An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WATCH THE EMMY-NOMINATED NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY • OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • NAACP IMAGE AWARD WINNER • ONE OF ESSENCE’S 50 MOST IMPACTFUL BLACK BOOKS OF THE PAST 50 YEARS In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most … accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.
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I was never a big Michelle Obama fan. But I heard all the hype about this book and decided I should read it in order to take part in the conversation. Well, it didn’t take long for me to identify and relate to so many situations, anecdotes, and emotions that Obama describes so well. Halfway in, I had the thought that the book could have been a little shorter, but when I got to the epilogue I was so sad – wanting to continue with my friend Michelle for a much longer. Note: I listened to the audio version narrated by the author which made the experience of “becoming” so much more poignant. My favorite take away: That becoming is equal measure patience and rigor. That we are all becoming. At 53 years old, with kids who don’t need me as much, and jumping head first into my career as an author, I felt a kinship toward Michelle Obama that I am so grateful for. It had been so easy to stubbornly spout out my aversions to her that were mostly byproducts of media soundbites (I am ashamed to say). So glad I got to know her better. Great book, wonderful, inspiring story. Count me among the fans!
A wonderful, “off the cuff,” autobiography by Michell Obama. Reading it was like having a conversation with her. Well written, the reading was smooth and effortless. The details of her life were both entertaining and inspirational in that she does her best to describe a normal life with a normal family. There was adversity to overcome, family and friends to support her, an engaging personality with mentors and challenges. I also learned about the history of northern Blacks in the twentieth century.
Based on advice received from multiple friends, I opted to listen to the audiobook rather than read this book. It was an investment (19 hours) but I’m glad I did it. It was a little like having my own conversation with the former First Lady (where I didn’t get to do much talking). I confess I did tear up on more than one occasion as she related a particularly emotional event – like the shooting at Shandy Hook Elementary or a conversation with a wounded veteran.
The good news is that her life story is interesting, her insights are thoughtful, and the glimpse into the life of the Obama family is real and easy to identify with. And it gets more interesting as the book moves along.
Mrs. Obama is candid about her husband’s political ambitions and her own reluctance for him to take on those aspirations. She is honest about not expecting him to win the Presidential election of 2008. And I enjoyed listening to how she grew into the role of First Lady, unsure and how to use the power at first and slowly coming to recognize the advantages. She also shares what a mixed bag it is to be married to someone with ambition, obvious charisma and a commitment to put public service ahead of personal comfort. (Don’t worry. He comes off pretty well overall, particularly in light of the fact that I am listening to this book with a VERY different kind of occupant currently in the White House.)
I was able to identify with Michelle Obama, who comes off as juggling the same concerns most working women have (at least the ones I know). How do I continue to support my husband’s career while maintaining my own goals and hopes? How do I give my children a relatively “normal” upbringing, within the confines of secret service protection and under the continual scrutiny of the media? How do I still make a meaningful contribution when circumstances force me to relocate and put my own career on hold? What boundaries are reasonable to ensure I get at least a little ME time?
Of course added to these concerns are a whole slew of limitations most of us NEVER face. How can I observe my daughter participate in a school game without causing a scene? How can I authentically connect with the mothers of my daughters’s friends? How do I maintain some of the beloved traditions associated with the White House while, at the same time, modernizing them just a little to make them more open and inclusive? How much can I push back against the security and protection imposed by more experience and knowledgeable agents? Is it possible to have ANY spontaneity when so many others are involved in every decision I make?
I have to say, however, there are moments when I felt sections were over-written. Details or descriptions bordering on trite. But these were minor concerns. I learned a lot, feel I know the Obamas better, and continue to respect the work they did for this country.
awesome inspiriration for women ,all ages 🙂
I almost missed this book. I don’t typically read biographies, auto- or otherwise and political memoirs are even further down the list. A friend remarked on how much she was enjoying it and it was a book club selection, so I read it. It was not surprising that Michelle Obama writes well; she’s a lawyer. What I didn’t expect was what an interesting story she had to tell about growing up in the south side of Chicago in a relatively poor family and all the successes she enjoyed due largely to her own efforts and those of her supportive parents. It was a regular Horatio Alger success story – except that it didn’t stop there. Once she was in a position of influence, she used her connections to give back. I was and am a fan of her husband, but before reading this book, I didn’t appreciate what a star Michelle Obama is. It’s reassuring to read about people who care about honesty and decency and helping others who are less fortunate than they are. It took me back to a kinder gentler time in the US and gave me hope for the future.
