On X on 19/12, Barack Obama, 64, wrote: "As 2025 draws to a close, I continue a tradition I started in the White House: sharing my annual lists of favorite books, films, and songs. I hope you find new joys to enjoy."
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The former President's list of 11 favorite books for the year. Photo: X/ Barack Obama |
The former President's list of 11 favorite books for the year. Photo: X/ Barack Obama
Among the notable books is "The Look" by his wife, Michelle Obama, 61, which was released in November. The former president admitted a bias in including this book in his annual summary. This photo book showcases Michelle Obama's fashion and beauty style from her time as US First Lady to the present. Beyond offering many previously unreleased images, it shares behind-the-scenes stories linked to each outfit choice and how she used clothing to enhance her personal value.
"Paper Girl", a memoir by journalist Beth Macy, 64, is another significant work, topping Obama's list. The content reflects the author's perspective on the changes in her hometown of Urbana, Ohio, after 40 years away. According to Macy, the city was once home to working-class communities connected by local newspapers. Now, it is plagued by poverty and conspiracy theories, prompting her to investigate the causes.
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Barack Obama attending an event hosted by his foundation in 2023. Photo: Instagram/ Obama Foundation |
Barack Obama attending an event hosted by his foundation in 2023. Photo: Instagram/ Obama Foundation
The majority of the other books are novels, including "Flashlight", "The Wilderness", "North Sun", "The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny", and "What Can We Know". The former president also recommended several research books and essays on history and social issues, such as "We The People", "1929", "There Is No Place For Us", and "Dead and Alive".
In addition to his year-end list, Obama reiterated his top 10 favorite books from the summer. In music, he selected 30 songs, featuring hits like "Jump" by Blackpink, "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga, and "Ordinary" by Alex Warren. For films, he listed 11 favored works, notably "One Battle After Another", starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The music video for "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga. The song is one of the year's most popular tracks. Video: YouTube/ Lady Gaga
Barack Obama, born in 1961, served as the 44th US President for two terms (2008-2012, 2013-2017), becoming the first Black person to hold the position. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard University's Law School, where he served as president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review journal. He visited Vietnam in 2016.
The former president is known for his interest in popular culture. Since leaving the White House in 2017, he has annually shared his favorite film, book, and music lists on social media platforms. Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, playfully referred to Obama as the "President of lists."
Phuong Thao
