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Books can shape how we see ourselves and the world—and when you’ve been the leader of the free world, that’s pretty important.
Former President Barack Obama, a great proponent of reading, is launching a podcast that’ll delve into the books that were most influential on his life. Called “A Great Book with Barack Obama,” the show revisits his six favorite titles that had the most sway on his worldview and self.
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The podcast, done in partnership with Audible and Higher Ground, will cover The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson, All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren, and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré.
In each episode, Obama will talk with friends (“six of the most compelling thinkers, writers, and artists of our time”) about why these books resonate with him and “how they can shape our understanding of ourselves and each other, and why literature matters now more than ever,” he wrote on Medium.
“Great books have always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe. The six books featured in this series have stayed with me throughout my life, and each one has something to teach us about the human experience.”
Particularly, these books changed how he thinks about family, faith, race, politics and America.
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“President Obama has always been a champion of reading, and this series captures his genuine passion for literature in a way that is personal and accessible,” said Dan Fierman, the head of audio at Higher Ground. “These authentic conversations explore how books can challenge us, comfort us, and change us. The chemistry between President Obama and each guest creates truly special moments that remind us why storytelling matters. We're proud to collaborate with Audible on a project that honors both the intimacy of audio and the power of great books.”
The new pod is the sixth one between Audible and Higher Ground, the Obamas’ production company, but the first that the former president is hosting himself.
Ahead of the September 24 premiere, Obama says he hopes listeners will “be inspired to discover or rediscover books that change the way they see themselves and the world.”
You can listen to it here once it goes live.