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Revealed: The Obama Family Vacation Reading List

» 46 comments

The Obamas have landed in Martha’s Vineyard for their annual summer vacation (no doubt with fingers crossed that a breaking national news story is not on their heels). Yesterday President Obama and daughters stopped by local Bunch of Grapes bookstore to pick up some summer reading.

Fans of Jonathan Franzen — who recently graced the cover of Time (the first author to do so in a decade) — will be interested to hear that Obama managed to snag an early copy of Franzen’s much-anticipated new novel ‘Freedom’ after the store owners reportedly fished one out and presented it to him as a gift. The book will not be available to the public until the end of the month.

As for the rest of the family, older daughter Malia reportedly got a copy of John Steinbeck‘s ‘The Red Pony’ and Sasha a copy of ‘To Kill A Mockingbird.’ Will all this book news result in a sales boost? Politico thinks so: “Last summer, when he was reading four or five books on vacation, sales of all those shot through the roof.” Whether or not it can compete with the Glenn Beck effect remains to be seen.

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  • http://www.karlspensen.blogspot.com Karl Spensen

    NERDS!!!!!!!!!!111

  • alamo2

    Karl Spensen said:
    NERDS!!!!!!!!!!111

    Oh how classy. This President has two daughters who actually read literate books. And I’m sure you park yourself in front of the TV and watch Beck.

  • alamo2

    I am extremely impressed that these young ladies are reading Steinbeck and Harper Lee. Great writers — that will expand young minds. And I look forward to reading Franzen’s latest tome.

  • Azarkhan

    “I am extremely impressed that these young ladies are reading Steinbeck and Harper Lee” alamo2

    That was the intent.

  • Big Eddie

    Maybe he could pick up a copy of the Constitution .

  • Iris

    Interesting that asshat khan finds Steinbeck and Harper Lee impressive, Since he is such an America hater i thought his tastes would run along the lines of the turner diaries and that ilk.

  • alamo2

    alamo2 said:
    I am extremely impressed that these young ladies are reading Steinbeck and Harper Lee. Great writers — that will expand young minds. And I look forward to reading Franzen’s latest tome.

    So someone gave me a thumbs down because I was impressed with the President’s daughters’ reading. Now how low can you clowns go????? What small people.

  • TeaPartyPatriot

    How much did these books cost us taxpayers?

    Thanks to the failed economic policies of “You Lie!” hussein, most Americans now have to “staycation” at home, with only the “luxury” of grilling hot dogs in the back yard, while these slackers rip-off the taxpayers with luxury vacation after luxury vacation in between golf outing after golf outing.

    Here’s the solution to this outrage: provide “You Lie!” a permanent vacation from government in November, 2012.

  • alamo2

    TeaPartyPatriot said:
    How much did these books cost us taxpayers? Thanks to the failed economic policies of “You Lie!” hussein, most Americans now have to “staycation” at home, with only the “luxury” of grilling hot dogs in the back yard, while these slackers rip-off the taxpayers with luxury vacation after luxury vacation in between golf outing after golf outing. Here’s the solution to this outrage: provide “You Lie!” a permanent vacation from government in November, 2012.

    Another comedian who should get his moment on Saturday Night Live. And the hussein part, that was classic. I find it interesting when bigots crawl out of the closet…

  • ReFlex76

    Big Eddie said:
    Maybe he could pick up a copy of the Constitution .

    Well, considering he was a Constitutional scholar . . .

  • puck30

    Iris said:
    Interesting that asshat khan finds Steinbeck and Harper Lee impressive, Since he is such an America hater i thought his tastes would run along the lines of the turner diaries and that ilk.

    So nice of Iris to pit down her copy of Mein Kampf to check in and post.

  • puck30

    Big Eddie said:
    Maybe he could pick up a copy of the Constitution .

    It’s not a big seller on Martha Vineyard, If fact I’ve heard you have ‘special order’ it as an import.

  • shootfromthehip

    Is Cape Code not American enough for you, “puck30?” You and all cons need to go back to school. Here’s a refresher, idiot. Cape Cod is where our country arguably started.

    The Pilgrims were from the Humber region of England and decided to leave for the New World in the fall of 1619. They sailed away on the Mayflower, first landing near the tip of Cape Cod (modern-day Provincetown, Massachusetts). Following exploration along the cape, they established their settlement at Plymouth in 1620. Since the area was not land that lay within their charter, they created the Mayflower compact, one of America’s first documents of self-governance, prior to landing.

  • Patrick Henry

    shootfromthehip said:
    Is Cape Code not American enough for you

    shootfromthehip said:
    Cape Cod is where our country arguably started.

    Shoot, I totally agree. That’s why it’s a damn shame how they turned out.

