Barack Obama Reveals His 2023 Summer Reading List

Level up your reading game this summer with Barack Obama’s reading list. The former  president shared his must-read book list, delivering a blend of knowledge and inspiration to an audience full of bookworms. 

In this article, we’ll provide a brief overview of each book, highlighting their core themes and messages, and then explain how they are relatable to today’s culture and society. 

Get ready to dive into these empowering readings this summer season! 

“Poverty, By America” by Matthew Desmond is a sociological analysis  with an eye-opening expose that dives into the lives of eight-families in impoverished neighborhoods, shining light on the harsh realities and struggles they face daily. With a compelling narrative, the book offers a powerful examination of the systemic challenges, housing crisis, and social issues that take advantage of poverty-stricken neighborhoods, igniting a call to action for a more just and equitable society. 

Here in Los Angeles, the housing market resonates with the book’s theme as we witness persistent income inequality, housing instability, eviction threats and the constant struggle to secure affordable and safe housing here in our own city on a daily basis. Desmond uncovers the exploitative nature of the housing market and how profit-driven landlords perpetuate the cycle of poverty and eviction. The powerful message displayed in the reading narrates the urgent need for systemic change and social reform to address the challenges in our communities. 

“Small Mercies” by Dennis LeHane  is about the lives of three individuals and how they cope with the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The novel gets into themes of love, grief, guilt and the quest for redemption, painting an emotional portrait of human resilience to tragedy and the power of small moments of compassion and connection.

The impact of tragedies, such as violent or social injustices, on families and individuals here in Los Angeles can be immense, resulting in collective grief and a need for healing and support. In some neighborhoods where compassion and solidarity are prevalent, the themes of human connections and small acts of kindness hold particular significance. The connection is about the importance of finding solace and hope in small moments of compassion within our community and ourselves.

“King: A Life” by Johnathan Eig is an extensive and insightful biography that chronologically breaks down the life of Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential figures in the Civil Rights Movement. The book goes deep into King’s personal life, his childhood, education and religious journey while also highlighting his activism and leadership in advocating for racial equality and social justice. 

This summer read can serve as a great inspiration and motivation to take action and effect positive change in your neighborhood.  We see the need for leadership everyday for social justice advocacy and civil rights activism.This bio captures the complexities of King’s character and the impact he had shaping the course of American history. Get inspired and be the change you want to see in your community.

“Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano is a tearjerker that weaves a captivating tale of character William Waters. The story deals with the family love, deception, and the pursuit of healing, skillfully delving into the distinct roles of each family member. Her characters evoke deep emotions, as they navigate their personal journeys of growth and reconciliation.

Now hop in the family group chat with your crazy cousins and start a book club as the novel will remind you of the significance of fostering strong bonds within families and communities alike. 

“All the Sinners Bleed” by S.A Cosby is a story about a town undergoing rapid change, a former FBI agent turned small-town sheriff must rely on his extensive training to hunt down a serial killer. However, faced with limited resources and technology, he must navigate the investigation in a community that lacks the advantages of a big city.

This gripping crime thriller is tailor-made for suspense enthusiasts who enjoy suspenseful crime thrillers. With its suspenseful storyline and small-town allure, it promises a thrilling and immersive read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

“Birnam Wood” by Eleanor Catton is character-driven thriller in the wake of a landslide that closes the Korowai Pass in New Zealand, the guerrilla gardening collective, Birnam Wood, seizes an opportunity to occupy an abandoned farm in the town of Thorndike. Their mission is to plant crops unnoticed and achieve financial stability. However, their plans are challenged when an enigmatic American billionaire, Robert Lemoine, claims ownership of the land to build an end-times bunker. 

The themes explored in “Birnam Wood ” is the perfect summer read for someone who is intrigued by preserving the environment. The book is thought-provoking and relevant to our modern society. Through the lens of environmental activism, the novel is a call to action into the urgent need to protect and preserve the natural world, encouraging readers to reflect on their own role in safeguarding the environment. 

“What Napoleon Could Not Do” by DK NNuro centers on the lives of siblings Jacob Nti and Belinda Thomas. Belinda, the academic achiever, secures opportunities through her skills and connections, attending boarding school in the U.S., followed by university and law school. Despite her success, her immigration struggles lead to an early marriage to an older man. Meanwhile, Jacob faces his own challenges back in Ghana, with limited prospects of emigrating to the states. The novel unfolds as Jacob’s divorce initiates a compelling narrative, delving into the complexities of family, migration, and the pursuit of dreams.

This read resonates deeply with today’s society, reflecting on the global challenges and aspirations faced by many individuals and families. The themes are perfect for any reader who can relate to immigration and cultural identity, socio-economic struggles, family bonds, migration and what’s deemed to be the American dream and globalization and diaspora. This book is a great way to spark conversations and gain knowledge about the struggles.

“The Wager ” by David Grann tells the story as sailors round Cape Horn, they face grueling hardships, battling against the world’s strongest currents that pounded the ship relentlessly, even leaving seasoned veterans reeling. In this unforgiving setting, the crew encountered scurvy and typhus, marking a significant departure from the romanticized tales of old sea-faring literature. Grann sheds light on the stark reality, narrating the physical and psychological toll the voyage takes on the sailors.

The book’s exploration of the human spirit’s capacity to persevere in the most trying circumstances resonates with readers, reminding them of the indomitable will and determination shared by people throughout history and into the present day. As such, “The sailors rounding Cape Horn” serves as a timeless tale of human fortitude, making it an inspiring and relevant read for contemporary readers.

“Blue Hour” by Tiffani Clark Harrison takes readers on a journey through contemporary American motherhood. The protagonist, an unnamed woman of Black and Japanese heritage, endures a series of heart-wrenching tragedies. The weight of responsibility intensifies when a police shooting involving one of her photography students leaves her grappling with guilt and fear for her unborn child’s future. Harrison skillfully weaves lyrical prose to intimately explore the protagonist’s intricate emotions, painting a powerful portrait of her strength and perseverance. The result is a striking literary masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact on readers.

The novel relates to today’s society and especially here in the multicultural community in LA. The protagonist’s journey through grief, loss, and the desire for motherhood reflects the challenges and resilience faced by many individuals and families in the community who navigate their own struggles with similar issues.

Obama’s diverse summer reading list transcends boundaries, offering a rich literary tapestry that includes both fiction and nonfiction, speaking to various perspectives and providing a captivating escape into the worlds of different cultures, experiences, and voices.

Let us know if you read any of these books and what’s on your summer reading list this year.

Article by Shivonne Peart