Obama Books Roundup

Dreams of My Father (Nonfiction) by Barack Obama
Crown, $14.95
IIt all started here. Obama wrote this book before he took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in 2004 and delivered his now famous "Red State/Blue State" speech. And it was poignant then. After his speech, his publisher re-released it, and it became a No. 1 seller. It hit the best-seller's list again last year. This book gives tremendous insight into the background of Obama and the relationship he had with his father -- a man he met only once and was never there to raise him. In spite of that (or perhaps because of his father's lack of attention), young Obama rose above it and used the experience to propel him into the future.

Obama Books Roundup

What Obama Means (Nonfiction) by Jabari Asim
William Morrow, $21.99
This is a history book, which chronicles how other figures, from athletes to civil rights leaders, have impacted this country and the world. And the author looks at what Obama's presidency will mean to history as well. This book officially hits shelves on Inauguration Day.

Obama Books Roundup

Fleeced (Nonfiction) by Dick Morris
HarperCollins Publishers, $26.95
This could be categorized as comedy, but the author is dead serious. It's a fun read and a very nasty take on what would happen if Obama were elected -- gloom, doom, end of the world and all of that. Well, we're still here. So far, so good.

Obama Books Roundup

Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama (Nonfiction) by Gwen Ifill
Doubleday, $24.95
She caught some flack after hosting the vice-presidential debate because of this book. But she carried out her duties as the pro that she is, and in this book (which she was working on before Obama won the nomination), Ifill delivers a balanced account of how the political landscape has changed because of Barack Obama.

Obama Books Roundup

The Audacity of Hope (Nonfiction) by Barack Obama
Three Rivers Press, $14.95
There are so many books on the market about Barack Obama. But this is the only one by the man himself that talks about his vision, his plan for America and why he decided to run for the highest office in the land.

Obama Books Roundup

The Case Against Barack Obama (Nonfiction) by David Freddoso
Regnery, $27.95
This author specializes in political books with a slant. And this one definitely has its perspective. It demonizes, discredits and downgrades Barack Obama. The tag of this book is: "The Unlikely Rise and Unexamined Agenda of the Media's Favorite Candidate." I'm a big proponent of reading opposing views. This is as oppositional as they come.

Obama Books Roundup

Yes We Can (Nonfiction) by Scout Tufankjian
PowerHouse Books, $29.95
The only independent photographer to chronicle Barack Obama from before he announced his presidential run to the night he actually won, Tufankjian captures some of the most candid and moving images of Obama and his family. The pictures tell the story, but more through those who Obama touched during his campaign than the Obamas themselves. This is a true slice of Americana.

Obama Books Roundup

Yes We Can (Children's Nonfiction) by Garen Thomas
Feiwel & Friends, $6.99
This biography is the children's version of the rise of Barack Obama. Here is another best seller to add to your child's library. This is not a picture book; it's a real bio for children that is a mix of history, rich anecdotes and quotes from Obama, as well as political and newsworthy discussion points.

Obama Books Roundup

The American Journey of Barack Obama (Nonfiction/History), foreword by Edward M. Kennedy
Little, Brown, $24.99
For those collecting Obama memorabilia and slices of this historic time, this book should be a part of the package. Produced by the editors of Life magazine, which many of us remember as one of the best magazines to chronicle history and well, life. This book is wonderfully and beautifully done.

Obama Books Roundup

Barack (Children's Picture Book) by Jonah Winter (Ag Foster, illustrator)
Harper Collins, $17.99
This is an old-fashioned children's book chronicling the life of the next president of the United States. It's a 32-page picture book for ages 4-8 and a great way to give your child a slice of history.

Obama Books Roundup