Every year, former President Barack Obama shares a curated list of books that have captured his interest, sparked thought-provoking discussions, and provided valuable insights into the world around us.
His 2024 reading list is no exception—it’s a compelling mix of fiction and nonfiction, spanning themes of politics, culture, history, and human nature.
Whether you’re looking for gripping narratives, deep social analysis, or thought-provoking explorations of the human experience, Obama’s selections offer something for every curious reader.
Here’s a breakdown of the 10 must-read books from his 2024 list and why you should add them to your own bookshelf.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Category: Psychology, Social Science, Technology & Society
What It’s About
In The Anxious Generation, renowned social psychologist Jonathan Haidt takes a hard look at the mental health crisis gripping today’s youth, particularly the alarming rise in anxiety, depression, and social disconnection.
Haidt explores how the digital revolution, particularly the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media, has reshaped childhood and adolescence. He argues that while these tools have made young people more connected in some ways, they have also led to a decline in real-world social interactions, a rise in online validation-seeking, and an increase in mental health struggles. He also critiques modern parenting trends, including overprotection and “safetyism,” which may prevent kids from developing resilience and independence.
Using a blend of scientific studies, case studies, and cultural analysis, Haidt explains how we arrived at this crisis and what we can do to reverse its effects—from changing the way we introduce technology to children to redefining how we support youth in an era of digital saturation.
Why You Should Read It
If you’ve ever wondered why Gen Z and younger generations are experiencing mental health struggles at unprecedented rates, this book provides a well-researched, eye-opening exploration of the crisis. Haidt doesn’t just diagnose the problem—he offers tangible solutions for parents, educators, and policymakers to help young people develop healthier relationships with technology and build real-world resilience.
This book is essential for anyone who cares about the well-being of future generations, whether you’re a parent, teacher, psychologist, or just someone who wants to understand how the digital age is reshaping human development.
Obama’s Take
While Barack Obama hasn’t provided a direct quote about The Anxious Generation, his inclusion of it on his 2024 book list suggests that he sees the mental health of young people as a critical issue.
Throughout his presidency and beyond, Obama has advocated for policies addressing youth well-being, education reform, and responsible tech use, making Haidt’s book a timely and relevant choice for his reading list.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
Category: Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, Relationships
What It’s About
Sally Rooney, the celebrated author of Normal People and Conversations with Friends, returns with Intermezzo, a novel that once again showcases her signature understated yet deeply affecting storytelling. This time, she shifts her focus to two estranged siblings who find themselves navigating grief, family expectations, and the ever-evolving nature of their relationship.
Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, Intermezzo explores how personal loss can redefine our closest relationships. Rooney’s prose remains as sharp, introspective, and emotionally resonant as ever, turning seemingly ordinary conversations into deep, revelatory moments that explore love, identity, and the struggle to connect with others.
Rooney has often been praised for her ability to write about human emotions with a raw, almost surgical precision, and in Intermezzo, she once again crafts a novel that feels both intensely personal and universally relatable.
Why You Should Read It
If you love character-driven stories that focus on the complexities of relationships, Intermezzo will draw you in. Rooney’s writing captures the subtle emotional shifts that define human connections, making this novel an intimate, compelling exploration of love, loss, and personal growth.
For fans of Rooney’s previous work, Intermezzo continues her mastery of crafting authentic, emotionally charged narratives. And even if you’re new to her writing, this book serves as a powerful introduction to one of the most influential literary voices of her generation.
Obama’s Take
His past admiration for introspective, socially relevant fiction makes this an unsurprising pick. He has frequently included contemporary novels in his reading lists—ones that tackle relationships, modern anxieties, and the evolving nature of identity—all themes that Rooney masterfully explores.
Get Book: Intermezzo!Patriot by Alexei Navalny
Category: Political Memoir, Activism, Russian Politics
What It’s About
Patriot is the posthumous memoir of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, one of the most courageous figures in modern political activism. Known for his fearless defiance of Vladimir Putin’s regime, Navalny spent years exposing corruption, challenging autocratic rule, and advocating for democratic reforms in Russia—efforts that ultimately led to his imprisonment and untimely death in 2024.
This memoir serves as a deeply personal and politically urgent testament to his mission. In it, Navalny recounts his early years, the rise of his anti-corruption movement, the dangers he faced, and the principles that guided him throughout his fight for justice. His writing is marked by wit, resilience, and an unshakable belief in the power of truth, offering readers an insider’s view of the realities of authoritarian rule and the cost of standing up against oppression.
