Obama-just like every other first-time author

Scott just pointed out an interesting article in the Times about Barack Obama’s publishing career. Here’s the bit that cracked me up:

“Barack is a very focused, determined person,” said Ms. Hartman, who now considers Mr. Obama a friend. “Barack would go to people one by one and say, ‘Here’s my book, I want you to read it, give me feedback.’ For me, as a publisher, he wanted me to write about it. He would call me every week and say, ‘Did you read my book?’ ”

Oh, I remember those days of harassing all my friends and family, not to mention mere acquaintances and random strangers, thrusting my brand new book upon them and then always greeting them with the same refrain: