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As Barack Obama packs his bags for his first trip to Africa since he left the White House, he has offered his more than 53 million Facebook followers a summer playlist that shows what's going on. 39, he has in mind lately
Former president, whose literary and musical preferences have become part of his laid-back and post-presidential groove, has introduced a number of books of African writers and thinkers on his list of summer 2018.
"I often drew on an extraordinary literary tradition," Obama wrote on his Facebook page. "As I prepare for this trip, I wanted to share a list of books which I would recommend for summer reading, including those of a number of the best writers and thinkers of Africa – who illuminate our world in a powerful and unique way.
Obama, whose father was origi Kenya (his mother was from Kansas), is leaving for Africa this weekend. His first stop is the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, where he will meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Continuing to South Africa, Obama will meet President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday and will then deliver the annual Nelson Mandela Lecture in honor of the centenary of the birth of the South African leader.
The trip lasts four days and the route is loaded With business meetings, this does not leave much promise for Obama fans who enjoyed watching the former president relax while traveling in the last two years.
"He is resting and has a glimmer of it.The man is back," tweeted after Obama and his wife Michelle returned from the British Virgin Islands in February 2017.
Here , the 44th President argues for his summer reading choices:
Things Falling Down by Chinua Achebe
"A true clbadic of world literature, this novel paints a portrait of the traditional struggle with the arrival of foreign influences, Christian missionaries to British colonialism, "writes Obama." A masterpiece that has inspired generations of people. Writers in Nigeria, Across Africa and Around the World. "
A Wheat of Wheat by Ngugi wa Thiong & # 39; o
Obama Calls this selection, "A chronicle of events leading to the independence of Kenya, and a compelling story of how the transformative events of history weigh on lives and individual relationships. "
Long Walk to Freedom ] by Nelson Mandela
Obama Calls the Leader's Life South African "one of the epic stories of the 20th century."
"This definitive memoir traces the arc of his life from a small village, to his years as a revolutionary, to his long imprisonment, and finally his ascent to the president, the leader and the world icon. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the story – and then go out and change it. "
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Sounding like an experienced critic, Obama writes," One of the great contemporary writers tells the story of two Nigerians in the United States and the United Kingdom, raising universal questions about race and belonging, the experience of the African diaspora abroad and the quest for identity . "
The Return by Hisham Matar
The Former President Calls Matar's Work," A Beautifully Written Memoir That Skilfully Balances A Graceful Guide Through The " Recent history of Libya with the stubborn quest of the author to find his father disappeared in Gaddafi's prisons. "
The World Such As It Is Ben Rhodes
Written By His Former Deputy National Security Adviser The latter is more personal to Obama, who writes: "It's true, Ben does not have African blood flowing in his veins.But few others see the world so closely through my eyes as he can." Ben is l & # 39; One of the few who has been with me since this first presidential campaign, his memoirs are one of the most intelligent reflections I've seen on the way we've approached foreign policy, and the 39, one of the most fascinating stories I've lived on that is actually serving Americans for eight years in the White House.
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