Why You Should Read It
Navalny’s story is not just about Russia—it’s about the universal fight for democracy, freedom, and human rights. His life’s work reminds us that the battle against corruption and dictatorship requires immense personal sacrifice—but also that hope and courage can inspire change.
This book is a must-read for those who want to understand:
- How authoritarian regimes maintain control
- Why corruption is so deeply entrenched in Russian politics
- What it takes to stand up to a dictatorship at great personal risk
For readers who appreciate books about political resistance, human resilience, and the pursuit of justice, Patriot will be both a heartbreaking and inspiring read.
Obama’s Take
Obama has been vocal about his admiration for Navalny’s courage and his fight for democracy. Following Navalny’s death, Obama released a statement calling him,
“a man of incredible bravery and principle”, emphasizing that his legacy would “inspire those who believe in democracy and human rights.”
Obama’s decision to highlight Patriot in his 2024 reading list further underscores his belief in supporting global democratic movements and honoring those who put their lives on the line for justice.
Get Book: Patriot by Alexei Navalny!Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Category: Science Fiction, Literary Fiction, Space Exploration
What It’s About
Set aboard the International Space Station, Orbital is an atmospheric novel that takes readers on a journey beyond Earth, following six astronauts as they navigate life in microgravity. Unlike traditional sci-fi thrillers filled with action and intergalactic conflict, this novel is a quiet, meditative reflection on existence, time, and our place in the cosmos.
From their unique vantage point, the astronauts observe the planet’s fragile beauty while contending with the daily routines of survival—scientific experiments, scheduled communications with Earth, and the sheer isolation of space. As they float through the station’s corridors, their individual thoughts drift between the technical and the existential, reminding readers that even in the vastness of space, human concerns—memory, purpose, and connection—remain central.
Harvey’s writing, often described as poetic and introspective, immerses readers in the sensation of floating weightlessly through both space and thought, making this novel as much about the psychology of its characters as it is about their surroundings.
Why You Should Read It
If you loved books like The Overstory by Richard Powers or Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, you’ll appreciate Orbital’s lyrical prose and contemplative storytelling. It offers a rare glimpse into the psychological and philosophical aspects of space travel, shifting the focus away from high-stakes drama and instead exploring how seeing Earth from a distance alters one’s perception of life itself.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy thoughtful, slow-burning narratives that blend science with introspection. It prompts deep reflection on our relationship with the planet, the passage of time, and the delicate balance of human existence, making it not just a novel about space, but about what it means to be alive.
Get Book: Orbital!The Anthropologists by Ayşegül Savaş
Category: Literary Fiction, Identity & Culture, Relationships
What It’s About
At its core, The Anthropologists is a novel about observation, belonging, and the search for meaning in human interactions. The story follows a young woman who moves to a new, unnamed city and becomes intrigued by a group of anthropologists. Their discussions about human behavior, identity, and cultural displacement begin to influence how she sees her own life, leading her to question the very nature of relationships, society, and the way people construct meaning around them.
Through quiet, contemplative prose, Savaş constructs a narrative that blurs the line between anthropology and personal introspection. The protagonist isn’t just watching the anthropologists; she’s studying the act of observation itself, noticing how people attempt to explain themselves, their pasts, and their emotional landscapes.
This novel offers a deeply intellectual and poetic take on human connection, gently prodding at the reader’s own sense of self-awareness. Savaş’s restrained, elegant writing makes every conversation, every glance, and every moment of reflection feel like an intricate field study of modern life.
Why You Should Read It
If you enjoy books that blend fiction with philosophy, The Anthropologists is a must-read. It challenges the reader to reflect on how we interpret the world around us, how we construct narratives about our lives, and how we navigate relationships in a world that often feels detached.
This novel is perfect for readers who love the subtle, observational storytelling of Rachel Cusk and the introspective nature of Jenny Offill’s work. It’s a book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page, prompting you to rethink how much of our identity is self-created and how much is shaped by those around us.
Obama’s Take
His inclusion, The Anthropologists in his favorites list suggests an appreciation for narratives that explore identity, cultural displacement, and intellectual curiosity. Given his own experiences navigating different cultural landscapes throughout his life, he may have resonated with the book’s exploration of what it means to belong.
Get Book: The Anthropologists!Stolen Pride by Arlie Russell Hochschild
Category: Sociology, Political Science, Social Inequality
What It’s About
Arlie Russell Hochschild, one of the most respected sociologists of our time, delves into the emotional underpinnings of political and cultural identity in Stolen Pride. Through in-depth research and interviews, she examines how pride—whether national, racial, or ideological—has been wielded as both a source of unity and a weapon of division in the United States.