  • shootfromthehip

    D’oh!

    I meant Cape Cod.

    Not “Cape Code”

    Cape Code sounds like a great thriller, though.

    I’ll have to write that book soon.

  • shootfromthehip

    Well Patrick I’m sorry John Kerry has ruined Cape Cod for ya!

    Try and just avoid him.

    It can be done.

    ;)

  • shootfromthehip

    He’s easy to avoid.

    Just look for the dorky guy wind surfing.

  • greg454

    “I am extremely impressed that these young ladies are reading Steinbeck and Harper Lee. Great writers — that will expand young minds. And I look forward to reading Franzen’s latest tome.”

    —Oh please, you really think these girls are reading that? Obama’s a politician, OF COURSE he’s gonna tell the people that his girls read Steinbeck and not Mad Magazine or Archie or the usual cartoons kids read.

    Don’t believe the hype.

  • Patrick Henry

    shootfromthehip said:
    Just look for the dorky guy wind surfing

    LOL!

  • alamo2

    greg454 said:
    “I am extremely impressed that these young ladies are reading Steinbeck and Harper Lee. Great writers — that will expand young minds. And I look forward to reading Franzen’s latest tome.” —Oh please, you really think these girls are reading that? Obama’s a politician, OF COURSE he’s gonna tell the people that his girls read Steinbeck and not Mad Magazine or Archie or the usual cartoons kids read. Don’t believe the hype.

    So now you accuse his kids of lying. You and your right wing doofuses are pathetic. Since you boobs think this is such a liberal site, why don’t don’t you go back to watching reruns of Beck. Tools.

  • puck30

    shootfromthehip said:
    Is Cape Code not American enough for you, “puck30?” You and all cons need to go back to school. Here’s a refresher, idiot. Cape Cod is where our country arguably started. The Pilgrims were from the Humber region of England and decided to leave for the New World in the fall of 1619. They sailed away on the Mayflower, first landing near the tip of Cape Cod (modern-day Provincetown, Massachusetts). Following exploration along the cape, they established their settlement at Plymouth in 1620. Since the area was not land that lay within their charter, they created the Mayflower compact, one of America’s first documents of self-governance, prior to landing.

    It’s really funny how some blind hatred idiots can’t see the forrest from the trees. But for the un-educated whoever that idiot is. One more time. I’m not a Con, so sorry your Dick Cheney blind hatred doesn’t work here. Sorry little boy the world isn’t broken down to what MSNBC has told you to think. In fact I’m surprised little mind, haven’t you seen Ron Paul on MSNBC?

    Also how many times do I refer to Pawn Vannity as Pawn Vannity? See I don’t agree with Neo-Cons and I don’t agree with far-left wackos like you. Now go back to your little sandbox.

    And ready for this Hippy Skippy I’ve spent time in a town on Cape Cod where you and your buddy Obama would probably crap in your pants if you were dropped off there.Provincetown.

    You know I would just love for Obama to come on over and have a town Hall style meeting after he said this:

    The following is a transcript of an interview conducted by ABC News’ Jake Tapper with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for “World News with Charles Gibson” on June 16, 2008, in Flint, Michigan.

    JAKE TAPPER: OK, last one, and that is same-sex marriage is now going on in California.

    OBAMA: Right.

    TAPPER: You oppose same-sex marriage.

    OBAMA: Yes.

    I would love to be at the Lobster Pot for that one.

  • puck30

    alamo2 said:
    So now you accuse his kids of lying. You and your right wing doofuses are pathetic. Since you boobs think this is such a liberal site, why don’t don’t you go back to watching reruns of Beck. Tools.

    Remember Genius anybody can by a book or in Obama’s case, the Taxpayer. You still have to read it.

  • puck30

    alamo2 said:
    So now you accuse his kids of lying. You and your right wing doofuses are pathetic. Since you boobs think this is such a liberal site, why don’t don’t you go back to watching reruns of Beck. Tools.

    You know Ally I should cut you some slack, I’m sure you never accused Bush & Rove of lying when they had that Book challange back in 2008.

    And feel free to call me anything you like, heck your buddy shoot in the foot told me I was a Neo-Con. He really has to get over his Dick Cheney Derangement Syndrome.

  • shootfromthehip

    “In fact I’m surprised little mind, haven’t you seen Ron Paul on MSNBC?”

    Yes I have seen Ron on MSNBC and I like Ron Paul a great deal.

    Guess where you didn’t see Ron Paul during the debates in 2008? Fox news.

    http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jan/4/fox-news-challenged-over-paul-debate-snub/

  • puck30

    shootfromthehip said:
    He’s easy to avoid. Just look for the dorky guy wind surfing.

    WAIT A SECOND! shootinthefoot makes a joke about goings on at Cape Cod, NO PROBLEM!

