Feldman's Faves: February 1, 2021

Good morning BL5,

I hope you all had a great weekend and managed to get outside despite the cold – GO CANADA.

This week’s installment is a “two for one” or maybe a “one for two” as I decided to combine the media into one recommendation in the form of an AUDIO BOOK.

A PROMISED LAND – By Barrack Obama – This incredibly insightful and introspective autobiography (which is Volume 1 of 2) provides a deep understanding of the type of person Barrack Obama is and the way he approaches all aspects of his life ranging from his early days in the Illinois State Senate, to dealing international diplomacy, Congressional politics and how he tries to be the best husband and dad he can be. He actually coached his daughter’s basketball team when he was President and they won the league title (no, the fix was NOT in). Regardless of your political orientation this book is worth a read because it not only paints the picture of the man himself but also the times in which he came to power and how he stickhandled the very challenging issues he faced on a daily basis. It gives perspective when we thin we are busy…. I was particularly moved by his analysis and look back at how he handled the Great Recession, which he inherited on Day 1 of his presidency. He was pleased that he stopped the bleeding but unsure if he made the lasting change to the economic system that he thinks his office/position could have at least attempted but did not do. One of the very humbling experiences and lessons he took away from his experience. I am really looking forward to Volume 2. A much better description of this great book can be found in the NYT Book Review - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/12/books/review/barack-obama-a-promised-land.html

If you do decide to “read” this book I suggest you get the audio version because it is Barrack himself who is the narrator. It feels like you are having a conversation with a friend.

Please continue to send your own recommendations.

As always, read or ignore at your leisure (but there will be a quiz…) and remember to stay safe and to docket daily.

All the best,

Jon