I love this book by Erin Aubry Kaplan. I believe I am her doppelganger, though not the evil twin type. Her expression of love, admiration and respect for him runs deep and she expresses it in a heartfelt manner. With smarts and clarity she also talks about Obama's flaws and the complicated relationship he had with the African American community. Now two years into Trumps term it is heartbreaking and unbearable to remember all of the excitement and hope we had but his principled relationships ( I have never read a negative book about him from people who worked for him) still guides so many of us as we continue to fight for racial justice. ( )

This is a readable, yet in-depth, study on our first black president from the viewpoint of a black woman. She went into some very interesting things that, as a person without color, I hadn't thought about. I have been a fan of Obama and will be sad to see him replaced by either of the current options before us (as of 8/2016). That said, this book examines some very interesting cultural perspectives. A solid read. ( )

Erin Aubry Kaplan writes a very balanced perspective on Obama. What Obama means to African Americans is as varied as there are people and just as complex. Erin examines all the varied views of Obama with candor and in the proper context of American society and values. Whatever opinion the reader has about Obama, Erin Aubry Kaplan may broaden his/her perspective. Highly recommended. ( )

This is an amazingly conceived and well documented reflection on Barack Obama, not simply as the first Black President, but through the eyes of the Black community. It is something that I have wondered about since his election.
Kaplan looks at him not only as the President, but she assesses the role he plays as a Folk Hero. She puts into words the frustration I have felt as a white American with the racist members of our society. Unfortunately, his election brought seething to the surface the silent racists. If he has disappointed some Blacks because he has not done enough for them, Kaplan states what he has stated, he is the President for all of us. Some white members of society may think he has favored the blacks, but he has definitely not. He has represented all of us as he promised to do.
I was a child during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and have been appalled at the treatment of Obama and the racism that has escalated during his presidency. I read this book like a textbook, underlining and annotating as I read. I learned much about the Civil Rights movement, the leaders not just of the movement, but also the voices that had an impact on the movement. It was an enlightening book for me and has sent me on to other texts and authors mentioned.
History will vindicate the Presidency of Barack Obama. I am proud to have voted for him. I do not agree with all of his decisions, but that is what being thoughtful means.
My one disappointment with the book is the title: seeing a heart = love in today's popular culture. The title as spelled out in the book is I Heart Obama. I read it: I Love Obama. The title diminishes the seriousness of the book and the research Kaplan has done. ( )

This is an excellent book and a very interesting discussion of President Obama and his place in African American History. Kaplan did a very good job of blending a community's opinions into a narrative that flowed and was a delight to read. ( )