Dream from My Father by President Barack Obama: An Analysis
1. Introduction
Dream from My Father is a book written by President Barack Obama. It was first published in 1995. The story begins in New York, where the author has just received the news of his father's death through a tragic road accident. He then travels to Kenya, his father's homeland, to attend his funeral. This journey turns out to be a life-changing experience for him. He not only learns about his father's life and culture, but also comes to terms with his own identity as a black man in America.
2. The book Dream from My Father by President Barack Obama
2.1 The story behind the book
The book is based on the true story of President Obama's life. It chronicles his upbringing in Hawaii and Indonesia, his college years at Occidental College and Columbia University, and his early working life as a community organizer in Chicago. It also covers his time as a law student at Harvard University and his subsequent work as a civil rights lawyer.
The book provides an intimate portrait of President Obama's family and their history. It discusses the challenges they faced as a mixed-race family in a society that was often hostile to them. It also sheds light on the difficulties he experienced in coming to terms with his own racial identity.
2. 2 Source of the title
The book's title comes from a line in one of President Obama's speeches, in which he spoke about the importance of having dreams: “We all have stories like this – of fathers who inspire us, of mothers who nurture us, of grandparents who teach us, of friends who show us the way. And if we're fortunate enough, we learn from their example that anything is possible – even becoming president.”
2. 3 Important themes in the book
The book deals with important themes such as social activism, racial discrimination, social conflict, and family migration. It also touches on the subjects of religion and education. These themes are explored through the lives of President Obama's parents and grandparents, as well as through his own experiences.
2. 4 Critical reception of the book
Dream from My Father received critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised it for its candor, insightfulness, and eloquence. They also praised President Obama for being open about his struggles with racial identity and for sharing his experiences in such a honest way.
3. Conclusion
Dream from My Father is a moving and inspiring book that provides a candid insight into the life of President Obama and his family. It is an important work that sheds light on the experiences of mixed-race families in America and the challenges they face. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the man who would go on to become the 44th President of the United States.