Instagram/@barackobama
Once again, the ex-president Barack Obama made his favorite books, movies, and music list public, which has become his personal custom. Many people found it to be a source of nostalgia and so they started to analyze his diverse and odd cultural tastes that were the very first reaction of such an event. The list is a blend of varieties from the classic literature to today’s hip-hop that continuously reminds us of Obama’s cultural engagement as a public figure.
Advertisement
But he was not going to let 2025 pass without sharing with us his pandemic year best experiences like he used to do in the past. He had already been doing this through the previous years’ social media platforms where he would reveal the books, movies, and music he found to be the defining culture for the respective year. He promised the audience the feeling of being present in the process next to him and he said, ‘I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out!’ It was one of those actions that could be said to have been characteristic of him, which was quite the opposite of the noisy political debates that are often associated with him. The reply that came was, however, nothing less than instant, huge, and with layers of appreciation more than just simple.
Readers’ comments and memes were a major aspect of the thousands of replies that were dominated by feelings of longing. The internet users’ voices were very similar in their mentioning of the political list as a bygone era. One user has already written, ‘aw I miss having a president who can read,’ and his voice was one that got picked up and extended in the commentary. Someone else quickly remarked, ‘I miss having a president that reads books…’ and a commentator then responded, ‘I would settle for one who can read.’ Thus the thread morphed into a spontaneous discussion about the different presidential styles with Obama’s involvement in ideas being the common denominator.
The content of the list was so rich and provocative that it could be discussed. The music preferences of the former president were the ones that attracted the most attention and debate. He nominated both Kendrick Lamar and Drake, an action someone made a point about when he said, ‘Kendrick Lamar AND Drake on the list. A true president always brokering ☮️ peace.’ It was a comical reference to the well-known long-running rivalry between the two rappers, and maybe it was also suggesting that Obama’s list could be considered a subtle diplomatic move. To be honest, some of the musical picks really caused disbelief and laughter, like the option of the lively song ‘The Giver.’ One commentator wrote, ‘crying at the thought of him bumping it to the giver 😭😭,’ trying to picture the calm and composed ex-president dancing to the tune!
Audience from various countries not just the US seized the chance to join in and have fun. The Ecuadorian singer Jombriel was among the artists listed by Barack Obama and this evoked a wave of national pride from Ecuadorian Twittersphere. One of them tweeted, ‘Dios lo bendiga mi pa, Ecuador arriba!❤️🇪🇨,’ while another one proclaimed, ‘A Obama le gusta JOMBRIEEEEL.’ Similarly, a fan from the Dominican Republiccouldn’t hold her excitement, ‘HOMBREEEE🇩🇴🙏🏾MUCHA SALUD Y BENDICIONES ❤️,’ thereby indicating that the former president’s cultural preferences are still loved and recognized world’s over.
Nonetheless, not every message was positive. Some critics or correctors found an opportunity in the list. A Brazilian commenter was expressing his love for Obama by saying, ‘Ah Obama, I love you even more,’ while another one was more direct and questioned the absence of a certain musician with the words, ‘Obama I say this with all due respect – WHERE’S BAD BUNNY.’ Indeed, one of those honest recommendations popped up in the thread where a user has been relentlessly suggesting the novel Stoner by John Williams on quite a number of these annual lists. ‘I think you’d like Stoner by John Williams,’ they wrote, and other users were joking about the persistence and tenacity of advocatorship.
Not only did the blogpost serve as a huge endorsement of the writers and the artists named but also as a kind of free promo. Kacy Hill, the singer, whose name was among the music list, expressed her very gratefulness and shock: ‘THANK YOU 😭 and also come back we need you!!!!!’ The publishing house Riverhead Books gave a five to their books by saying, ‘👀 AUDITION, A MARRIAGE AT SEA, and WHO IS GOVERNMENT…! What an excellent lineup 🙌.’ For artists, getting on the Barack Obama list is still a major, career-boosting honor. The former president also recently made headlines for his new mentorship program for young men of color.
Advertisement
All in all, Barack Obama’s year-end tradition is not merely about the simple exchange of hobbies. It strengthens his image as the leader who praises young leaders and continues to engage with culture. His recent surprise visit to a Chicago choir showed his joyful side, while a campaign finance scheme from his past serves as a reminder of the complex political world he navigated.