" I decided to read this book after hearing the author speak at the National Book Festival. In alternating chapters, Maraniss tells about President Obama's maternal and paternal ancestors, going back three generations. He also reveals how the lives andvarious cultures of these relatives affected and influenced Barack Obama's life. It was extremely well researched and certainly caused me to ponder the possible influences my ancestors may have played in my life. The book was long (500+ pages)and, at times, tedious, but well worth reading. "
— Ellen, 2/18/2014