Former President Barack Obama is heading to Africa this week to visit Kenya and South Africa, but before he departs he’s sharing his summer reading recommendations.
The former president, who is visiting the continent as part of a celebration of the 100th anniversary of former South Africa President Nelson Mandela’s birth, wrote a lengthy Facebook post for his summer reading list, featuring a group of authors from Africa.
“I wanted to share a list of books that I’d recommend for summer reading, including some from a number of Africa’s best writers and thinkers – each of whom illustrate our world in powerful and unique ways,” he said.
Here is the former president’s list:
“Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe
“A Grain of Wheat” by Ngugi wa Thiong’o
“Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela
U.S. & World
“Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“The Return” by Hisham Matar
“The World As It Is” by Ben Rhodes
The former president’s foundation will convene over 200 leaders in South Africa during his visit, and he will deliver a speech to honor Mandela’s birth.
nWhere: Grant Park
nAdmission: Free, food and beverage tickets need to be purchased
nWhy Go: The annual foodie festival that is Taste of Chicago will have plenty of food, drinks, and music from top musical acts united at Grant Park. While free, tickets for food and drinks are sold as strips of 14 for $10 and ticket sales end at 8:30 p.m.
nWhere: 61 E. Madison Street
nAdmission: $60, $36 for children
nWhy Go: Embark on a cheesy adventure to experience and taste a handful of Chicago's famous pizzas on a 20-mile trip in just under four hours.
nWhere: 100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: Blackberry Farm was recently renovated, but it still hosts traditional favorites like the steam-engine replica train, carousel, ponies, hay wagon rides, and paddle boats. Admissions are free on this date, and start at $6 thereafter.
nWhere: Locations vary, some dancing will take place at Taste of Chicago
nAdmission: Free
Why Go: Go to one or go to all SummerDance events around the city, featuring different bands, DJs, genres, as well as free dance lessons. Click here for the full schedule.
nWhere: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: Fresh Fest! is a showcase of many of Chicago’s talented performing artists, with a variety of musical and dance talent including blues, classical, rock, and jazz.
nWhere: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph Street
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: The Grant Park Music Festival offers various sounds of live, classical music this summer, and during the week people can enjoy Music of the Silver Screen: An American in Paris, Vivaldi Four Seasons, and performances from Broadway stars in I Could Have Danced All Night.nThere is free seating in the Seating Bowl, on the lawn, or if you wish to be closer, tickets start at $26 (rain or shine).
nWhere: 1004 N Elston Ave., Chicago
nAdmission: $35
nWhy Go: The Happy Place pop-up attraction has arrived at the Windy City, for select days until early August. Filled with larger than life installations, multi-sensory immersive rooms, and colorful exhibits, people can get happy and up their selfie-game with plenty of pretty backdrops.
n Where: Belmont and Damen, 2000 W. Belmont
n Suggested Donation: $10
nGuests can enjoy tasty burgers while proceeds benefit the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce to continue to build the area as a place to live, work, shop and dine.
nWhere: 1601 N. Clark Street, Chicago
nAdmission: $20, $15 for members
nWhy Go: Every Saturday this month, Chicagoans and tourists have a chance to admire architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan with a Gold Coast Walking Tour. Take in the history and luxury in Chicago with its early-day mansions, including the Archbishop’s Residence. Tours meet at the Chicago History Museum and walking lasts from an hour and a half to two.
nWhere: South Side of The Museum of Science and Industry
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: Named after the Columbian Exposition that became known as "The White City" for the gleaming white color of surrounding buildings, the Friends of the White City Tours show patrons around Jackson Park and the Midway Plaisance, sharing historical facts. People are advised to wear comfortable shoes, and although the tours take place on Saturdays, rain or shine, they will be canceled if weather is considered "dangerous".
nWhere: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: During the summer, The Pier hosts Aon Summer Fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so if you missed the show on the 4th of July, another opportunity awaits!
nWhere: Tavern at the Park,130 E. Randolph Street
nAdmission: Free, pay to dine
nWhy Go: Overlook the city and Millennium Park at The Tree House, a rooftop extension of Tavern at the Park. It may be a good spot to dine as you view other events and fireworks still taking place around the city.
nWhere: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe
nAdmission: Free, not including parking
nWhy Go: Get some exercise and inspiration wandering the 385-acre peaceful respite north of Chicago that is the Botanic Garden this summer.
nWhere: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago
nAdmission: Varies
nWhy Go: There is no shortage of events at Chicago's iconic Navy Pier, including music at the "Live on the Lake!", in addition to the night's fireworks display! Browse for more on their July calendar.
nWhere: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
nAdmission: $25, free for members
nWhy Go: Jazzin' at Shedd Aquarium features Chicago’s top jazz musicians every Wednesday night, which adults can combine with cocktails, slow dancing, and the glistening night. Throughout summer, people can see more at Shedd’s, like the special "Underwater Beauty" exhibit.
nWhere: Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: The Parkway Bank Park entertainment district parties this summer with the Rockin’ in the Park free concert series. Happening on Thursdays, the event hosts music by numerous cover bands, food vendors on the park’s lawn, and fireworks after every show.
nWhere: 360 N. Street, Chicago
nAdmission: $25 or less for students, seniors, children under 12
nWhy Go: SNL fans will appreciate learning how the show gets put together for every week, as well as historical and fun facts at the SNL Experience exhibit.
