Books Recommended by Michelle Obama
Educated
A Memoir
Tara Westover
Source: "An engrossing read, a fresh perspective on the power of an education, and it’s also a testament to the way grit and resilience can shape our lives." - Michelle Obama
The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
Astrid Lindgren
Source: "What I loved most [about the main character] was that she was a girl, and she was a little different, and she was still the most powerful character." - Michelle Obama
White Teeth
A Novel
Zadie Smith
Source: "I love the way the story weaves together so many complex and powerful forces that affect our lives and our relationships." - Michelle Obama
Conversations with Myself
Nelson Mandela
Source: "I like to flip through it from time to time because it always seems to give me an extra boost when I need it." - Michelle Obama
The Snowy Day
Ezra Jack Keats
Source: "[About] a boy who happened to be black and who happened to live in the city. He’s a kid just being a kid, and that’s enough." - Michelle Obama
Exit West
A Novel
Mohsin Hamid
Source: Michelle Obama said this is one of the books on her nightstand in a "New York Times" interview.
Commonwealth
Ann Patchett
Source: Michelle Obama said this is one of the books on her nightstand in a "New York Times" interview.
An American Marriage
A Novel
Tayari Jones
Source: Michelle Obama said this is one of the books on her nightstand in a "New York Times" interview.
Song of Solomon
Toni Morrison
Source: "I’ve now read [this book] three times." - Michelle Obama
The Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck
Source: "I reread [this book] with the girls, too." - Michelle Obama
Life of Pi
Yann Martel
Source: "I reread [this book] with the girls, too." - Michelle Obama
The Word Collector
Peter H. Reynolds
Source: "This book is one of my favorites." - Michelle Obama
FAQ
Did Michelle Obama recommend all these books?
Not necessarily. This book list has Michelle Obama must-read recommendations, but it also has a mix of mentions and suggestions.
How do you know Michelle Obama mentioned these books?
Every suggestion made by Michelle Obama is validated by our editors. You can find the sources to the recommendations linked next to the books.
Did Michelle Obama actually create this list?
No. This reading list was curated by our editors based on confirmed mentions from Michelle Obama, the sources are made available under each recommendation.
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