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The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
James McBride

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Recommended by:
Barack Obama – 44th US President
Barack says: ‘I love its layered storytelling and community themes’

Latest project: Higher Ground will be breaking new ground in its evolution. The production company of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama will transition to becoming independent when its current first-look deal with Netflix is up later this year

The Obama Foundation & Foundation Projects: Through the Obama Foundation, he focuses on training the next generation of civic leaders and building the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

Book: He has focused on writing, having released his presidential memoir, A Promised Land, and he often shares personal reading lists.

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

The Underground Railroad
Colson Whitehead

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Recommended by:
Oprah Winfrey – American talk show host, television producer, actress, author and media proprietor
Oprah says: ‘One of the most grim, gripping, powerful novels about slavery I have ever experienced’

Latest project: “The 1619 Project” Adaptation: She is collaborating with Nikole Hannah-Jones and Lionsgate to develop the project for multiple platforms. The Oprah Podcast (2026): Features new conversations with thought leaders, authors, and changemakers

Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG): Founded in 2007 in South Africa, this school provides education and mentorship for disadvantaged girls.

Oprah Winfrey Foundation: Established in 1987, this foundation supports education and various charitable causes, with over  million donated to educational causes.

Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program: Funds scholarships at various U.S. colleges.

Book: Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier – Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Of Mice and Men
John Steinbeck

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Recommended by:
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex – Member of the British royal family
Prince Harry says: ‘I appreciate its themes of friendship and loyalty’

Latest project: Netflix Projects: The Duke and Duchess are expanding their Netflix portfolio with a “polo-themed” drama, focusing on the elite equestrian scene rather than just the sport itself. This is part of a multi-year deal aimed at producing, scripted, and non-scripted content

The Invictus Games Foundation – Founded by Harry in 2014, this remains a cornerstone of his post-royal work. It uses the power of sport to support the rehabilitation of veterans and wounded service personnel

Book: Spare

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

All Quiet on the Western Front
Erich Maria Remarque

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Recommended by:
Donald Trump – 45th and 47th US President
Donald says: ‘It’s impactful for its portrayal of war’

Latest project: Trump Tower Tbilisi (Georgia): Announced in April 2026, this project is designed by Gensler to be the country’s tallest building, serving as a new landmark for luxury living and the first Trump Organization development in the region

Golf Resorts and Real Estate: Trump’s business portfolio includes global golf courses and hotels.

Book: Trump: The Art of the Deal – Tony Schwartz

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

The Age of Innocence
Edith Wharton

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Recommended by:
Dame Anna Wintour – British and American media executive
Dame Anna says: ‘It gives great insight into society, class and style’

Latest project: The Devil Wears Prada 2 Promotion: Wintour has embraced her reputation related to the film, appearing with Meryl Streep on the cover of Vogue’s May 2026 issue. She also attended the film’s premiere in New York City alongside her daughter Bee Carrozzini and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Cordry Shaffer

Philanthropy & Charitable Fundraising: Wintour transformed the Met Gala into one of the world’s premier, high-profile fundraising events, raising over $50 million for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. She has also championed efforts to support arts institutions in the UK, curating the “Vogue World” event to distribute funds to smaller organizations in need, such as the National Theatre and Royal Ballet.

Book: The Devil Wears Prada – Lauren Weisberger

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

All the Pretty Horses
Cormac McCarthy

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Recommended by:
Brad Pitt – American actor and film producer
Brad says: ‘I like its emotional depth and exploration of character’

Latest project: Brad Pitt is currently starring in and producing the A24 thriller The Riders (2026), directed by Edward Berger, which began filming in early 2026. He is also producing a new Amazon MGM Studios film about the Isle of Man TT race and starring in the survival film Heart of the Beast.

Make It Right Foundation: Founded by Pitt in 2007, this organization aimed to build sustainable, affordable, storm-safe homes in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina

Book: Deconstructing Brad Pitt (2015) by Fran Schaberg and Robert Bennett: This anthology explores the “Brad Pitt phenomenon,” examining his roles as actor, producer, philanthropist, and his public persona

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com