Witness to Greatness

The Consequential Presidency of Barack Obama in Perspective

Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
528 Pages
Reviewed on 05/09/2016
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Witness to Greatness: The Consequential Presidency of Barack Obama in Perspective by Obi Nwasokwa is a powerful appraisal of President Obama’s rise to power and the circumstances surrounding his rise. Obama might have appeared on the American political landscape like a joke and people might have thought he was just another rabble-rouser, but when his ascent to the presidency became inevitable, the world had to stand by and watch. Obama’s rise to power created what the author calls “a cold uncivil civil war,” a kind of silent revolution whose ramifications can be very far reaching. Witness to Greatness takes an honest look at the monumental figure that is Barack Obama, and what his ascent to power could imply for the history of the American nation and the world at large.

Obi Nwasokwa’s book comes across as a warning to the American people to take notice of the gift that they have at this historic moment. He sees Obama as one of the great people whose name will be remembered alongside Abraham Lincoln, Jesus of Nazareth, Mahatma Gandhi, and many others. Witness to Greatness: The Consequential Presidency of Barack Obama in Perspective is an honest, somewhat fierce look at today’s American political landscape. The author writes with simplicity and the work is laced with biting humor.

In the heart of this eye-opening work is the oft repeated question: How did Obama do it? How did he rise to power? What are the implications of his rise to power on the American political situation? The author doesn’t hesitate to state unequivocally and in clear terms: “For Obama did it fair and square by his own exertions — playing by the rules. He did it through his personal drive, discipline, dynamism, and determination, backed by uncommon and uncanny political and operational skill, smarts, savvy, and sophistication — against seemingly insuperable odds including the stiff and spirited but fair opposition of a majority of white Americans.”

Witness to Greatness is one of those books that will force the American people to look frankly at its reality and see a powerful sign of the times in the figure that has held power for almost a decade: Barack Obama. This book is more than a biography; it is prophetic, a powerful and insightful commentary on the American current reality.

Tracy A. Fischer

In an interesting and well researched book recounting the life and political rise of President Barack Obama, Witness to Greatness: The Consequential Presidency of Barack Obama in Perspective by author Obi Nwasokwa is a book that readers interested in politics or biographies will find absolutely fascinating. The book recounts the president's life, all the way from his humble beginnings being raised by a single mother to his meteoric rise to the highest office in, arguably, the world. Continuing the story of his time as president, and the "cold uncivil civil war" that his election brought about, the story is a complete telling of one man's amazing journey to the very pinnacle of all careers.

I very much enjoyed Witness to Greatness: The Consequential Presidency of Barack Obama in Perspective. Author Obi Nwasokwa has done a complete and thorough job in recounting the fascinating life of President Barack Obama in a very readable and approachable way. The author has been able to make this very distinguished man, President Obama, come across as approachable and quite human. Readers will, at times, feel as if they are reading a book of fiction, that is how interesting this story is! Any reader who enjoys politics, history, information about the lives of presidents, or just a great biography, should absolutely read Witness to Greatness. I recommend this book to any such reader, and I hope that author Obi Nwasokwa will continue to write political biographies in the future. If they are anything like Witness to Greatness, they will absolutely be worth the read!

Ray Simmons

Witness to Greatness: The Consequential Presidency of Barack Obama in Perspective is a look at the Obama legacy through the lens of history. There are comparisons to other presidents, as well as a play by play account of the major contributions and stumbles of the Obama administration. It is obvious that Obi Nwasokwa thinks President Barack Obama is one of the greatest presidents America has produced, and he has done a good job writing this book explaining why he thinks this.

Mr. Nwasokwa takes the position that greatness is rarely appreciated and acknowledged in its own time, and the comparisons between Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama go a long way to support this view. I didn’t realize just how much President Lincoln was despised in his own time. I grew up in an environment where Lincoln’s greatness is taken for granted, but quotes from people and newspapers of that era reveal that many people of the time thought Lincoln was an uneducated oaf.

Witness to Greatness is not an academic tome. It is easy to read, well documented, and takes an easy going, approachable tone. Neither is it one sided. It points out the mistakes President Obama has made on his climb to greatness and emphasizes that even the greatest men are far from perfect. I learned a lot about the American psyche as I read Mr. Nwasokwa’s book and I think it will strike a chord with those who are not American and want to know a little more about American culture and politics. Witness to Greatness is a great book and, like the presidency, its analysis may be better appreciated with the passage of time.

Rabia Tanveer

Witness to Greatness: The Consequential Presidency of Barack Obama in Perspective by Obi Nwasokwa is a book about Barak Obama’s best and biggest achievements during his tenure as president. I am very sure that many people will not agree with all Nwasokwa’s opinions, but I wholeheartedly agree with him. One day Obama will definitely be called one of the best presidents in American history. With the new presidential candidates aiming for the top position, one must remember the great things Obama did.

What is the best thing about this book? Nwasokwa is talking about Obama’s achievements and does so without sounding like a sound bite or like someone who is trying to sweet talk readers. He lays down facts and figures and just basically tells you the truth. His stance for equality among all people has been his best reform ever. His belief that everyone is equal makes him a great president. He gave equal opportunities to everyone, without being prejudiced and never ever bowing down to pressure.

This is not a heavy book. It is plain and simple, but it is definitely one to read because it highlights some of the things we should be afraid of. We don’t need a leader who is a racist or prejudiced. And we certainly don’t need a president who thinks he is above everyone. We need someone who is down to earth, someone who believes he is just one member of the nation. This book will help you realize that we need another Obama. Brilliant way to enlighten people!

Gisela Dixon

Witness to Greatness: The Consequential Presidency of Barack Obama in Perspective by Obi Nwasokwa is a social commentary on present day and modern politics, specially focusing on President Obama and his legacy in the context of systematic racism and discrimination in America. Witness to Greatness is a comprehensive book that provides a lot of historical perspective on race and politics in America and how they are both intertwined. Obi Nwasokwa takes us from political beginnings of the pre-Civil War era through the Ku Klux Klan and white supremacist groups, up to the rise and election of Barack Obama as president. The book is broken down into sections and chapters that explain the past as well as the present day influence of race on politics, just like on everything else, and provides a lot of thoroughly researched anecdotes and incidences of various presidents and prominent political figures in this context.

I found Witness to Greatness: The Consequential Presidency of Barack Obama in Perspective by Obi Nwasokwa to be a fascinating read that kept my attention throughout. I thought the book was extremely well written with an engaging and conversational tone. Obi Nwasokwa clearly knows his subject well and I learnt a lot of new information. I especially found his in-depth information and anecdotes on what happens behind the scenes in politics, the legal and judicial system including the Supreme court, law enforcement, the elections, etc. to be engrossing. This is a must-read for anyone truly interested in learning more about politics, race, and of course, the legacy of Obama in the United States.