Expert: Books helped define Obama image

CHICAGO, May 18 (UPI) -- The two non-fiction books written by U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., helped define his image for the Democratic primaries, publishing industry experts say.

Deborah Baker, who edited a paperback edition of Obama's first book, "Dreams from My Father," said Obama has been able to use that book and "The Audacity of Hope" to create an image that would serve him well in his race for the Democratic presidential nomination, The New York Times said Sunday.

"Even now, it's hard to get my mind around the idea that this person is in politics," Baker said. "I actually think he could be a brilliant politician. He was ambitious as a writer in the same way -- very cunning in the way he structured the book. I remember thinking, 'This guy really knows how to tell a story.'"

Hermene Hartman, a former publisher of a Chicago magazine targeted at upscale black readers, said Obama has worked at developing his literary craft.

"Barack is a very focused, determined person," Hartman told the newspaper. "Barack would go to people one by one and say, 'Here's my book, I want you to read it, give me feedback.'"

"Father" tells Obama's tale of being a mixed-race American while "Audacity" outlines his ideals on politics and society.