The Living White House, by Betty C. Monkman

 

Why?

"My parents purchased this book for me when we visited Washington, D.C. when I was about 8. I loved looking through the book, studying the candid photographs of Presidents Johnson and Kennedy even though I didn't really know I had an interest in photography. This book was updated a few years ago, and my photograph of President Obama is now on the cover."
Read More

- Pete Souza, Photographer

Minamata, by Aileen Smith and W. Eugene Smith

 

Why?

"Minamata had just been published and I planned a trip to New York just to see the exhibit, which is where I purchased the book. I discovered a photographer who poured his heart and soul into creating images that not only made people aware of the terrible situation in Minamata, but attempted to actually affect change."
Read More

- Pete Souza, Photographer