holding office for two terms. He is the author of two previous New York Times bestselling books, Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope, and the recipient of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Michelle. They have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Reviews

[Sheila]

I read this speech, President Barack Obama's inaugural address in 2009, in 2017, in a different political climate, as I needed to remember the better days, the better times, the hope, the dream, and also to remember when we had a President who could speak a coherant sentence. I miss you President Obama.

[DeeReads]

5 stars

[Sung-Gi Kim]

Quotes from the book

America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned.

They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.

[Baby Bookworm]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Happy President’s Day! In honor of the occasion, our book today is Our Enduring Spirit: President Barack Obama’s First Words To America, excerpted from the 2009 Inauguration Day speech by former President Barack Obama and illustrated by Greg Ruth.

Beginning with the timeless presidential opening of “My fellow Americans,” the words of Obama’s first address to the people of the United States as their president speak of hope, promise, and unity. The newly-elected president acknowledges the complicated past of America while celebrating our patchwork country of religions, races, cultures, genders, etc. He encourages us to embrace our differences, and our similarities, and find the enduring spirit within us to work together as one people with one goal: the preservation of our nation and its promise.

As I noted, this book is comprised of excerpts from Obama’s speech, and fitted together with Ruth’s gorgeous paintings of both his Inauguration Day and various slices of Americana, it makes for an inspirational and moving children’s book. The notion of acknowledging the United States’ past, and not only the triumphs but the moments of great division as well, gives the work an honesty that other kids books about national pride can lack. Yet still, it is, at its core, about what our country can achieve when we eschew our petty differences and recognize that we are all equal, and that’s a fantastic message for little ones. The book is a bit long for babies, but JJ made it through without complaint, and absolutely adored the art. This one is definitely Baby Bookworm approved, and great for celebrating a patriotic holiday like today.

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Ruth]

“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear unity of purpose over conflict in discord the time has come to reaffirm are in during spirit.”

I miss the good old days when President Obama was in office! He was so well spoken, intelligent, humorous! He truly worked towards unity. He did incite good, and hope, perseverance!

What an amazing inauguration speech! From the first line
“I stand here today humbled by the task before us grateful for the trust you have bestowed mindful of the sacrifices born by our ancestors.”

The middle of the speech, “Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint hearted- For those who prefer leisure overwork or seek only the pleasures of riches in fame. Rather it has been the risk takers the doers the makers of things some celebrated but more often men and women of secure in their labor we have carried us up the long rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.”

Finally, “ let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refuse to let this journey in that we did not turn back nor did we falter and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God‘s grace upon us we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”

[BookDrunkard is on storygraph as bookdrunkard78]

Decided I wanted to listen to previous President's speeches and Inaugural Addresses because our current President makes zero sense when he opens his mouth. I've read transcripts of Trump's speeches and they are so incoherent it makes me cringe. I've only read one other address, Washington's Farewell, and it was so concise and meaningful, which is leading me to other important addresses.

Obama's address is filled with hope, inclusion, and big plans. Whether or not all of these ideas came to fruition, his ideas and plans are full of looking forward to the future, celebrating America for the diversity within, and lifting up all citizens regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender.

Looking forward to seeking out other Presidential Addresses and speeches to see how they vary from year to year and how each stacks up to the others.

[Alysha DeShaé]

I remember watching the inauguration back in 2009, but I don't remember much of it beyond the hatred I saw being spewed online while I was watching the commenters on the streams. Seeing that audible had the speech available, I needed to listen to it again.

It kind of rings about the same as most presidential addresses. "We're going to do better and be better than the other guys because America - fuck yeah!" That's not a bad thing. Inaugural addresses are supposed to be forward looking, positive, and hopeful. I guess it just hit different when I was younger and less realistic. (And now my friends laugh because I'm obsessively optimistic and hopeful even now!)

[Donna]

Just finished reading "BARACK OBAMA'S FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS, JANUARY 20, 2009" by PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA. This was from the book "THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND OTHER KEY AMERICAN WRITINGS" and the Audible book also read by PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA. This book also included "BARACK OBAMA ANNOUNCES THE DEATH OF OSAMA BIN LADEN, (2011)", "GEORGE W. BUSH ADDRESSES THE NATION AFTER THE SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS (2001)", and "BILL CLINTON ANNOUNCES THE MILITARY POLICY 'DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL', (1993)".🇺🇸

[Landon]

In all honesty this book was very touching. He talked about how being "Black" Doesn't matter when it comes to being a president. It was very nice how he wrote the book so it was straight from the source. He is still my favorite president and I wish we had more people like him. This talks about the Address he did in 2009 and what its like to be a president.

