News

Here are Barack Obama’s Favorite Books of 2025

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Community

Contributor

Book Riot Editorial is made up of passionate readers, writers, and book lovers dedicated to delivering insightful book recommendations, literary analysis, and the latest in book culture. With expertise spanning multiple genres and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, we offer thoughtful commentary, book deals, and news that matters to readers. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems, analyzing literary trends, or championing diverse voices, Book Riot’s editorial team is here to keep you informed and inspired.

Every year, former President Barack Obama shared his favorite reads of the year, both fiction and nonfiction, as well as his favorite movies and music. This year’s list includes award-winning literary fiction, popular nonfiction, and some less well-known choices. As for how he selects these titles, he says that these are the “books that have stuck with me long after I finished reading them.”

Barack Obama’s Favorite Books of 2025:

cover of Flashlight by Susan Choi

Paper Girl by Beth Macy

Flashlight by Susan Choi

We the People by Jill Lepore

The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy

There Is No Place For Us by Brian Goldstone

North Sun by Ethan Rutherford

The Wilderness cover

1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai

Dead and Alive by Zadie Smith

What We Can Know by Ian McEwan

The Look by Michelle Obama

You might also be interested in Barack Obama’s Favorite Books of 2024 and Barack Obama’s 2025 Summer Reading List.

Community

Contributor

Book Riot Editorial is made up of passionate readers, writers, and book lovers dedicated to delivering insightful book recommendations, literary analysis, and the latest in book culture. With expertise spanning multiple genres and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, we offer thoughtful commentary, book deals, and news that matters to readers. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems, analyzing literary trends, or championing diverse voices, Book Riot’s editorial team is here to keep you informed and inspired.

Alex Baker

Staff Writer

Alex is not only the Executive Director of Technology, but also an avid drummer in Skull Practitioners and game hobbyist.

×

Sign up for the Book Riot newsletter for the latest book buzz, smart commentary, and must read picks… and be entered to win a library cart!

Sweepstakes open to legal residents of the 50 United States, DC, and Canada (excluding Puerto Rico, all other US territories, and Quebec). Entries accepted until 11:59pm ET, Jan 4, 2026. Winner randomly selected. Complete rules and eligibility requirements available here.