Presidential Edition now on sale

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:26:04 -0400

Barack Obama for Beginners: Presidential Edition is a completely revised and updated version of this essential guide that takes Obama’s story through the historic November 2008 election. A new chapter reviews the debates, issues, crises and turning points that marked Obama-Biden versus McCain-Palin. The earlier part of the book has been revised, and there are dozens of new illustrations. Buy it here on Amazon.com.

OnTheIssues.org “Seriously Good”

Tue, 5 May 2009 16:28:50 -0400

BOOK REVIEW by OnTheIssues.org:

Don't be put off by the cutesy title "Barack Obama for Beginners" -- this is a really nice little summary of all the essentials that knowledgeable voters should know about our next president. And don't be put off by the numerous drawings -- the younger generation might call this the equivalent of a "graphic novel" -- they set the tone of not taking themselves very seriously. But the content is actually serious, and seriously good.

The book covers the basic biography -- Obama's upbringing; his relationship with his mother and father; education; and marriage. And then covers the basics of Obama's political career -- from his first State Senate race to the presidential primaries. There are decent summaries of the key controversies of the presidential race too -- from Tony Rezko & Rev. Wright to "Bittergate" and others. Just the basics -- without the bias.

This slim volume -- 68 pages that you can read in an hour or so -- is the latest entry in the "For Beginners" series. I have read many books in this series, from "Plato for Beginners" to "Zen for Beginners." I'm no expert on Zen or Plato, but after reading those "For Beginners" guides, I can understand the relevant references and hold my own at cocktail parties. You can do the same in political discussions by reading "Barack Obama for Beginners".

-- Jesse Gordon, jesse@OnTheIssues.org, November 2008

Mobipocket PDA eBook Version Available

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:43:50 -0400

Leading eBook supplier Mobipocket has released Barack Obama for Beginners as a PDA- and PC-compatible eBook. Click here to have a look.

“Short, non-partisan and very good”

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:00:30 -0400

Paul Lappen reviews BOfB at Amazon.com: “For anyone who wants a short, and non-partisan, look at the life of Barack Obama, this is the book. It is easy to read, and very much worth the time.”

For Beginners Free Book Giveaway

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:58:29 -0400

Go to our website, click the monthly book giveaway link and take a survey for a chance to win a For Beginners title of your choice.

“Very much worth the time”—SearchWarp

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:43:24 -0400

Paul Lappen for the SearchWarp.com writer’s community: “For anyone who wants a short, and non-partisan, look at the life of Barack Obama, this is the book. It is easy to read, and very much worth the time.”

“If you only read one … make it this one”

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:48:04 -0400

Reader Crux Ansata reviews Barack Obama for Beginners: “This is a fun, slim, documentary comic book. It's a decent introduction, and a quick read, but content-wise it's about as substantial as a fair-length magazine article. If you only read one Obama book this year—and it's for your fifth grade research report on presidents—make it this one.” [Ouch! At least the reader liked it! And there are a lot of very smart fifth graders out there … - Bob]

Urban Lit Universe Interview

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 23:04:06 -0400

Relentless Aaron from Urban Lit Universe interviews Bob Neer.

“Bob Neer has authored a book called "Barack Obama For Beginners.” I'd say it's right on time and that I might have to read into the book so I can get a better grip on a man who (seemingly) came out of nowhere. Nevertheless, Bob made the blueprint of Barack's life official so that you can have a tour guide into all the many Barack Obama resources out there. BarackObamaForBeginners.com There's a Facebook page as well; you can find this interview there.

LHLS: “Amusing and succinct”

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:21:46 -0400

Linda Yau, who considers herself “apathetic to the upcoming elections,” concludes that “anyone who would like to learn more about the man should pick up this book.” The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society Miscellanea and Ephemeron—“Ontology on the Go!”—can be accessed at Liheliso.com/buzz.

Brooklyn Book Festival Sunday

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:25:19 -0400

Find us at the Brooklyn Book Festival, on Sunday, September 14: a huge, free public event presenting an array of literary stars and emerging authors who represent the exciting world of literature today. One of America’s premier literary and literacy events, this hip, smart, diverse gathering attracts thousands of book lovers of all ages. The festival is organized around themed readings and devoted to timely and lively panel discussions. The inclusion of top national and international authors and new partners has expanded the festival’s reach while continuing to celebrate and enhance Brooklyn’s contemporary and historic literary reputation.