Over the years we have come to anticipate President Obama’s reading lists and this year is no different.
Every year since his presidency his book recommendations have been insightful and inspiring and to mark the end of 2020, Obama gave us his latest book list.
Here are the books the former president thinks are some of the most important this year.

Carol Ann Duffy writes scathing poem about Trump’s UK visit
September 20, 2025
Carol Ann Duffy writes scathing poem about Trump’s UK visit
Former poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, has penned a new poem entitled ‘STATE/BANQUET’ in response…

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists and Why It Still Matters
September 12, 2025
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists and Why It Still Matters
By Nicky Blewitt When I first picked up The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists in 1985, I’ll…

Bookstore owner refuses to continue selling children’s book after spotting LGBTQ+ characters in the illustrations
February 24, 2025
Bookstore owner refuses to continue selling children’s book after spotting LGBTQ+ characters in the illustrations
Lindsey Vroegindewey, who owns the children’s bookstore Big Sky Life Books, has been called out…

Authors & major publishing houses sue over Florida book ban laws
September 14, 2024
Authors & major publishing houses sue over Florida book ban laws
A federal complaint was filed at the end of August in Orlando against Florida’s Department…

Study finds over 50% of UK school libraries asked to removed LGBTQ+ books
A six-month study carried out by Index of Censorship, shared with The Independent, found that…

Bookstore returns books by gay, blind artist following ban
Paul Castle, an artist who is both blind and gay, is the author and illustrator…