    I make a joke about Cape Cod and the Evil Mr. Kotter appears. To give us all a history lesson. BTW: another reason I like Provincetown, except for maybe a Barney sighting Politicians stay clear of that place.

  • puck30

    shootfromthehip said:
    “In fact I’m surprised little mind, haven’t you seen Ron Paul on MSNBC?” Yes I have seen Ron on MSNBC and I like Ron Paul a great deal. Guess where you didn’t see Ron Paul during the debates in 2008? Fox news.

    Ohhhhhhhhh! You just told a big FIB! He was kept off one Einstein

    Paul was on a lot of debates and on with Vannity. FNC did keep him off of one debate they sponsored but the Neo-Conservative wing of the Republican Party was still powerful at that time. Hence that’s why McCain got elected (I have no proof) but some high ranking official got knocked off in India and the Neo-Cons were able to scare folks one last time. Hence that’s why McCain took off and won the Primary.

    If? and I hope he does run in 2012, Ron Paul has to really sharpen his presentation of his foreign policy, because the Neo-Conservatives will come full bore at him again.

    Two big boo boos FNC did not let Ron Paul in the Debate (which cost the Republican Party some support) and they let Kirin Chetry go.

    Here’s Ron & Kirin after the ONE debate that Paul was left off of.

    Ron Paul OWNS Sean Hannity… again (I can watch this video on a loop)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh2sBKpLxpQ

  • puck30

    Here’s Ron & Kirin after the ONE debate that Paul was left off of

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4unznqeiXU

  • greg454

    “So now you accuse his kids of lying. You and your right wing doofuses are pathetic. Since you boobs think this is such a liberal site, why don’t don’t you go back to watching reruns of Beck. Tools.”

    —This is how progressives always make shit up. Did I ever say his kids were lying? No. In fact, the only one I accused of lying was Obama and his minions. Of course, you’re so in love with Obama that you’ll believe anything he tells you. As for this being a liberal site, well, I’ve seen plenty of my comrades here, so this joint isn’t quite The Huffington Post. Whatever, you progressives are gonna get it in November, we’re taking our country back from you commie bastards!

  • alamo2

    greg454 said:
    we’re taking our country back from you commie bastards!

    Classy language. Your folks teach you that? And commie???? Grow up, kid.

  • alamo2

    puck30 said:
    Remember Genius anybody can by a book or in Obama’s case, the Taxpayer. You still have to read it.

    Actually, it’s buy a book, not by it. And the book store owner gave the President the book. Your money is still going to Iraq, so relax.

  • Mr B

    A book on the history of the Cordoba Initiative (Ground Zero Mosque) might be a good idea right about now.

    http://www.archive.org/stream/spanishislamhist00dozy#page/238/mode/2up

  • Pablo

    alamo2 said:
    I am extremely impressed that these young ladies are reading Steinbeck and Harper Lee.

    Yes. it’s incredibly impressive that they’re reading the same stuff every kid in America has been reading for the last 40 years. They’re exceptional children, as demonstrated by their reading standard summer reading list material. It’s awe inspiring, really.

  • MistyKnight

    Pablo said:
    Yes. it’s incredibly impressive that they’re reading the same stuff every kid in America has been reading for the last 40 years. They’re exceptional children, as demonstrated by their reading standard summer reading list material. It’s awe inspiring, really.

    Hey, I didn’t read To Kill A Mockingbird until I was in the 9th grade. How old is Sasha again? 12?

  • Pablo

    shootfromthehip said:
    Cape Cod is where our country arguably started.

    The Pilgrims were from the Humber region of England and decided to leave for the New World in the fall of 1619. They sailed away on the Mayflower, first landing near the tip of Cape Cod (modern-day Provincetown, Massachusetts). Following exploration along the cape, they established their settlement at Plymouth in 1620.

    By that logic, you could also argue that the country started in the middle of the Atlantic. The Pilgrims first settled at Plymouth, and that’s where we started. Places they sent exploratory parties to along the way to Plymouth are not places they started the first colony.

  • Pablo

    MistyKnight said:
    Hey, I didn’t read To Kill A Mockingbird until I was in the 9th grade. How old is Sasha again? 12?

    Sasha is 9, Malia is 12.

  • greg454

    “Classy language. Your folks teach you that? And commie???? Grow up, kid.”

    —You progressives love calling us teabaggers, tools, and whatnot. So you’ll get from me the same “classy language” I get from you.

  • stoogedudes

    I’m not impressed nor surprised that his daughters are reading those books. They seem like smart girls and have been raised by two wonderful parents.

    How much are those books? $20 bucks total? I doubt he would put those on the taxpayers dime. Obama does have money.

