Barack Obama has included Normal People by Irish author Sally Rooney on his annual list of book recommendations.
In a tweet posted on Saturday evening, the Mayo born author’s second novel was listed among a selection of mostly non-fiction works that Obama enjoyed this year.
Speaking about the list of 39 books – which contained a special subsection specifically for sports fans – Obama wrote: “As we wind down 2019, I wanted to share with you my annual list of favourites that made the last year a little brighter.
“We’ll start with books today — movies and music coming soon. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.”
As we wind down 2019, I wanted to share with you my annual list of favorites that made the last year a little brighter. We’ll start with books today — movies and music coming soon. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. pic.twitter.com/l5qTGkAPok
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 28, 2019
The former President is far from the only high-profile fan that Rooney’s got.
Earlier this year, Taylor Swift cited Rooney’s debut novel as an inspiration for her 2019 album Lover, saying: “I really like her book Conversations With Friends. I like the tone she makes when she’s writing. I think it’s like being inside someone’s mind.”
Normal People is currently in development for an on-screen adaptation by the BBC and Hulu, with some episodes set to be directed by Oscar-winner Lenny Abrahamson. It has also been long-listed for the Dublin Literary Award, one of the most valuable literary prizes in the English-speaking world.
Also on the list were authors such as Hilary Mantel, Ben Lerner, Haruki Murakami and the late Toni Morrison.
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