Barack Obama Names His Favorite Kenyan Author

Former US President Barack Obama has named his favorite Kenyan author ahead of his Kenyan tour which is set to begin on July 16.

Prolific author Ngugi wa Thiong'o was named as his top go-to Kenyan author.

In a social media post seen by Kenyans.co.ke Obama indicated that he was excited to visit the continent for the first time since he left office.

[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta with renowned author Ngugi wa Thiong'o"][/caption]

“I visited Kenya for the first time when I was in my twenties and I was profoundly influenced by my experiences – a journey I wrote about in my first book, Dreams from My Father,” the post read in part.

He went on further to recommend several books by African authors which are good for summer reading.

Over the years I've often drawn inspiration from Africa's extraordinary literary tradition. As I prepare for this trip, I wanted to share a list of books by some of Africa’s best writers and thinkers – each of whom illuminate our world in powerful and unique ways.

A Grain of Wheat by Ngugi wa Thiong’o
A chronicle of the events leading up to Kenya’s independence and a compelling story of how the transformative events of history weigh on individual lives and relationships.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
A true classic of world literature, this novel paints a picture of traditional society wrestling with the arrival of foreign influence, from Christian missionaries to British colonialism.

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
This definitive memoir traces the arc of his life from a small village, to his years as a revolutionary, to his long imprisonment, and ultimately his ascension to unifying President, leader, and global icon. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand history – and then go out and change it.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
From one of the world’s great contemporary writers comes the story of two Nigerians making their way in the U.S. and the UK, raising universal questions of race and belonging, the overseas experience for the African diaspora, and the search for identity and a home.

The Return by Hisham Matar
A beautifully-written memoir that skillfully balances a graceful guide through Libya’s recent history with the author’s dogged quest to find his father who disappeared in Gaddafi’s prisons.

[caption caption="Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe"][/caption]