logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Barack Obama Reveals His Highly Recommended A-List of Books to Read for Summer 2019

Joe Akins
Aug 17, 2019
12:40 A.M.

Barack Obama is spending the summer reading some outstanding literature books which he decided to share with the world.

Advertisement

On Tuesday, the former president shared his summer reading list with the world through his Facebook account. This is a tradition started by the former POTUS while he was still in the Oval Office.

Advertisement

Listed below are all of the juicy books former president Obama recommends reading this summer: The Collected Works Of Toni Morrison ("Beloved," "The Bluest Eye," "The Song Of Solomon," "Sula," E.t.c.)

Toni Morrison was a talented author who wrote about the African American experience in a White-dominated society. After writing several books, the award-winning novelist died on August 5, 2019, at the age of 88.

According to the former president, the Nobel prize-winning author's books are transcendent, and you'll be glad you read them.

Advertisement

"The Nickel Boys" by Colson Whitehead

Obama describes this 2019 fictional novel as "difficult to swallow" and "a necessary read." This book details America's history from the viewpoint of two boys sentenced to a hellish reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida.

"Exhalation" by Ted Chiang

"Exhalation" is a science fiction short story by American writer Ted Chiang. It is about the Second Law of Thermodynamics, and according to the former president, the story "makes you feel more human."

Advertisement

"Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel

Wolf Hall is a historical novel by English author Hilary Mantel. Mantel's fictionalized story of Thomas Cromwell's rise to power amid Henry VIII's lack of an heir detailed Cromwell's desire to divorce his wife to marry Ann Boleyn.

The book which also depicts England on the brink of civil war "is still great today," writes Obama.

"Men Without Women" by Haruki Murakami

This collection of seven short stories is about men who find themselves alone, without meaningful relationships with women in their lives. Obama writes,

"It'll move you and confuse you and sometimes leave you with more questions than answers."

Advertisement

Other books on Obama's list includes, "American Spy" by Lauren Wilkinson, "The Shallows: What The Internet Is Doing To Our Brains" by Nicholas Carr, "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren, "Inland" by Téa Obreht, "How to Read the Air" by Dinaw Mengestu, and "Maid" by Stephanie Land

During his presidency, Barack Obama recommended a total of 86 books to the world. In an interview with WIRED last year, President Obama talked about some books that helped him in becoming the person he is today.

To have a great mind, one needs to be open to the ritual of reading great works, and it seems like people can all learn one or two things from President Obama's summer list.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Tony Balkissoon: He Is a Lawyer of Asian Descent & Laura Jarrett's Husband

November 27, 2023

How Former President Barack Obama's Daughters Live Now: They Shop at Yard Sales & Are Budget-Savvy

January 23, 2024

Jacqueline Pelosi Owns an Art Studio – Meet Nancy Pelosi's Daughter

November 28, 2023

Malia Obama, 25, Debuts Her Alias & Ditches Family Surname after Starting Movie Career

February 23, 2024

Malia Obama, 25, Debuts Her Alias & Ditches Family Surname after Starting Movie Career

February 22, 2024

U.S. First Ladies Come Together in Attendance at Late Rosalynn Carter’s Memorial Service

November 28, 2023

Tin Swe Thant Had to Change Her Name in School – More about Alex Wagner's Mother

November 29, 2023

Rosalynn Carter’s Kids, Grandkids, & Great-Grandkids Attend Her Memorial Service – Photos

November 28, 2023

Roseanne Barr Turns 71 — She Is Slimmer, Has Big Family & Is 'Feeling Good' with Beloved Man of More than 20 Years

November 17, 2023

Patricia Noah Is Trevor Noah's Mother Who Bravely Gave Birth to Him During Apartheid

January 18, 2024

‘I’m against It!’ Older Man Stops Wedding, a Minute Later Cops Arrest Groom – Story of the Day

February 21, 2024

Malia Obama, 25, Makes 1st-Ever Red Carpet Appearance, Igniting Mixed Reactions About Her Comfy Outfit

January 19, 2024

Teen Idol Hilary Duff Is Already Expecting Her 4th Baby - 'Wow! At Your Age!' Fan Reacts

December 12, 2023

Linda Ronstadt Now Shares Home with Adopted Daughter Who Is Her 'Source of Joy' as She Fights Disease

January 16, 2024