Barack Obama launches podcast about books that "change the way we see the world"

Barack Obama is launching a podcast about books that have "profoundly shaped his worldview and our society."

The podcast, called A Great Book with Barack Obama, will launch on Audible on September 24.

In each episode, produced by Obama's production company Higher Ground in collaboration with the Amazon-owned company - will discuss one of his chosen titles with a guest.

From Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré, Obama has also chosen The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin, All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson and All The King's Men by Robert Penn Warren.

"At a time when fewer people can sit down with a book, it's important to remember the joy and power that can come from reading," he said.

"And some books don't just tell a story - they change the way we see the world.

"Great books have always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe. The six books featured in this series have stayed with me throughout my life, and each one has something to teach us about the human experience."

Along with his annual summer playlist in late July and his end-of-year favourite music list in December, Obama has shared his favourite books for years.

This summer's list, published in late July, includes Kin by Tayari Jones, Vigil by George Saunders, The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout, Transcription by Ben Lerner and Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead.

 

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