Audio By Carbonatix
Former President Barack Obama on Saturday continued his tradition of sharing his annual lists of favorites, starting with a rundown of books that made the past year "a little brighter for me."
"This has become a fun little tradition for me, and I hope it is for you, too," Obama wrote in an Instagram post. "Because while each of us has plenty that keeps us busy -- work and family life, social and volunteer commitments -- outlets like literature and art can enhance our day-to-day experiences."
Similar to previous years, Obama's book picks are a mix of historic non-fiction and some literary novels. It includes the "Lost Children Archive," which is about the migrant crisis; the Sally Rooney novel "Normal People," which is being adapted for a Hulu series; and "The Topeka School," which explores white male identity.
Check out Obama's full list of favorite books below:
- "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power" by Shoshana Zuboff
- "The Anarchy: The Relentless Rise of the East India Company" by William Dalrymple
- "Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee" by Casey Cep
- "Girl, Woman, Other" by Bernardine Evaristo
- "The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present" by David Treuer
- "How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy" by Jenny Odell
- "Lost Children Archive" by Valeria Luiselli
- "Lot: Stories" by Bryan Washington
- "Normal People" by Sally Rooney
- "The Orphan Master's Son" by Adam Johnson
- "The Yellow House" by Sarah M. Broom
- "Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland" by Patrick Radden Keefe
- "Solitary" by Albert Woodfox
- "The Topeka School" by Ben Lerner
- "Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion" by Jia Tolentino
- "Trust Exercise" by Susan Choi
- "We Live in Water: Stories" by Jess Walter
Obama also listed two "for the sports fans." Those books are:
- "A Different Way to Win: Dan Rooney's Story from the Super Bowl to the Rooney Rule" by Jim Rooney
- "The Sixth Man" by Andre Iguodala
Latest Stories
-
Ghana Armwrestling Federation engages Egyptian Ambassador over sports collaboration
24 minutes -
NSMQ 2026: Augusco declared winners, book quarter-final spot after Anlo, Kumasi High walk off
26 minutes -
Democracy Cup 2026: Winner to play in the United States in May 2027
47 minutes -
NSMQ 2026: St. John’s Grammar knocks Mpraeso SHS off seeded spot, advances to quarter-finals
52 minutes -
Rashid Pelpuo welcomes new role, thanks Mahama for keeping him in government
1 hour -
Mahama inaugurates committee to oversee GH¢1bn Bawku Revitalisation Fund
1 hour -
Berko’s US conviction does not automatically establish Ghana bribery claims – OSP
1 hour -
Mahama sets GH¢1bn Bawku revitalisation plan in motion
2 hours -
‘I assure the President of my unwavering loyalty’ – Brogya Genfi after new appointment
2 hours -
US-tested evidence could strengthen OSP’s case against persons of interest in Asante Berko case – Kpebu
2 hours -
Luv FM-Kel Charcoal Toothpaste High School Debate; OKESS and SAHUS clinch final semifinals spots
2 hours -
KNUST to get GETFund support to complete Teaching Hospital – Education Minister assures
2 hours -
Ghana to build its biggest power plant since independence – Ato Forson
3 hours -
APL demands forensic probe into GoldBod following $1.7billion gold-trading losses
3 hours -
Government workers without valid NIA details risk salary suspension from September 15
3 hours