Barack Obama's Beach Reading List

As the Obamas enjoy their week-long vacation on Martha's Vineyard, we've learned from White House Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton what will be in the president's book bag when he heads to the beach.

The official presidential reading list has a little fiction, a little non-fiction, some history and a close look at the global environmental crisis. Here's what President Obama will be reading, along with links to the Amazon page and the "Publisher's Weekly" blurb if you want to read along for fun.


1. "The Way Home," by George Pelecanos

"As a rebellious teen into drugs, Chris had minor brushes with the law and did a stint in juvenile prison. Now 26, he's working for his father's D.C.-area carpet installation business and staying clean. Still, Thomas remains disappointed in his son's lack of achievement or ambition, and Chris remains resentful that he's not accepted for who he is."

2. "Hot, Flat and Crowded," by Thomas Friedman

"In his brilliant, essential new book, Friedman takes a fresh and provocative look at two of the biggest challenges we face today: America's surprising loss of focus and national purpose since 9/11; and the global environmental crisis, which is affecting everything from food to fuel to forests."

3. "Lush Life," by Richard Price

"When bartender Ike Marcus is shot to death after barhopping with friends, NYPD Detective Matty Clark and his team first focus on restaurant manager and struggling writer Eric Cash, who claims the group was accosted by would-be muggers, despite eyewitnesses saying otherwise."

4. "Plainsong," by Kent Haruf

"High school teacher Tom Guthrie's depressed wife moves out of their house, leaving him to care for their young sons. Ike, 10, and Bobby, 9, are polite, sensitive boys who mature as they observe the puzzling behavior of adults they love."

5. "John Adams," by David McCullough

"With a keen eye for telling detail and a master storyteller's instinct for human interest, McCullough ("Truman") resurrects the great Federalist (1735-1826), revealing in particular his restrained, sometimes off-putting disposition, as well as his political guile."

Based on "John Adams" alone, we'd think this was an entire summer reading list, but as a former constitutional law professor, we assume the president has mastered the art of speed reading.

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