Titled A Great Book with Barack Obama, the series will premiere exclusively on Audible on September 24. It is being produced by Audible in collaboration with Higher Ground, the production company founded by Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.
Each episode will focus on one of six books chosen by Obama, with the former president discussing the work with a guest. The guests have not yet been announced.
Obama's selections span a range of literary styles and subjects. They include Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time, Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses, Marilynne Robinson's Gilead, Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men and John le Carré's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
'Great books have always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe,' Obama said in announcing the series. He said the six books had remained with him throughout his life and each offered something to teach about the human experience.
The conversations will examine why the books have resonated with Obama, how literature can influence the way people understand themselves and others, and the continuing importance of reading.
The project is the latest in a series of creative ventures pursued by Obama since leaving the White House. Higher Ground has produced films, documentaries and podcasts, including the 2021 series Renegades: Born in the USA, which Obama co-hosted with musician Bruce Springsteen.
The new podcast also continues Obama's long-standing public interest in literature. He regularly shares reading recommendations, including annual summer and end-of-year book lists. His latest summer selections, published in July, included works by Tayari Jones, George Saunders, Elizabeth Strout, Ben Lerner and Colson Whitehead.
Unlike many of his recent recommendations, the books selected for A Great Book are largely older works. Five were published in the 20th century, while Robinson's Gilead was released in 2004.
The podcast marks the first Audible project in which Obama himself serves as host under Higher Ground's partnership with the platform.
