Here's What the Last American President Who Read a Book Is Reading This Summer

By now, we’re well acquainted with the fact that Barack Obama loves a list. Suggested Reading Have You Heard of The Tragic Story of Phyllis Hyman, a Beautiful, Soulful Singer Derailed By Her Own Demons? Waiting To Exhale’s 30 Years Later: Where Are They Now? If Poor Black, White People Unite, They’d Be An Unstoppable…

By now, we’re well acquainted with the fact that Barack Obama loves a list.

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Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

During his presidency (ah yes, let’s all sit with this memory for a moment) and after, the Cookout DJ-in-Chief would share playlists, including one summer 2016 playlist that was adorably separated into “daytime” and “nighttime” installments (included in the night-time playlist was Janet Jackson’s “I Get Lonely,” which—okay Mr. President). He’s also made a habit of sharing his reading lists because, you know, he reads.

Over the weekend, Obama once again shared a brief list of what he’s reading this summer via his Facebook. The short list comprises of just five titles, so if you’ve got some time off before fall swings into full gear, you can get like Barack—you know, sans the private OTRII suite and being able to hug Michelle every day.

Our former president and current book blogger includes short descriptions of each title, so we won’t repeat those here, except to point out Tayari Jones’ American Marriage really deserves a spot on your bedside table if it hasn’t made it there yet.

If you have more than a little bit of free time, a knack for speed reading, or if you simply want to wallow a bit deeper into those “Barry, are you with me?” feelings, here are 79 other titles Obama recommended during his book-loving, cable-news-beef-devoid, Twitter-rant-less presidency.

Straight From The Root

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