I don't read much fiction, much less biographies, but he was more honest than I think obama's memoir could be. Mostly just a short read ( )

In another book there was a mention of Obama's "body man" named Reggie. In my mind, I pictured a brilliant nerd who was Obama's personal Google search engine. So when I just happen to walk through the biographical section and this book was on full display, I grabbed it.

It was OK. Reggie does not broach into the the world of gossip or drama. He paints a very respectful, loving picture of Obama. There were some small insights into Obama's personality and sense of humor that I found the most entertaining.

Overall I found this a really well polished book that doesn't push boundaries that has an almost network television (more 80's) positive squeaky clean feel to it.

( )

I received a copy of this book as part of GoodReads' First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.

And honestly – I loved this book!

Reggie Love tells his story not in linear fashion but in "lessons learned" chapters with titles like "Don't Get Too Comfortable on the Bench" and "You Can't Buy Momentum." Each chapter ends with him gaining new wisdom and maturity, but the focus is as much on his parents, coaches, and other mentors who have helped him – including Senator-turned-candidate-turned-President Barack Obama – as it is on himself.

That graciousness, and the humility with which he owns all his mistakes and then overcomes them, makes Love an enjoyable narrator to spend time with. This is a smart young man who, like all youths, had to grow into his potential, and is keenly aware that he might have squandered it if those around him hadn’t cared enough to set high expectations and then alternately encourage him and kick his butt until he gained enough maturity and self-awareness to do so himself.

Love’s relationship with President Obama is the context within which he tells his overall story, but the book is less about the specifics of that relationship than I had expected. While it’s clear that the two men became friends over time, in the book Obama appears more as the leader of a team and as an exemplar of passion, integrity, and character for Love to learn from than as a buddy. However there are enough personal anecdotes from that relationship, from their first days in the Senator’s office through the campaign trail and into the White House, to get some vivid insights into the man behind the public figure.

In the last few chapter, the President’s aide has matured to the point that he himself becomes a mentor to a fourteen year old boy (through Capital Partners for Education) and chooses to leave his White House job in order to focus on his continuing education – although it is clear that he continues to be one of the President’s friends, someone who still plays basketball with him and exchanges personal notes.

I think this would be a great book for almost any young person to read to get an idea of both the challenges and the possibilities of growing up and being a successful human being. Love’s focus is on character, not resumes or income (although it’s clear that he’s not going to have any trouble with the latter), persistence, sense of humor, and personal responsibility. I’m 50 years old, and I found myself inspired to push my perceived limits and tackle the challenges of my life with more enthusiasm.


( )

Remarkable! One can highlight sage advise every few paragraphs as Reggie imparts the wisdom he has gained through his family, mentors, and sports teamwork. Twice chapter 24 had me laughing so hard I was crying. I recommend this book be read by teen sports enthusiasts to recognize in themselves the challenges Reggie faced and what they can learn from his example. The book is insightful into the workings of a political campaign, but the book is much less political than I though it would be. I received a copy for review from Goodreads and Simon & Schuster, to now be passed on to a teen with an upcoming birthday. I anticipate buying more copies to be given as gifts. ( )