(CNN) - The White House has said President Obama plans to play golf and spend time with his family during his week away from Washington.
But it appears the president also wants to get some reading in: a lot of it.
White House spokesman Bill Burton told reporters Monday Obama's vacation reading list comprises five books, including tomes from New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman and historian David McCullough.
In all, the books on Obama's list total around 2,300 pages - meaning the president would have to read close to 300 pages each day of his week-long vacation to polish off the list.
Should Obama prefer to listen to the books on his iPod, four are available in audio format with a total running time of nearly 40 hours.
Full list according to the White House:
"The Way Home" by George Pelecanos
"Hot, Flat, and Crowded" by Thomas Friedman
"Lush Life" by Richard Price
"Plainsong" by Kent Haruf
"John Adams" by David McCullough
From CNN Politics
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Then he will pick up some branches and burn them?? Is that not the 'official' Presidental thing to do or was it just for Bush?
Maybe all the hateful people replying to this story should go read a book. I suggest the Bible.
Some of you commenting are just idiots. ANYONE with an once of intelligence will say that it is very important when someone with such a high pressure job to take some time off. What is wrong with some people?
Everyone putting Obama down for taking a few days 'off' know of course that the POTUS is never off-duty. He can't disconnect from his job completely in the way 'President' Bush managed even while he was inside the White House itself.
He left out "Mein Kampf" and "The Communist Manifesto".
OK Wing Nuts!! It is HIS vacation!! Let him do with it what he pleases. After all, it is HIS vacation.
I read two books while on vacation – it's a wonderful way to relax. My guess is his wife and daughters also brought along books – a wonderful example, as well!
Have a relaxing, fun time, Mr. President, in between the work you will continue to do for your country. We're behind you all the way!
I hope the President and family have a wonderful time. They deserve every minute of it.
Well he hasn't done anything yet, why start now?
Maybe he should read this:
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 28% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -12.
Thank goodness, we have an intellectual in the whitehouse who appreciates books.
You gutless coward sheep can't even discuss your equally gutless, commander in thief without bringing Bush up, what are you third graders?
Maybe he could uh, uh, uh, uh, uh read the bill that he had other people write all of and get an idea of the lies that he is saying on the uh, uhm, uh, uh stump?
Maybe read one of the SIX BILLS THE REPUBLICANS have put up for process that have been squashed by Pelosi and Reid and company?
Nah, the coward will just brush up on Saul Alinsky, where you don't argue with facts, you argue by creating a boogeyman, demean them and trivialize them.
Of course this is only possible if the tingly legged media plays along and most do, but the number one rated network has the "audacity" to actually ask question and that is NOT allowed in a communist society.
Number one for a reason and getting stronger.
Funny, I didn't see the current HEALTH CARE BILL on that list.
Maybe he should start reading the bills he is signing into law. Just a thought.
Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind...............Get your rest America!
WOW! That is news to be adulated and spread world wide !!
Better to read Paul Krugman's Times columns, which remind us that "reform" without a "public option" really won't be much reform.
"Must be nice to be able to go on vacation when there is so much unfinished business that needs to be addressed! Those people would NEVER make it in the real world."
I'd be interested to know in what real world there is a job that you CAN be completely finished with all of your work at a given time. One would assume that once that happens, you have no job because there is no work to be done, in which case, your vacation would become a permanent one. Looks like someone doesn't have any idea what it's like to have an actual job.
Hope he finds time to read the health reform legislation that he's trying to cram down our throats. then he might understand why tax paying Americans are against this legislation.
Who cares, is this CNN or E!? Its incredible how the media tries to destract us from real political issues involving the President with stories like this. Is this book list going to stabilize the economy, reform health care, bring home the troops, or pay car dealers for Cash for Clunkers?
Are you serious? This was the 5th ranked story on your home page. Unreal. I check your page and MSNBC to see what Obama wants out in the news each day, and you once again have taken the bait.
Ah, what a refreshing change.... a President who can read!
Enjoy your vacation! Well deserved and thanks for the book list – I have two of them!
Forget about those NO Republicans too!
We should all read "1984"if you want to see how the Corporate Fascists play the public,both Dems and Reps.
If one every work in an office they would know people deserve a break more so a person working in labor. In labor you leave the work on the job but in an office you cannot heip but take it home with or in this matter he take on vacation. Enough said.
It amazes me the number of idiots out there. I want my President to take a vacation every now and then to refresh. Let's see it's been 6 months and this is his first family vacation. How many do you think Bush took in his 1st 6mo of office? Give the guy a break. Bill Maher has it right – America is full of idiots. Maybe some of them should try reading once in a while and they might actually get some facts correct!