Maine author’s book makes Obama’s list of 2017’s best

Former President Barack Obama. (AP photo)

Former U.S. President Barack Obama posted his favorite books and songs of 2017 on Facebook, and among his recommended reading was “Anything Is Possible,” the latest by Portland native and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout.

Strout is no stranger to acclaim, of course — she’s written multiple critically acclaimed bestsellers. The author posted on Twitter that she’s “delighted” the former president liked her book.

Strout’s book of related fictional stories is among 12 of Obama’s list, which also includes a biography of another former president, Ulysses S. Grant, and dystopian sci-fi novel “The Power.”

The former president seemed to have wide-ranging musical tastes as well, with hip hop star Jay-Z sharing a playlist with boy band alum Harry Styles and rock band U2.

Here’s an interview with Strout about “Anything Is Possible” if you want to learn a little bit more about it:

And here’s the full Facebook post by Obama if you’d like to see what other books and songs were among his favorites of the past year:

What were your favorite books and songs from 2017? Leave your reading and listening recommendations in the comments below or on the BDN Facebook page.