Barack Obama’s memoir sells over 887,000 copies in 1 day

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Former President Barack Obama’s new memoir is not only a bestseller, the first-day sales is a record for publisher Penguin Random House.

Obama’s “A Promised Land” has sold more than 887,000 units in the U.S. in all formats and editions, including pre-orders, e-books and audio.

“We are thrilled with the first day sales,” said David Drake, publisher of the Penguin Random House imprint Crown. “They reflect the widespread excitement that readers have for President Obama’s highly anticipated and extraordinarily written book.”

READ MORE: First volume of Barack Obama’s memoir coming Nov. 17

Just as his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, did with her successful memoir, “Becoming,” Barack’s “A Promised Land” sets a new standard in book preorders, according to CNN.

The book is expected to remain a bestseller throughout the holiday season, with Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt comparing its hype to the arrival of the 2007 classic “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” via Publishers Weekly.

One bookstore in Washington, D.C. had a launch premiere at midnight Tuesday to sell copies of Obama’s new memoir.

The 44th president has had the most anticipated book launch in the print industry. Obama’s memoir chronicles his two terms in the White House, with about 3.4 million hardcover copies printed.

According to The Chicago Sun-Times, in the 768-page book, Obama reflects on his decision to pick Joe Biden as his Vice President, the time he spent with Jeremiah Wright, police and race relations, and his relationship with Rahm Emanuel.

Read More: Michelle Obama on dating: ‘You can’t Tinder your way into a long-term relationship’

Just in: @BarackObama 's memoir "sold more than 887,000 units in all formats and editions in the U.S. and Canada on the first day of its publication." These sales, including preorders, are "the largest first-day sales total for any book ever published by Penguin Random House."

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 18, 2020

Barack Obama is well on his way to becoming the best selling author of the year… https://t.co/GTkS2w9IYf

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 19, 2020

The book offers insight behind Obama’s legislative efforts such as the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) and the failed Climate Bill, Time Magazine reports.

“[The book is] offering new details sure to titillate D.C. politicos. His insight into his mindset during his biggest presidential moments is a reminder of his thoughtfulness at a time when deep thought and reflection are desperately needed in the corridors of power,” Time writes.

Barack Obama was elected president of the United States after winning the 2008 election, serving two terms. He is a recipient of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, and already achieved New York Times bestseller status with “Dreams from My Father” and “The Audacity of Hope.”

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