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Barack Obama – The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store – James McBride

I love its layered storytelling and community themes

44th US President

• 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.
• 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

Oprah Winfrey – The Underground Railroad – Colson Whitehead

One of the most grim, gripping, powerful novels about slavery I have ever experienced

American talk show host, television producer, actress, author and media proprietor

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

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex – Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck

I appreciate its themes of friendship and loyalty

Member of the British royal family

• 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
• 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

Donald Trump – All Quiet on the Western Front – Erich Maria Remarque

It’s impactful for its portrayal of war

45th and 47th US President

• Golf Resorts and Real Estate: Trump’s business portfolio includes global golf courses and hotels.
• Book: Trump: The Art of the Deal – Tony Schwartz
• 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

Dame Anna Wintour – The Age of Innocence – Edith Wharton

It gives great insight into society, class and style

British and American media executive

• 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
• 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

Brad Pitt – All the Pretty Horses – Cormac McCarthy

I like its emotional depth and exploration of character

American actor and film producer

• 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
• 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,