Inside Obama’s Upcoming Audible Series on the Books That Changed Him

The former president of the United States, Barack Obama, is preparing to release an audio series that delves into the books that altered his perspective on the world. “A Great Book with Obama,” a six‑episode program, will become available on Audible starting September 24.

Higher Ground, the production house founded by Obama and his wife Michelle, co‑produced the series with the streaming platform. Each episode centers on a single title that Obama credits with influencing his outlook on issues such as family, faith, race, and governance.

The curated selection features Toni Morrison’s “Song of Solomon,” James Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time,” John le Carré’s “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” Cornelia Macarthy’s memoir “All the Pretty Horses,” Marlon Robinson’s investigative narrative “Gilead,” and Robert Penn Warren’s classic “All the King’s Men.”

While the identities of the conversational partners have not been disclosed, the format will pair Obama with a guest who can bring additional context to each work. The discussions aim to be intimate, revealing how a novel or essay can reshape a person’s worldview.

Obama’s reputation as a voracious reader is well documented; his yearly reading recommendations have become a cultural touchstone. This podcast extends that tradition, offering an audible space where listeners can hear directly from the former leader about the power of reading to influence thought and policy.

In an era dominated by quick videos and meme culture, the series stands out as a reminder that deep, reflective engagement with literature can have lasting societal impact.