In his annual tradition, former US President Barack Obama took to the digital realm, specifically the platform X (formerly Twitter), on Friday to share his curated list of favorite literary, cinematic, and musical gems of the year.
As the holiday season unfolds, Obama expressed his customary enthusiasm, stating, “As I usually do during this time of year, I wanted to share my favorite books, movies, and music of 2023.”
Among the literary standouts on Obama’s list were “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese, “The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory” by Tim Alberta, and “The Vaster Wilds” by Lauren Groff.
Encouraging his followers to dive into these selections, he added a touch of advocacy, saying, “If you’re looking for a new book over the holidays, try one of them. And if you can, shop at an independent bookstore or check them out at your local library.”
Known for his genuine appreciation of recommended media, Obama emphasized that his yearly lists showcase content he genuinely enjoys. In a previous interview with comedian Hasan Minhaj, he debunked assumptions about his music selection, stating, “So the fact that my lists are pretty incredible, people seem to think, ‘Wow, he must have had some 20-year-old intern who was figuring out, you know, this latest cut.’ No, man — it’s on my iPad right now.”
Staying true to his authentic taste, Obama admitted to receiving music suggestions, sharing, “So typically, at the end of the year, folks will be like, ‘Man, you need to listen to this. This is good.’”
As the year draws to a close, Obama’s curated list provides a cultural compass for those looking to immerse themselves in the best of 2023, offering a diverse array of recommendations to suit varied tastes and preferences.
