Barack Obama: In His Own Words
compiled by Lisa Rogak
JR Books, £9.99
REVIEWING a book of quotations is a bit like eating 20 courses in one sitting. Sickening and frustrating. You need a menu to tell you whether you are being given a starter, main or dessert and you need a break between each dish.
Strangely, in this compilation, that yardstick is missing. Contents and index are absent and while the quotes are placed in alphabetical order – beginning with “abortion” and ending with “writing books” – this is not enough. It has all the appearance of being a rushed job.
This major criticism aside, it provides an insight into America’s new president. Obama is noted as a man of words – written and spoken – and the quotes from his speeches, interviews and writings. tell us a little more about what makes him tick.
It covers a range of topics including Darfur, generational conflict, Iraq, John McCain, his marriage, North Korea, his popularity and race. My favourites include: “My wife is not impressed by what’s said about me in the press. She’s impressed by whether I take out the garbage, take the kids to the park” and “I’m a self-confessed policy wonk.”
But standing alone these quotes – and many others in the book – are annoyingly taken out of context. It’s a start, of course, but far better to read his books or listen to his words at length. Then you can form a proper judgment on what President Obama might do for the world.
Sharon Garfinkel
