Barack Obama's favourite books of 2021; Matrix, Aftershocks among others [see list]

Continuing the tradition of nearly a decade, Barack Obama has shared a list of his favourite books of 2021. Check it out here.

Former US President Barack Obama is known for his love for art, books, music and movies. During the pandemic, Obama turned to books for comfort and even caught up on some movies and music. Now, it's time to share his top book recommendations as Obama continues his tradition of almost a decade.

Obama shared a list of his top 13 book recommendations on Facebook and Twitter. He had originally started this annual practice in 2009, when he was still in the White House. His recommendations have enlightened many as they find something worthwhile to read, listen or even watch.

"Art always sustains and nourishes the soul. But for me, music and storytelling felt especially urgent during this pandemic year. I'll start by sharing some of my favorite books of 2021," Obama wrote.

Obama's favourite books: Top picks

"Matrix" by Lauren Groff
"How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America" by Clint Smith
"The Final Revival of Opal & Nev" by Dawnie Walton
"The Lincoln Highway" by Amor Towles
"Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City" by Andrea Elliott
"Harlem Shuffle" by Colson Whitehead
"Cloud Cuckoo Land" by Anthony Doerr
"These Precious Days" by Ann Patchett
"Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner
"Aftershocks" by Nadia Owusu
"Crossroads" by Jonathan Franzen
"The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois" by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
"Beautiful Country" by Qian Julie Wang