A Singular Woman

More about the book

A major publishing event offers an unprecedented look into the life of the woman who profoundly influenced Barack Obama—his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham. While Obama has written extensively about his father, little is known about Dunham, the fiercely independent woman who raised him and is credited for "what is best in me." Award-winning reporter Janny Scott interviewed nearly two hundred of Dunham's friends, colleagues, and family members, including her children, and examined personal papers, letters, and photo albums to reveal the inspiring and unconventional life she led. Dunham's journey spans from Kansas and Washington state to Hawaii and Indonesia, beginning in an era when interracial marriage was often illegal and culminating with her son's presidency—an achievement she never witnessed. This poignant narrative explores how character is inherited from parent to child, shedding light on how Obama's destiny was shaped by his mother's unwavering belief in his potential and her unique approach to parenting. Ultimately, it is a heartbreaking account of a woman who passed away at fifty-two, before her son achieved his greatest milestones, reflecting on the invaluable lessons she imparted to him.