Former President Barack Obama continues a holiday tradition that has become familiar since his time in the White House: sharing his favorite books, movies, and music of the year. The latest list was released Thursday on Medium, where Obama encouraged readers to explore his picks and send along their own recommendations.
“I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out!” he wrote.
Favorite Books
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Paper Girl by Beth Macy
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Flashlight by Susan Choi
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We the People by Jill Lepore
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The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy
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There Is No Place for Us by Brian Goldstone
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North Sun by Ethan Rutherford
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1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin
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The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai
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Dead and Alive by Zadie Smith
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What We Can Know by Ian McEwan
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The Look by Michelle Obama, which he noted came with “obvious bias”
Favorite Movies
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One Battle After Another
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Sinners
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It Was Just an Accident
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Hamnet
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Sentimental Value
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No Other Choice
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The Secret Agent
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Train Dreams
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Jay Kelly
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Good Fortune
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Orwell: 2+2=5
Favorite Songs
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“Abracadabra,” Lady Gaga
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“Luther,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA
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“Sexo, Violencia, y Llantas,” Rosalía
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“Please Don’t Cry,” Kacy Hill
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“NOKIA,” Drake
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“The Giver,” Chappell Roan
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“Faithless,” Bruce Springsteen
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“Ordinary,” Alex Warren
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“No More Old Men,” Chance the Rapper and Jamila Woods
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“Bury Me,” Jason Isbell
Obama’s annual list has become a cultural moment, often boosting interest in both established and emerging artists across multiple mediums.