Need a new book recommendation? Ask a former president.
Barack Obama has returned with his annual summer favorites, sharing the books and music he’s been loving lately. Twice a year, Obama curates his recommended books, movies and songs, giving Americans a rare glimpse into how he spends his free time. This year’s crop of books includes a mix of fiction and nonfiction. It also has many authors Obama has read and highlighted before, including Tayari Jones, Ann Patchett, Elizabeth Strout, Colson Whitehead and George Saunders.
Obama also encouraged followers to check the books out from the new Chicago Public Library branch at the Obama Presidential Center.
Obama reveals favorite books of summer 2026
Obama has been staying up-to-date on buzzy new books.
Among this year’s nonfiction picks are
Michael Pollan's “A World Appears,” a deep dive into the human consciousness and Roopika Risam's “Data Empire,” a recently released history of data and power. Another nonfiction pick, “This Land Is Your Land” by Beverly Gage, guides readers into the American past and reckons with the nation’s legacy and promises. It’s one of 10 books on our recommended reading list of travel and history books to explore America through.
In the fiction world, Obama agreed with Oprah’s Book Club and Amazon Books editors when he picked “Kin” by Jones. He also rounded out Whitehead’s bestselling Harlem Trilogy with “Cool Machine.” We agree wholeheartedly with his pick of “Whistler” by Patchett, a touching tribute to the bond of stepfathers and daughters. And his pick “Vigil” by Saunders reads like “The Christmas Carol” where Scrooge is instead an oil tycoon. All of these novelists have been featured on past Obama favorites lists.
Barack Obama's summer reading list 2026:
- “Kin” by Tayari Jones
- “The Things We Never Say” by Elizabeth Strout
- “A World Appears” by Michael Pollan
- “Whistler” by Ann Patchett
- “This Land is Your Land” by Beverly Gage
- “Vigil” by George Saunders
- “One Sun Only” by Camille Bordas
- “Seek Immediate Shelter” by Vincent Yu
- “Data Empire” by Roopika Risam
- “Transcription” by Ben Lerner
- “Cool Machine” by Colson Whitehead
Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find heron Instagram, subscribe to our weeklyBooks newsletter or tell her what you’re reading atcmulroy@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Obama's summer reading list includes authors he's loved for years and new favorites