    And honestly. $20 bucks. If we the taxpayers are indeed paying for those books, each of us is essentially spending $0.000000000000000000865. OH NO, how are we going to be able to send our kids to college??!!

  • mickrussom

    He also picked up Das Kapital, Rules for Radicals , The Unbroken Thread, Late Capitalism, The Communist Manifesto, Essential Works of Lenin: “What Is to Be Done?” , The Revolution Betrayed, One-Dimensional Man: Studies in the Ideology of Advanced Industrial Society .

    Of course, he wont be reading these, they will be abstracted by his handlers and read from a kindle or some such which is close to his usual format, the teleprompter.

  • Nachi

    But very few people here know how to read!!

  • Nachi

    Wow! Is Little GREG a Murcuhn tough guy, or what??!! I’d have him picking his teeth out of his rectum.
    Typical scrotumless Wingnut. Trying to locate some testosterone in the Dumpster. Yup.

  • greg454

    Nachi, that sounds like your Muslim name. Is your vagina circumcised? Have you killed any Jews today? Engaged in some gay bashing? Does your husband let you use the Internet without his supervision? After all, in Islam you’re basically property of your husband, he can rape your ugly ass every time he’s in the mood, the Qu’ran doesn’t even allow you to say no, in fact, maybe get a second, third or fourth wife, and perhaps say “I divorce you” three times and get rid of you. I will never forget what you Muslim bastards did to Theo Van Gogh nor will I forget what your Allah-lovers did on 9/11. So the hell with your mosque, even if it gets built I hope it gets vandalized, may dogs walk over your Muslim carpets, may the walls be sprayed with pigs blood, and may you dirty Muslims be reminded that this is the United States of America and not the US of Arabia. We don’t need your dirty filthy culture in this country. Arab go home!

  • http://none pyrope

    Iris said:
    Interesting that asshat khan finds Steinbeck and Harper Lee impressive, Since he is such an America hater i thought his tastes would run along the lines of the turner diaries and that ilk.

    I’ll bet you none of them have ever read “Atlas Shrugged,” “Sacred Fire,” or “A Patriot’s History.”

    The -0bama’s have been on more vacations than any other occupants of the White House since the Kennedys. I love it though when Mr. -0bama goes on vacation–that tends to keep him from screwing up the country even more than he would ordinarily. I wonder how much time they spend on reading the kouran?

  • JimBob

    Ask ANY politician going on vacation what are you and/or your family currently reading, “To Kill a Mockingbird” will be in the answer 99.9 percent of the time! More favorites are Emily Dickson and Walt Whitman! But sometimes they will even include Maya Angalou! MAY ANGELOU??
    Been that way for last 25 or 30 years!
    Yes ! The Obama’s are transparent as promised!
    Steinbeck? Of course he would be there.

  • alamo2

    greg454 said:
    Nachi, that sounds like your Muslim name. Is your vagina circumcised? Have you killed any Jews today? Engaged in some gay bashing? Does your husband let you use the Internet without his supervision? After all, in Islam you’re basically property of your husband, he can rape your ugly ass every time he’s in the mood, the Qu’ran doesn’t even allow you to say no, in fact, maybe get a second, third or fourth wife, and perhaps say “I divorce you” three times and get rid of you. I will never forget what you Muslim bastards did to Theo Van Gogh nor will I forget what your Allah-lovers did on 9/11. So the hell with your mosque, even if it gets built I hope it gets vandalized, may dogs walk over your Muslim carpets, may the walls be sprayed with pigs blood, and may you dirty Muslims be reminded that this is the United States of America and not the US of Arabia. We don’t need your dirty filthy culture in this country. Arab go home!

    Wow. That is one of the most hate-fulled, bigoted, anti-intellectual, anti-Christian rants I have heard in a long time!

  • alamo2

    JimBob said:
    Ask ANY politician going on vacation what are you and/or your family currently reading, “To Kill a Mockingbird” will be in the answer 99.9 percent of the time! More favorites are Emily Dickson and Walt Whitman! But sometimes they will even include Maya Angalou! MAY ANGELOU??Been that way for last 25 or 30 years!Yes ! The Obama’s are transparent as promised!Steinbeck? Of course he would be there.

    And what would you suggest that they (the President, his wife, and the kids) read?

  • JimBob

    They can read what ever they want!!
    I would just like the truth out of these damn polititians everyonce in awhile!
    You know damn well these kids are NOT ON VACATION in Martha’s Vineyard READING To Kill a Mockingbird or John Steinbeck! As soon as they finish those two,
    they will just dwell right into John Adams by McCullough or maybe Thomas Paine!
    Miracle at Philadelphia would be a good one for their fertile litle minds. Parents also !
    Give me a break !!

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