In a rare literary feat, former US President Barack Obama has included both Anita Desai and her daughter, Kiran Desai, on his annual list of favorite books for 2025. This marks a unique moment, celebrating two generations of Indian writing on a global platform. Obama, continuing his tradition of sharing his favorite cultural picks, unveiled his selections, highlighting a diverse range of voices and stories that resonated with him throughout the year.
Anita Desai, a three-time Booker Prize nominee and a celebrated figure in Indian literature, made the list with her recent novella, "Rosarita". Obama described it as "a short, beautiful novella about a woman's discovery of her mother's secret past". Published in July 2025, "Rosarita" explores themes of memory, grief, and identity through the story of Bonita, a young student in Mexico who uncovers hidden truths about her mother's life. Critics have lauded Desai's lyrical prose and the novella's haunting atmosphere. Set in San Miguel, Mexico, the story begins with Bonita, an Indian student learning Spanish, when a stranger approaches her, claiming she is the spitting image of her mother, who was supposedly an artist there. Bonita then finds herself on a journey to discover her mother's past.
Kiran Desai, who won the Booker Prize in 2006 for "The Inheritance of Loss," appears on Obama's list with her latest novel, "The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny". This sweeping novel, nearly two decades in the making, tells the story of two Indian immigrants, Sonia and Sunny, navigating love, life, and identity in the United States. Shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize, the novel has been praised for its intricate portrayal of characters and its exploration of modern India. Alexandra Jacobs of The New York Times noted the novel as a meticulous work, enriched by its inclusive attention to minor characters. Alex Clark, writing for The Guardian, stated that the novel intricately portrays the contradictory internal ambitions and struggles of its characters against the backdrop of a rapidly changing India.
Obama's selection of both Desais underscores his appreciation for stories that explore cultural identity, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience. It also highlights the breadth and depth of Indian literature, showcasing both established voices and contemporary narratives.
Beyond the Desai double, Obama's 2025 favorites include a diverse array of books, films, and music. His book selections feature works by Zadie Smith, Ian McEwan, Beth Macy, and Jill Lepore, among others. Michelle Obama's "The Look," a reflection on power, intention, and self-definition through fashion, also earned a spot on the list. The film selections include "One Battle After Another", "Sinners", and "Hamnet". His music choices spanned genres and cultures, featuring artists such as Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Lady Gaga, and Ganavya, an Indian-origin vocalist.
Obama's annual lists have a history of turning personal taste into global buzz, often catapulting artists and authors into the spotlight. This year's selection promises to do the same, sparking conversations and encouraging readers, viewers, and listeners to explore new perspectives and stories.
