Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza. The sales of this coffee table-styled book have certainly been influenced by tumultuous political times and the former president's popularity with at least half of the country . But it also stands alone as a stunning photography book. Souza was the Chief Official White House Photographer and the Director of the White House Photo Office d uring Barack Obama's two terms. Consequently, he was with the President during more crucial moments than anyone else - and he photographed them all. Souza captured nearly 2 million images of President Obama, in moments highly classified and in others disarmingly candid. This new volume presents more than 300 of the most iconic photographs with fine-art print quality in an oversize collectible format. Together they document the most consequential hours of the Presidency alongside unguarded moments with the President's family, his encounters with children, interactions with world leaders  and cultural figures, and more. It's quite a tour through an historic eight years.

 

By the way, there is also a volume geared to young people, Dream Big Dreams: Photographs from Barack Obama's Inspiring and Historic Presidency, which features 75 Souza photographs focusing more on family and interactions with children. If nothing else, check out the great cover photo of two young visitors to the Oval Office taking a selfie with the president. One tip - both these books will probably sell out before Christmas, so anyone interested should head to their local bookstore sooner than later.