cover image The Promise: President Obama, Year One

The Promise: President Obama, Year One

Jonathan Alter, read by the author, Simon & Schuster Audio, unabridged, 18 CDs, 21 hrs., $49.99 ISBN 978-1-4423-3445-8

Alter's sharply observed narrative follows Obama and his dedicated staff through a difficult, turbulent, and mostly successful first year in office. He reads his book in pedestrian fashion, adding little in the way of color or emphasis. Still, Alter takes us through the material ably enough, and the recording's interest is boosted significantly by an interview appended to the end of the book with President Obama from late 2009. The president is calm and assured in making a case for his first year in office, but it is particularly illuminating to hear Alter subtly prod Obama into considering his successes—and his missteps. A Simon & Schuster hardcover. (May)