The Obamas

By: Jodi Kantor

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Award-winning reporter Jodi Kantor takes readers deep inside the White House in an "insightful and evocative" portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama (Chicago Tribune) that will surprise even readers who thought they knew the two icons.

When Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, he also won a long-running debate with his wife Michelle. Contrary to her fears, politics now seemed like a worthwhile, even noble pursuit. Together they planned a White House life that would be as normal and sane as possible.

Then they moved in.

In the Obamas, Jodi Kantor takes us deep inside the White House as they try to grapple with their new roles, change the country, raise children, maintain friendships, and figure out what it means to be the first black President and First Lady. The Obamas is filled with riveting detail and insight into their partnership, emotions and personalities, and written with a keen eye for the ironies of public life.

Great insight into a complicated presidency

I was once a huge fan, then he became in my opinion a great disappointment. This book renewed my faith in Obama although named "The Obamas" it is really about Michelle. You find out that he still holds the values that sent him to the white house, but as always things are more complicated than they seem.

If you are a fan or once was this book will sit with you and you will respect him again.

Great Listen!

What did you love best about The Obamas?

Great flow. Lots of info but written in such a wonderful, easy way....Feel like you are in the White House with the Obamas. Couldn't put it down.

What did you like best about this story?

The way you feel you are really getting to know Michelle as she transitions into her role as First Lady.

Have you listened to any of Robin Miles’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first time listening to Robin. She is an excellent narrator.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many great moments!

Any additional comments?

Recommend highly.

I am an Obama supporter and I loved it

I don't understand what all the hoopla is about. Understanding that Michelle Obama is the only other Professional First Lady, besides Hillary Clinton, I would not expect any other behavior from her. She needs to feel relevant and she is protective of her husband and her family. She has a different agenda than the rest of the people that surround the President. I find the reactions described absolutely natural, I did not find anything offensive so far. I am in the middle of the book.

Pleasantly Surprised

If you could sum up The Obamas in three words, what would they be?

Insightful, Disturbing, Fascinating

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Obamas?

The PR crisis around the Gulf oil spill

Which scene was your favorite?

The weirdly fraught Halloween party

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both

Any additional comments?

I'm not sure why i have to write a review in this format.

Awesome!

What made the experience of listening to The Obamas the most enjoyable?

I loved the inside look into the Obama White House.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Obamas?

While this doesn't sound thrilling, the inner workings of the staff meetings and especially one meeting where Robert Gibbs had a - shall we say expletive not deleted moment.

Have you listened to any of Robin Miles???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, to my knowledge heard her before, but she was perfect.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There was so much, but Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize was memorable.