Former President Barack Obama recently shared his predictions for the NCAA basketball tournament bracket on social media. Obama chose Song Of Solomon by Toni Morrison as his winner, describing it as an underdog with a National Book Critics Circle Award under its belt. He also included other unconventional picks like the Hulu miniseries Mrs. America, Beyoncé’s Renaissance, and Bob Dylan’s entire songwriting catalog.
Despite Obama's enthusiasm for Song of Solomon, it was ultimately knocked out of the tournament by Gonzaga. Nonetheless, his unexpected bracket choices sparked discussion and excitement among fans and literary enthusiasts alike.
This isn't the first time Obama has shared his bracket picks - he's become well-known for his annual tradition of filling out a March Madness bracket during his time in office. However, his inclusion of a novel in his predictions is a departure from the usual sports-focused choices.
Obama's bracket serves as a reminder that literature and culture can also be a part of the excitement and conversation surrounding the NCAA tournament. Even if Song of Solomon didn't come out on top, its inclusion in Obama's bracket highlights the significance of storytelling and the power of literature to bring people together.