Book Riot Editorial is made up of passionate readers, writers, and book lovers dedicated to delivering insightful book recommendations, literary analysis, and the latest in book culture. Barack Obama's Summer 2026 Reading List is here! The list includes big names from the literary world and books that are under the radar. While Obama’s list continues to celebrate some under-the-radar reads, it also emphasizes the bounty of new books by big names in the literary world, including Colson Whitehead, George Saunders, and Ann Patchett. If Obama’s reading lists continue to follow their standard timeline, readers will learn about his favorite books of 2026 in or around December.