Breakthrough

The public television news commentator's book about politics in "the age of Obama" has little to say about Barack Obama himself. Rather, this is a survey of other African-American politicians prominent during the years of President Obama's rise to power. The host of "Washington Week In Review" and moderator of the 2008 vice presidential debate gives listeners a high-energy presentation that is easy to follow. Her discussion focuses on the congressional representatives, mayors, and rising stars who make up the current generation of black politicians. Her stories are about people, their perceptions, and their expectations. Ifill's great warmth, clear voice, and uncommon insights are sure to keep listeners engaged. F.C. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

March 30, 2009
Journalist and broadcaster Ifill offers a stellar analysis of the black political structure and its future in American politics. President Obama is featured but does not dominate the text; Ifill focuses more intently on such figures as Rev. Jesse Jackson and Newark, N.J., mayor Cory Booker, as well as Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts. As a reader, Ifill is professional, authoritative but never stuffy, impassioned but never biased. Listeners will be rewarded by a well-researched, well-narrated take on the implications of President Obama's election on the strongholds of African-American political power. A Doubleday hardcover (PW Daily, Jan. 16).

April 1, 2009
Former "New York Times" reporter Ifill explores the role of race, racism, and identity politics as played out in the 2008 election, offering striking criticism and intriguing insight as to how one can examine these ideas in light of Barack Obama's presidential victory. As narrator, however, Ifill is arguably less successful. She has the intense, assertive, projecting voice of a news reporter, which can get tiresome, and a significant number of page turns can be heard throughout. Though the subject matter will impress and provoke political junkies and lay readers alike, some may find Ifill's performance overwhelming. [Audio clip available through www.highbridgeaudio.com; includes a bonus interview with the author.Ed.]Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA

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