She traces how different groups—working-class Americans, political factions, and disenfranchised communities—have experienced both the uplift and the loss of pride in ways that shape their worldviews, voting patterns, and sense of belonging. Hochschild unpacks how emotions like resentment, nostalgia, and righteousness fuel political movements, making this book essential for understanding the growing polarization in America.
Rather than offering a simplistic left-versus-right analysis, Hochschild humanizes the people behind ideological divides, helping readers grasp why people feel the way they do about issues like immigration, economic policies, and cultural shifts.
Why You Should Read It
If you want a research-backed, empathetic approach to understanding political and cultural divides, Stolen Pride is a must-read. It provides a window into the hearts and minds of people from different backgrounds, offering a nuanced view of why emotions play such a crucial role in shaping political beliefs.
For fans of books like Strangers in Their Own Land (also by Hochschild) and Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance, this book provides another deeply insightful look into how emotions influence societal change. It’s a book that encourages readers to move beyond surface-level political discourse and consider the deeper forces at play in America’s ongoing cultural shifts.
Obama’s Take
Obama has often spoken about the role of empathy in bridging political divides, and his inclusion of Stolen Pride aligns with his belief in seeking to understand different perspectives.
Throughout his presidency and beyond, he has emphasized the need to address the root causes of political alienation, and this book likely resonated with his views on how emotions and identity shape public discourse.
Get Book: Stolen Pride!In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
Category: Science Fiction, Environmental Fiction
What It’s About
In Ascension follows the journey of Leigh, a marine biologist who embarks on an expedition to explore a newly discovered trench in the Atlantic Ocean. What begins as a scientific endeavor soon transforms into a profound exploration of Earth’s mysteries and humanity’s place within it. As Leigh delves deeper, she confronts revelations that challenge her understanding of life, existence, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Why You Should Read It
This novel seamlessly blends elements of science fiction with environmental themes, offering readers a thought-provoking narrative that questions humanity’s impact on the planet. MacInnes’s storytelling invites reflection on our responsibilities toward Earth and the unknown realms that lie beneath its surface.
Get Book: In Ascension!Growth by Daniel Susskind
Category: Economics, Technology
What It’s About
In Growth, economist Daniel Susskind examines the future of economic expansion in an era defined by technological advancements and finite resources. He explores how artificial intelligence, automation, and climate change are reshaping traditional economic models, challenging the sustainability of perpetual growth. Susskind advocates for a reevaluation of societal goals, emphasizing the need to balance innovation with environmental stewardship.
Why You Should Read It
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st-century economy, Growth offers critical insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead. Susskind’s analysis encourages readers to rethink conventional notions of progress and consider sustainable alternatives that prioritize both prosperity and planetary health.
Obama’s Take
Obama’s selection of Growth reflects his interest in forward-thinking discussions on economics and technology, aligning with his advocacy for sustainable development.
Get Book: Growth!Someone Like Us by Dinaw Mengestu
Category: Literary Fiction, Immigration
What It’s About
Someone Like Us tells the story of an African immigrant navigating life in America, grappling with themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of assimilation. Mengestu paints a poignant portrait of the immigrant experience, highlighting the internal and external struggles faced while seeking acceptance in a new land.
Why You Should Read It
Mengestu’s narrative offers a deeply human perspective on immigration, fostering empathy and understanding. It’s a timely exploration of the challenges and triumphs that come with building a new life in an unfamiliar culture.
Get Book: Someone Like Us!The Work of Art by Adam Moss
Category: Art, Creativity
What It’s About
The Work of Art delves into the creative processes of various artists, writers, and musicians, exploring how masterpieces are conceived and brought to life. Moss examines the intersection of inspiration, discipline, and cultural influence, offering readers an intimate look into the minds of creative individuals.
Why You Should Read It
For anyone fascinated by the arts, this book provides valuable insights into the often-mysterious journey from idea to creation. It’s an inspiring read that celebrates human creativity and the diverse ways it manifests.
Get Book: The Work of Art!Which Book Will You Read First?
Barack Obama’s 2024 reading list offers a rich tapestry of narratives and ideas, each inviting readers to explore different facets of the human experience. Whether you’re drawn to stories of personal resilience, societal analysis, or imaginative exploration, there’s something here to captivate your interest.
Which one intrigues you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