[Dennis Steussy]

If you are needing some encouragement in this time of political chaos and you feel President Obama was a good president, then you would enjoy reading or re-reading his inaugural message on January 20, 2009. It will only take about 30 minutes to read, but it will leave with a good meaning about our
republic and our democracy.

[John Yelverton]

This was an historical and uplifting Inaugural Address, and it's obvious that President Obama understood that this would be read and analyzed for years to come. There were some sections of obvious pandering to his political base, but on the whole, it's a very inspiring speech.

[Jessica]

It's not an easy translation into picture book form.

[Jess]

A beautifully illustrated, abbreviated version of Obama's Inaugural Address.

[Jessica Roberts]

Gosh, I do so love good oratory!

It's short but sweet. It's starts with a bang and ends with bigger bang. In short, it's one he'll of a speech!

[Elizabeth]

a little story book for all ages explaining the address from the President.

[Alunafowler]

The book titled Our Enduring Spirit: President Barack Obama's First Words to America was amazingly illustrated by Greg Ruth. This historic nonfiction book was presented to specificly highlight the night of the forty fourth president historic inagural speech. The words that the president spoke was inspirational and honest. He was mindful of the past while looking ahead to the future, President Obama's address conveyed a singular vision for a country united. Brought to life in stunning paintings by acclaimed artist Greg Ruth, Our Enduring Spirit is a record of this vision and a tribute to all people with the promise, the determination, and the hope to make it so.

This thin watercolor picture cardboard book is good to present to elementary and middle school students. As this book would be presented to a class, the students could identify what was meant by some of the cursive text. For example, "risk takers", and "determination".

[Clare Masullo]

This book is a published, illustrated version of Barack Obama's inaugural speech. His message is incredibly uplifting, and a great reminder to readers about what it means to be American. It helps in uniting the country by highlighting similar national beliefs that make us the country we are today. I think this illustrated version is great for children in that they receive a contemporary view of our country, as told by our president in chief. Furthermore, the President touches on issues of equality and diversity, something all children need to learn in today's day and age. It is a very timely and effective read, with beautiful illustrations and highlighted text that draws attention to important words used in the speech.

[Maria]

I love presidential inaugural addresses. They are full of hope and pride and passion. The inspire positive patriotism and camaraderie. The reveal our national ideals and aspirations and, hopefully, make us want to be better citizens. That holds true for this speech from Obama when he first took office. The words brought tears to my eyes when I first heard them spoken, and again as I read them beside the beautiful paintings in this volume. I love the black-and-white figures in front of the colorful backgrounds, the strong brush strokes, the energy that comes through. (And I enjoyed reading the story behind the book, as well.)

[Quentin Gardner]

Sheer Impact

I have read many inaugural addresses, yet this one really resonates with the theme of hope and change. President Obama's demeanor embodied everything a US President should be. Here we are 8 years from when this address was made and we still have quite a bit of work to do in this country.

This address is just what the country needed to hear, yet was not fully willing to accept at that time. It was great watching this address 8 years ago, but reading this delivers impact on a whole new level.

[Christine Turner]

An illustrated edition of President Barack Obama's inaugural address includes the address in its entirety.

NOTE: I wish that the illustrator would have focused on a more multicultural view.

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[Lucia]

These words are uplifting and filled with hope. President Obama's First Words to America brought new hope to a generation of people who were left wondering for quite some time. I continue to believe that given the opportunity, he can turn something around in this nation.

[Liz]

Interesting note as to how the book came about. Illustrations are sketch-like but very appealing. They nicely accompany words and phrases from President Obama's first inaugural speech. (The entire speech is included in the back matter.)

[Cheryl]

I just loved Obama's speech and it held Lincoln's speeches as well as the Gettysberg address and some essy from Walden. Very appropriate!

[Sam Bloom]

Great drawings accompany an abridged version of Obama's inaugural address. It's possible that I underrated this, mostly because Kadir has already been there and done that.

[Jack Nieporte]

Good.

[Rukia Rogers]

What an inspiring book to read! The book captures the words of President Obama with striking illustrations

[Lin Lin]

A timely book to remind American voters that they share a common spirit to protect freedom, liberty, and pursue happiness for all people, regardless of their diversity.

[Emily]

Amazing illustrations.