Obama's Summer Sounds & Literary Picks: From "Brat Summer" Bangers to Thoughtful Reads
Former US President Barack Obama has revealed his curated summer soundtrack and literary selections, showcasing his diverse taste in music and insightful book choices.
Just like his fellow Democrat, Vice President Kamala Harris, Obama appears to have embraced the "brat summer" trend, including electropop artist Charli XCX's track "365" on his playlist. XCX's latest album, "Brat," has propelled the "brat summer" aesthetic onto social media, with Harris even incorporating the theme into her 2024 presidential campaign.
Obama's eclectic playlist features a mix of genres, including breakout country star Shaboozey with "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," pop sensation Billie Eilish's "Chihiro," and hip-hop artist Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby." He also included some of his long-time favourites, such as 2Pac and The Rolling Stones, demonstrating his enduring love for classic music.
Sharing his picks on Instagram, Obama wrote, "With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that Iâve been listening to lately â and it wouldnât be my playlist if it didnât include an eclectic mix." He encouraged his followers to discover new music, adding, "I hope you find something new to listen to!"
In addition to his musical selections, Obama unveiled his favourite reads for the season, featuring a range of genres from satirical fiction to hard-hitting non-fiction. Leading the list is Percival Everett's "James," a reimagining of Mark Twain's classic "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Everett, who was nominated for the Booker Prize in 2022, offers a fresh perspective on the American literary landscape.
Obama also highlighted "Everyone Who is Gone Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis" by Jonathan Blitzer. This book delves into the complex issue of illegal immigration at the US-Mexico border, providing a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing crisis.
Other notable titles on Obama's reading list include "Reading Genesis" by Marilynne Robinson, "The Ministry of Time" by Kaliane Bradley, and "Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why it Matters, and What to Do About It" by Richard Reeves.
Sharing his literary picks on Instagram, Obama wrote, "Iâve read some great books over the last few months and wanted to share some of my favorites." He also invited his followers to share their book recommendations, demonstrating his continued engagement with the literary world.
Obama's summer picks offer a glimpse into his diverse tastes and intellectual interests. His playlist showcases his openness to emerging artists and his appreciation for classic tunes, while his reading selections demonstrate his commitment to exploring current events and challenging societal issues.