Amazing story! So glad I did audio with Michelle as the narrator. Her story is a real example about overcoming obstacles in pursuit of the American Dream!
This book is indeed inspirational for all the women who feel not good enough or ‘lucky’ enough to be born in the right place or time.
This novel was a privilege to read. A sincere and heartwarming account of Michelle Obama’s journey, from the South side of Chicago to the stately confines of the White House. I loved every part of this beautiful novel, and I came to the finish, with tears for the loss of this dignified and wonderful First Family and the legacy they gave us. This book, in my opinion, is a literary treasure.
I enjoyed reading it. Gave me insight to her life. Informative regarding President Obama’s election and 2 terms in office. While reading the book, I could hear her saying these things. It was as if she was talking to me.
Michele Obama recalls her childhood (although I am a lot older than she is I remember several of the same events. Going to visit family on Sundays Aunts and Uncles and their caricaturists. It is interesting how humbly she writes about her husband being the first African-American president and she the first lade. She seems like a very down to earth person and good mother, wife, daughter and friend.
amazing mrs. obama
I loved this book. I’ve always thought that Michelle Obama was a very down-to-earth lady. This book confirmed that. She is very open and honest. She begins by sharing her early life, her parents, brother, grandparents and other family members. We learn what college life and work was like for her. Mrs Obama shares her first meeting with Barack. She also shares heartache and worries about her girls. I enjoyed reading about what life is like for a first family. There are so many things, like security, that those of us in the general public never see. I definitely have to give credit to the parents who have raised children during their time in the White House. It wouldn’t be an easy job. I highly recommend this book.
This is a biography of a wonderful wife and mother. This gracious intelligent woman rose to meet all the challenges that were presented to her in an undrempt of life that evolved from her middle class Chicago background to BECOMING the First Lady of the United States.
Some of you may know I’m stuck writing my brother’s unfinished autobiography Viking Funeral. It’s a daunting task because he barely started before he died very unexpectedly.
Like any GREAT procrastinator, I felt like I needed to read every other biography on the planet to figure out how to do it correctly. You have to read if you want to write, right? I’ve read some fun stuff along the way. I thought I would share my own reviews and observations I’m picking up along the way.
I always love a story of triumph. We’ll start with that.
Becoming Michelle Obama is a lovely story of triumph, of consistent well thought out choices beginning with her mother moving her from a less than adequate classroom early in elementary school. That small move began her trek of hard work that propelled her from the Southside of Chicago deservedly to Harvard.
I related to the way her family enjoyed and celebrated with music as well as to her frustrations of piano lessons and trying to please a perfectionist teacher.
Y’all know the culmination of her story as the former FLOTUS… so I won’t mention that big ‘surprise’ aspect of the story.
The book is very well written from a technical perspective and it’s a lovely introspective work of both grit and inspiration for everyone. I give it a five star rating. Love your comments.
A fascinating look at the life of one of the most influential women in America, I was struck by how the everyday struggles she recalls resonated with me – a working mother who had to turn to fertility treatments to become a mom, the constant push and pull of work life-home life, and the question that kept driving and guiding her: Am I good enough? She was, is, and then some! Her story is the story of America, and it’s one that every American should learn about. Audio version in her own voice was brilliant!
What a woman. I have a new respect for Michelle Obama. She is a gifted writer, remembering details that make her story so personal.
Campaigning for President with her husband changed everything about their lifestyle. A lesson for all of us when she stated that they learned to adjust because it was what it was; they could not change it so they went with it. She juggled many responsibilities because that’s what was needed at the time. We can all learn from her example.
Freedom of the Press is one of our given rights in the United States. Exaggerating the truth is not new to 2019. Michelle had to learn to deal with the media and it was not easy. Statements taken out of context were and are a common media foible.
Michelle Obama’s Becoming has a message for every woman. More than the First Lady she shares her life journey as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, lawyer, crusader, a woman. The more I read her book the more I wish we could all just get along together. Good book. I highly recommend it.
We don’t understand what the presidents family goes through living in the limelight. This gives insight on what the first lady did while living at the white house. We don’t hear about the program they worked on.
Exceptional
Felt like I made a new friend in Michelle. Honest, forthright, and a great look into the political life.
This is such a great and inspiring story. You may think you know her story but there is so much more that is unexpected. Wonderfully written with an authentic voice.