Obama launching 'A Great Book' podcast. Which favorites will he discuss and why?

If you treat Barack Obama’s biannual reading list drops like national holidays, just wait until you see his next bookish venture.

The former president announced Aug. 10 that he’ll take up the mic in “A Great Book with Barack Obama,” a new six-episode series highlighting books “that have profoundly shaped his worldview and our society,” according to a press release. The announcement comes just after Obama shared his summer favorites, which included books like “Kin” by Tayari Jones and “Whistler” by Ann Patchett.

The podcast will debut Sept. 24 from Audible and Higher Ground, the Obamas’ media company.

Obama to host ‘A Great Book’ podcast with these selections

The Obamas are no strangers to podcasting, among their many post-presidency media ventures. Michelle Obama currently hosts “IMO” with her brother, where the two explore personal growth, relationships and dilemmas. And the former president recently launched “Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise,” an eight-part history series with Malcolm Gladwell. 

Audible signed a multi-year, exclusive first-look production deal with Higher Ground in 2022. Before that, under a three-year deal with Spotify, the Obamas produced podcasts like "Renegades: Born in the USA" with Bruce Springsteen and "The Michelle Obama Podcast."

In “A Great Book,” Obama will dedicate episodes to the following books:

• “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin
• “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison
• “All the Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy
• “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson
• “All the King’s Men” by Robert Penn Warren
• “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” by John le Carré

“Great books have always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe," Obama said in a statement. "The six books featured in this series have stayed with me throughout my life, and each one has something to teach us about the human experience. For this podcast, I invited some friends to explore why they resonate, how they can shape our understanding of ourselves and each other, and why literature matters now more than ever. I hope listeners will be inspired to discover or rediscover books that change the way they see themselves and the world.”

Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you’re reading at [email protected].