Michelle Obama’s 2018 Reading List

The 5 books Michelle Obama recommended in 2018, with the reasons in their own words. See all the books Michelle Obama recommends.

5 books recommended in 2018

White Teeth

by Zadie Smith

I love the way the story weaves together so many complex and powerful forces that affect our lives and our relationships — family and parenting, religion and politics, and so much more. Plus, it’s just plain funny. I love books that make me laugh every now and then.

Source: By the Book: Michelle Obama (New York Times, Dec 6 2018; archived copy 2026-01-24 read)

Educated: A Memoir

by Tara Westover

It’s an engrossing read, a fresh perspective on the power of an education, and it’s also a testament to the way grit and resilience can shape our lives.

Source: By the Book: Michelle Obama (New York Times, Dec 6 2018; archived copy 2026-01-24 read) · Also recommended by 3 others

Conversations with Myself

by Nelson Mandela

I like to flip through it from time to time because it always seems to give me an extra boost when I need it. I cherish this both because it was signed by him and because he gave it to me as a gift when my family visited his home in 2011.

Source: By the Book: Michelle Obama (New York Times, Dec 6 2018; archived copy 2026-01-24 read)

Pippi Longstocking

by Astrid Lindgren

Pippi Longstocking was my girl. I loved her strength — not just her physical power, but the idea that she wouldn’t allow her voice to be diminished by anyone.

Source: By the Book: Michelle Obama (New York Times, Dec 6 2018; archived copy 2026-01-24 read)

The Snowy Day

by Ezra Jack Keats

One of our favorites was “The Snowy Day,” by Ezra Jack Keats. It’s a simple story about the adventures of a boy on a snowy day.

Source: By the Book: Michelle Obama (New York Times, Dec 6 2018; archived copy 2026-01-24 read)