*Barack Obama has opted out of curating his annual summer playlist in 2025, marking the first break in this tradition since 2015.
In an Instagram post, he explained, “with everything going on right now, I didn’t have time to put a summer playlist together this year, but send me songs that I should listen to for my year-end playlist.”
While he didn’t specify what “everything” entails, the former president shifted focus to his summer reading list, spotlighting books that tackle pressing societal issues.
As The Huffington Post reports, his 2025 reading recommendations include Madeleine Thien’s “The Book of Records,” which Obama praised as “a beautiful fable about migration, memory, and the struggle to recognize our common humanity.” Other selections, like Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s “Abundance,” were described as “a must-read for progressives who want a blueprint for reforming government so it can deliver for working people.” These choices reflect themes of immigration, governance, and democracy, resonating with current debates during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Obama also highlighted Michael Lewis’ “Government,” calling it “a timely reminder of the quiet dedication and skill of the people who work every day to make this country work.” Additionally, he recommended Chris Hayes’ “The Sirens’ Call,” noting it as “a useful primer on how social media and the attention economy have warped our democracy and reshaped our lives.” These selections underscore his focus on civic engagement and societal challenges.
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Looking ahead, Obama shared enthusiasm for a new development, stating, “we’ll have a new branch of the Chicago Public Library at the Obama Presidential Center when it opens next year.”
While his 2025 summer playlist was absent, he referenced his 2024 playlist, which featured songs like Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Billie Eilish’s “Chihiro,” and Jill Scott’s “Golden.” He invited followers to suggest tracks for his year-end playlist.
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