Former President Barack Obama is opening up about the literary works that forged his worldview in a new podcast series, A Great Book with Barack Obama. Produced by Higher Ground Media and Audible, the series premieres September 24, giving listeners an intimate look at the stories that helped him navigate identity, faith, race, and politics as a young man.
In the podcast, Obama revisits six influential titles that left an indelible mark on his personal and political development. He explores race, identity, and moral responsibility through James Baldwin’s landmark work, The Fire Next Time, alongside Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon, a rich generational saga examining African American heritage and self-discovery. Cormac McCarthy’s All the Pretty Horses offers a poignant coming-of-age story steeped in romanticism and resilience across the American landscape, while Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead provides an intimate, meditative look at faith and family legacies.
Rounding out the list, Robert Penn Warren’s classic political novel All the King’s Men unpacks idealism, ambition, and corruption, while John le Carré’s masterclass spy thriller Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy dives into institutional loyalty, deception, and human flaws.
At a time when fewer people are able to sit down with a book, it’s important to remember the joy and power that can come from reading. And some books don’t just tell a story – they change the way we see the world. That’s why I’m excited to share my latest podcast from… pic.twitter.com/217Df4SwBF
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 10, 2026
Rather than delivering a solo lecture series, Obama invited close friends and notable figures to join him for each episode. Together, they explore why these specific works resonate, how stories shape our understanding of each other, and why literature remains essential in modern society.
“At a time when fewer people are able to sit down with a book, it’s important to remember the joy and power that can come from reading,” Obama shared in an announcement post. “And some books don’t just tell a story — they change the way we see the world.”
A Great Book with Barack Obama will be available exclusively on Audible starting September 24.
