Top 5 Non-Fiction Books that Barack Obama Recommends

Posted on 3/19/2023, 3:47:52 PM

Barack Obama is known for his love of reading and his appreciation for the power of words. During his time in the White House, he made a point to share his favorite books with the American people. He even released lists of his favorite books each year, both fiction and non-fiction, giving readers a glimpse into his literary tastes. Here, we will focus on the top non-fiction books that Barack Obama recommends that everyone should read.

1. The Power Broker by Robert Caro

Published in 1974, The Power Broker is a biography of Robert Moses, a man who wielded enormous influence in the world of New York City politics and planning for decades. Obama has called it one of the best books he's ever read. The book explores how Moses used his power to shape the city's landscape and how he was able to push through projects that were controversial and often detrimental to poor and minority communities. The Power Broker is a must-read for anyone interested in urban planning, political power, and the history of New York City.

2. The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert

In The Sixth Extinction, Elizabeth Kolbert explores the current extinction crisis, which is being driven by human activity. Kolbert examines how the destruction of habitats, climate change, and other factors are causing species to disappear at an alarming rate. Obama has praised the book for its powerful message and its ability to inspire readers to take action to protect the environment. The Sixth Extinction is an eye-opening look at the impact of human activity on the natural world and a call to action to protect our planet.

3. Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Team of Rivals is a biography of Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet, focusing on how he was able to bring together a diverse group of individuals to help him lead the country during the Civil War. Obama has said that he read the book before he took office and found it to be an inspiration for his own leadership style. The book explores how Lincoln was able to work with people who disagreed with him and how he was able to lead the country through one of its most difficult periods. Team of Rivals is a fascinating look at leadership, politics, and American history.

4. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

The Warmth of Other Suns tells the story of the Great Migration, the movement of millions of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North and West between 1915 and 1970. Wilkerson tells the story through the experiences of three individuals who made the journey, giving readers a personal look at the challenges they faced and the opportunities they found. Obama has called the book "a powerful and moving work that will change the way you look at the history of America." The Warmth of Other Suns is an important book for anyone interested in the history of race in America.

5. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

The New Jim Crow explores how the criminal justice system has become a new form of racial control in America, with African Americans disproportionately affected by mass incarceration and other punitive measures. Michelle Alexander argues that the war on drugs and other policies have created a system of oppression that is reminiscent of the Jim Crow era. Obama has called the book "a must-read for anyone concerned about racial justice in America." The New Jim Crow is a powerful and important book that shines a light on a pressing issue in American society.

6. The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins

The Selfish Gene is a classic of evolutionary biology, exploring the idea that genes are the fundamental unit of selection in the evolution of species. Dawkins argues that genes are "selfish" in the sense that they are driven to propagate themselves, leading to the emergence of complex behaviors and social structures. Obama has called the book "an important look

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