Barack Obama, our former POTUS and current Chief of Taste, has unleashed his annual roundup of favorite books, songs, and movies. And let me tell you, this list is serving more class than your grandma’s fine china collection.
Books: Obama’s Brain Food Buffet
“Books are like friends,” Obama wrote on Instagram. “And these ones stuck around long after the last page. Also, support your local bookstore or library. Don’t make me use my presidential voice.”
His top picks of 2024 are serving brainy brilliance and emotional gut-punches. Titles include:
– The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – for when you want your existential dread explained with graphs.
– Intermezzo by Sally Rooney – more millennial ennui, but make it lyrical.
– Patriot by Alexei Navalny – because apparently, jail time and Nobel Peace Prize vibes = great storytelling.
– Orbital by Samantha Harvey – space, drama, and feels. Think Gravity but with a brain.
– Growth by Daniel Susskind – self-help for the “can we fix capitalism?” crowd.
– Someone Like You by Dinaw Mengestu – a love story so deep, it probably comes with tissues.
– The Work of Art by Adam Moss – because why just admire art when you can read about it?
Songs: Obama’s Party Playlist
“Here’s what’s been on repeat this year,” Obama declared, likely while popping an AirPod in. “Let me know what I missed—my DMs are open. (JK, don’t actually DM me.)”
Get your earbuds ready because his faves are pure 🔥:
– “Squabble Up” by Kendrick Lamar – a song title that doubles as marriage advice.
– “Lunch” by Billie Eilish – because every queen needs her mid-day snack anthem.
– “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey – guaranteed to make you text your ex. Don’t.
– “Texas Hold ‘Em” by Beyoncé – poker night just got a soundtrack, courtesy of Queen Bey.
– “Too Sweet” by Hozier – like honey for your ears but with brooding Irish vibes.
– “That’s How I’m Feeling” by Jack White – chaotic genius energy, as per usual.
– “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” by Karol G – proof that reggaetón is a universal language.
Movies: Obama’s Couch Classics
For the cinephiles out there, Barry’s picks are peak popcorn material. “Here are some films that lit up my screen this year,” he shared, probably while wearing those cool dad jeans.
– All We Imagine as Light – artsy, deep, and guaranteed to make you question life.
– Conclave – a Vatican drama spicier than your favorite soap opera.
– The Piano Lesson – bring your tissues; this one’s a tearjerker.
– Dune: Part Two – because sandworms and Timothée Chalamet never go out of style.
– Anora – your indie darling for the year.
– A Complete Unknown – Dylan vibes, but cinematic.
Barack Obama, tastemaker extraordinaire, has spoken. Time to update your library hold list, playlist, and streaming queue. And remember, if you didn’t like his picks, maybe you’re just not cool enough!