FYI: I'm not going to debate anyone about my opinions on President Obama. Don't bother with that nonsense around here. If you want to talk about the book, cool. I'm not doing political debates on my book review blog.
Rating: 1 Star
So I wonder if, in an attempt to appear unbiased, the author realizes just how far she went out of her way to make the Obamas nearly unlikable. I absolute love the Obamas, and if Barack could have run for a third term, I'd have voted for him. Michelle is one of the top five people on my list for best shopping buddies. But if I did not know anything about them, and I had only this book for knowledge, I would think Michelle was angry all the time, super controlling and unwavering in her opinions, never one to compromise with anyone. And Barack - a pompous introvert? Really? The author's little play with his supposed 'I told you so" looks was ridiculous. I have never seen two people more in love, more electric, more everything.
I guess the author thought she was being so sly with her 'sources' but ultimately this is poor writing at its best, or worst, however you want to look at it. The author tries the, "look at me with all the insider knowledge" garbage, and it comes off as abrasive and condescending. Do not bother with this one.
It definitely sounds like one to avoid! I usually like political books but a few recently have been too biased for my liking.
ReplyDeleteYes!! I was surprised at some of the reviews on Goodreads saying how it was great and they learned so much about the family, etc. I could not believe we had read the same book. I don't think the author was intentionally biased, but it was really hard to tell if she even liked the Obamas, who she had been covering since 2007, her bio says. I don't know, some people were like, this is great it shows the 'warts and all' of the relationship between Barack and Michelle and I'm like, um, it was far more negative than positive. Showing a realistic portrait is what I wanted, but this to me seemed far more negative. I know his presidency was not perfect, but he accomplished some great things.
DeleteHmm I'll definitely avoid this one. And for all the complaining about them they sure are missed now, at least for me! Funny how you take normal for granted until it goes away lol.
ReplyDeleteRight?! It just felt off to me, and I did not like the constant negativity. I can handle the good and bad together, but not a constant barrage of bad.
DeleteAgree for sure on the last statement. I loved the era of not hearing President Obama's name every day because it meant he was doing NORMAL PRESIDENT-ISH THINGS! Now I am legitimately grateful to wake up alive every morning. This is not the world I wanted for my daughter!
Poor writing in non-fiction is a bummer. :P
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading "Arms and Equipment in the Civil War," which is a super fascinating read that goes in depth with all of the weapons used, tactics used, etc.
It is awful, and I had high hopes for this one, but a few chapters in I checked out some reviews because something was off to me, and sure enough, a lot of other people picked up on the vibe I was getting too. I miss this family so much and the class they brought to the White House, and this book did not do them justice. When authors get condescending and snotty, it is hard to take anything they say seriously.
DeleteI am trying to get more interested in the Civil War and have some great books on my list but I just have not gotten around to them yet! I am more interested in the social and cultural impacts and changes throughout the war though, less so on the military side. I will have to look this one up though, thank you!