Book Being Reviewed:
Obama, B. (1995). Dreams from my father. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.

Reviewer:
Katherine Purswell

Genre:
Memoir/Biography

Subject Headings:
Male lifespan development, Multicultural/cross-cultural issues, Racial/ethnic identity, Social justice

Review:
Regardless of one's political views, Dreams from my Father is a thought-provoking look at the meaning of race in America. Obama describes his struggles, joys, and challenges growing up as an African American individual in a primarily Caucasian family. He describes how it felt to not quite fit in with either cultural group and how this feeling of isolation impacted his late childhood and adolescence. He also describes his frustrations and victories in his civil rights work in Chicago.

More than anything, this book is about the search for identity - cultural, racial, and personal. Obama's journey took him both around the world and to emotional depths he describes with candor. A client's journey may not be so dramatic. Nevertheless, this book can help counselors develop a better understanding of the nuances of race, ethnicity, and culture in the United States and therefore develop a better understanding of clients' struggles. Written in an engaging, energetic style, this book is a helpful addition to any counselor's booklist or adjunct to a multicultural counseling class.