On December 22, Former President Barack Obama shared his favorite books for the year 2023 in a Twitter and Instagram post. This list offers readers a glimpse into his literary preferences. This annual booklist of Obama, known for his avid interest in various genres, has become a much-anticipated yearly tradition. 

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

The narrative revolves around Moshe and Chona Ludlow and their involvement in integrating a theater and managing the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. The story also highlights the collaboration between Chona and Nate Timblin, a janitor and the unofficial leader of the Black community, to protect a deaf boy from institutionalization by the state.

The MANIAC by Benjamín Labatut

'The MANIAC' delves into the lives and ideas of a group of mathematicians and physicists who pushed the boundaries of science into unusual and occasionally dangerous territories, focusing mainly on von Neumann.

Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

In this groundbreaking work, renowned sociologist Matthew Desmond utilizes history, research, and original reporting to illustrate how wealthy Americans, both consciously and unconsciously, perpetuate poverty among disadvantaged individuals.

How to Say Babylon: A Memoir by Safiya Sinclair

This book depicts the traumatic childhood of Safiya Sinclair as the daughter of a militant father who instilled fear in her family. Although her mother was loyal to her father, who forbade the women in their family to wear pants, jewelry, or makeup, she gave her and her siblings some books. She used her education to find her own voice, going against her father's expectations.  

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann

David Grann invites readers through a thrilling adventure on the high seas. This captivating narrative depicts shipwreck, mutiny, and murder. This novel illustrates the challenges of survival and deception on the open ocean.

Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology by Chris Miller

This extensive narrative details the prolonged struggle for dominance over a vital global resource: microchip technology. The United States and China engage in intense competition throughout this epic account. 

The Vaster Wilds: A Novel by Lauren Groff

This narrative unfolds as a tale of survival within a few days. A servant, referred to as girl, escapes from an unspecified 17th-century settlement during the harsh winter.

Humanly Possible: Seven Hundred Years of Humanist Freethinking, Inquiry, and Hope by Sarah Bakewell

In this expansive and fresh historical account, humanist Sarah Bakewell sheds light on humanism's deeply personal, individual, and distinctly human aspects, guiding readers through a profound intellectual journey. 

King: A Life by Jonathan Eig

In this biography, Jonathan Eig offers a modern portrayal of civil rights activist Martin Luther King - an insightful intellectual, strategic planner, and committed revolutionary who played a pivotal role in one of the most impactful movements in history.

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The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

'The Covenant of Water' celebrates advancements in medicine and human comprehension, offering a profound testament to the challenges endured by previous generations to benefit those living today.

The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions by Jonathan Rosen

'The Best Minds' is a poignant and insightful narrative of an American tragedy. It delves into the connections of family, friendship, and community, the potential of intellectual accomplishments, and the attraction of utopian ideals.

All the Sinners Bleed: A Novel by S. A. Cosby

This book portrays a rampant serial killer, delves into the lasting effects of racism in the South, reflects on religious fanaticism, investigates trauma, and weaves in an underlying love story amidst layers of fear, blood, and tension.

The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta

Dwelling at the crossroads of actual cultural displacement and perceived religious persecution, Alberta depicts a swiftly secularizing America that now harbors skepticism toward the evangelical church.

Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country by Patricia Evangelista

'Some People Need Killing' is Patricia Evangelista's thoroughly researched and profoundly humane account of the Philippines' drug war. Over six years, she documented the killings conducted by police and vigilantes in Duterte's drug war, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands.

This Other Eden by Paul Harding

'This Other Eden' narrates a tale of well-meaning intentions, dishonesty, and flawed science while also serving as a tribute to community, human dignity, and the potential for a different world.

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