Former US President Barack Obama has selected Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy as one of six books that profoundly shaped his worldview. In a new, original, 6-episode podcast series, 'A Great Book with Barack Obama', he will be joined by six luminaries to discuss and revisit the books that shaped his life and perspective of the world, exploring one central question: What do the stories we love tell us about the world we live in and the world we want to create?
President Obama said:
'Great books have always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe. The six books featured in this series have stayed with me throughout my life, and each one has something to teach us about the human experience. For this podcast, I invited some friends to explore why they resonate, how they can shape our understanding of ourselves and each other, and why literature matters now more than ever. I hope listeners will be inspired to discover or rediscover books that change the way they see themselves and the world.'
John le Carré was the only non-American author to be selected by Barack Obama, alongside Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Cormac McCarthy, Marilynne Robinson and Robert Penn Warren.
A Great Book with Barack Obama debuts exclusively from Audible on 24 September 2026.