In an odd way, the worst politician and president (in my opinion) is responsible for fueling my interest in Barack Obama, his presidency, and his life. It was the Trump administration that pushed me to explore the flawed yet infinitely more human and humane presidents who came before, including the subject and author of this memoir.

I listened to former President Obama narrate the events of his childhood and early life, education and career, marriage and fatherhood. I listened as I walked each afternoon, and I was heartened by the words of an intelligent, moral, and sincere man who just as easily and readily admits to his errors or missteps as he does celebrate his victories and successes. A Promised Land brings us through the first term of Obama’s presidency, and I’m really looking forward to the next volume to come.