Barack Obama
Luann, I’ll be putting out my “drop” of favorite books in the next couple days, but one that won’t be a surprise is Marilynne Robinson’s “Jack,” the latest in her Gilead series. One of the great things about being President is that you can strike up a friendship with people you find smart, and compelling, and interesting. Like most Americans, I first met Marilynne on the pages of “Gilead.” I picked it up while campaigning in Iowa. It was full of the folks I was meeting in real life, people who were decent, good-hearted, and full of their own complexities and struggles. And Marilynne and I eventually became pen pals. Like I said, it’s one of the perks of the job. How else do you get to become pen pals with one of your favorite authors? But I’ve always loved her books because she has a knack not just for creating textured characters and communities, but for wrapping us all together into something larger.
More Answered Questions
Jeffrey Keeten
asked
Barack Obama:
In the prologue of his book The World as It Is, which is also a chapter in your book, (Did Rhodes poach that title from you? :-) ), Ben Rhodes shares this scene where you both muse about the implications of the successful election of Donald Trump. ”’I don’t know,’ [you] said. ‘Sometimes I wonder whether I was ten or twenty years too early.’” Do you still believe that to be true?
Lupita Reads
asked
Barack Obama:
It is such an honor to be able to ask you a question! As someone, who follows your annual "drops" of favorite books and songs I'd love to ask you if by any chance you will be creating a playlist to accompany A PROMISED LAND? If not, what are two songs that you would consider as the "soundtrack" of it?
Susanne
asked
Barack Obama:
How did President Obama prepare to write such a "mammoth" memoir, and how is he able to recall key details and quotes with such accuracy? He referenced checking with former members of his staff, (like Axe and Plouffe) however, I'm wondering if he kept notes (on yellow pads), or audio files from the past, which enabled him to write his extremely eloquent and informative memoir?
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Dec 17, 2020 07:18AM · flag