Barack Obama’s top 10 favourite books of 2024

Former US President Barack Obama has finally shared his much-anticipated list of favourite books, thereby giving readers a window into his literary preferences. For the year 2024, he revealed his top ten picks through a post on social media. He wrote, “I always look forward to sharing my annual list of favorite books, movies, and music. Today I’ll start by sharing some of the books that have stuck with me long after I finished reading them.”

This year’s picks range from genres and themes he has always been interested in and has affected him deeply. Obama invites his followers to peruse these titles during the holiday season, especially at independent bookstores or libraries. Check out Obama’s favourite books of 2024 and do add them to your reading list. These books also make great gifts for your reader friends.

In ‘The Anxious Generation’, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt examines the alarming rise in mental health issues among children today. He attributes this epidemic to factors such as smartphones, social media, and overprotective parenting styles. Haidt’s insightful analysis sheds light on how modern technology has reshaped childhood experiences, leading to increased anxiety and depression among youth.

Sally Rooney’s fourth novel is a moving story of two brothers ten years apart. Through Rooney’s characteristic style, the narrative delves into themes of love and loss, exploring how relationships evolve overtime. The brothers’ interactions with the women in their lives reveal the complexities of intimacy and communication, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in human connections.

‘Patriot’ is a posthumously published memoir by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison early in 2024. The book narrates his life and activism against corruption in Russia, with an emphasis on his unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights. Navalny’s powerful narrative is an inspiration to those fighting for justice and political freedom.

‘Orbital’ by Samantha Harvey, is a trailblazing novel. The book won the Booker Prize in 2024. The story revolves around the psychological struggles of six astronauts in a 24-hour mission aboard a space station. Harvey artfully portrays how these astronauts deal with their existential dilemmas and loneliness, floating in the vast emptiness of space. This inventively constructed narrative encourages readers to reflect on human emotions, loneliness, amidst the unknown.

In her third novel, ‘The Anthropologists’, Turkish author Ayşegül Savaş brings to the fore the daily life of an expatriate couple searching for an apartment. This narrative goes way beyond mere relocation; it tackles deeper themes of identity and belonging. The writing of Savaş is graceful and captures all the nuances of human relationships in search of connection in unfamiliar environments.

Arlie Russell Hochschild’s ‘Stolen Pride’, delves into the emotional underpinnings of right-wing politics among the blue-collar voters in Appalachia. Expanding upon previous work, Hochschild explores how feelings of shame and loss have fed political belief among this demographic. Through extensive interviews, she provides a nuanced understanding of contemporary political dynamics.

‘In Ascension’, Martin MacInnes’s third novel, a young microbiologist sets out on an expedition to explore a mysterious trench in the Atlantic Ocean. As she discovers extraordinary natural phenomena associated with larger ecological events, philosophical questions arise concerning humanity’s relationship with nature. This thought-provoking story invites readers to reflect on their place in the natural world.

In ‘Growth: A Reckoning’, British economist Daniel Susskind critiques society’s relentless pursuit of economic growth. He argues that this madness has led to a generation of significant problems, ranging from inequality and environmental degradation to technological disruption. Susskind suggests innovative solutions for sustainable economic policies oriented towards equity and environmental health.

Dinaw Mengestu’s ‘Someone Like Us’ tells a heartfelt story of a journalist investigating his family’s past following the unexpected death of a man he considered his father. As he travels across the United States, he unravels secrets about his Ethiopian immigrant heritage. This narrative beautifully captures themes of identity and cultural exploration, offering insights into personal growth within the immigrant experience.

Adam Moss’s ‘The Work of Art’ explores creativity through interviews with nearly 50 artists and creators from various fields. As a former editor at New York magazine, Moss provides an intimate look at how artistic innovation emerges from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This book offers valuable insights into the creative process and what it means to produce art in today’s world.