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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What’s not to like about Michelle Obama. She is an inspiration!!!
What an amazing story of professional and personal growth when that was not what society would have expected of her. Very motivational.
I’m not usually a big fan of autobiographies, but i decided to give this one a try since i’m such a Michelle fan. Wow. The book is so far beyond just a story of a life. It’s utterly inspiring without a moment’s pretension. I laughed and cried and plan to listen to it again. BTW, i recommend the audiobook since Michelle reads it herself and that adds so much depth and character.
Absolutely loved it
I listened to the author read this on audible.com. Anyone who is interested in writing a memoir would find this one a terrific how-to guide. Of course there are politics–she was in politics after all, but the story is hers and an inspiration for women everywhere. Her stories of her childhood are especially inspiring and poignant.
What a beautiful memoir! I was entertained from beginning to ending as I listened to her speak on audio. Her life was truly inspiring to me as well as her classy ways of handling difficult situations. This woman is an icon to which all young & old should aspire to be. Let’s be bipartisan (after all, Barbara & Laura Bush are equally admirable) & enjoy as well as learn from what she has to say.
Absolutely loved this book. Mrs. Obama is an inspiration!
As I close the last page of this book I am left in awe of Michelle Obama. She has always shown such grace and dignity, this shines throughout the pages of this book. I feel like I got to know the Obamas personally. Exquisitely crafted book that everyone should read. I got to know what living in the White House is like. Your privacy invaded. She used to think she wasn’t good enough, she most definitely is. It shines through in her words. I loved this autobiography. She is just a person like you and I. She wants to be a good mother and wife. We get to see President Obama as a human being. Absolutely spellbinding throughout. I will leave you with a few quotes: “Dignity had always gotten us through.” “I said only what I absolutely believed and absolutely felt.” “It’s all a process, steps along a path. Becoming requires equal parts patience and rigor. Becoming is never giving up on the idea that there’s more growing to be done.” These are words to live by. Thank you Michelle Obama for telling us your story.
I’ve often thought how amazing it would be to sit down and talk with the Obamas, so reading this book felt like such an honor. Michelle Obama welcomes us into her life with candidness, honestly and vulnerability. From the early years in Chicago to the surreal and demanding life in the White House, her genuine respect for all shines through. A wonderful legacy from the powerful and inspirational former FLOTUS.
I do not read a lot of memoirs. However, I decided to try this one. Wow! Michelle Obama writes about the challenges and joys of her childhood, young adulthood, and finally as an adult. From dealing with family health issues to friendships to family support and love to meeting her husband to becoming First Lady, she was strikingly honest. She demonstrated the importance of balancing family and work which many of us have faced or are facing.
There was less politics in this memoir than I expected. I was left wanting to know what she planned to do after the White House.
Michelle Obama is a fascinating, intelligent leader and mentor. Very inspiring and insightful!
So sad she thinks she is the only person who grew up poor. Didn’t like parts of the book where she thinks all persons of color are looked down on.
Beautiful read!! The writing was excellent! Loved it!!
I am a big fan of Michelle Obama. She is so real. She is open, honest and a great women. Loved this book.
I absolutely loved the audio version of this book. This book is not just about life as a first lady. It is so much more. Michelle takes you through her entire life from the time she is in preschool until after she leaves the White House. I think most women in the US will find something to relate to when reading this book. It doesn’t matter your race or your political views. (And by the way, she really never comments on her political views and tried to stay out of politics.). She takes so many other issues including motherhood, working hard, never feeling good enough, miscarriage, fertility issues, death of friends, living with a father who has MS, family, community, being in the shadows of your husband, mentoring, and so much more. She is so inspiring. I’m sure the book is fantastic too, but it worked well as an audio book. Not only does Michelle read her own pages, but I find memoirs/biographies often translate well to audio because you don’t have to worry about being left on a cliffhanger when you pull into the garage and have to turn it off, unlike say a mystery, because let’s face it, when you begin the book you know where her life is headed. Some people I know listen to it at 1.25 to speed it up, but i found the slow pace of her reading relaxing and allowed me to soak in her words.
“I’m an ordinary person who found herself on an extraordinary journey.” Indeed, it is. Michelle Obama’s memoir offers a heartfelt and honest look inside her private life and on the very public stage. Her personal strength told against the backdrop of history makes this a compelling and emotional read.
I find Cinderella stories inspiring. From her childhood in a low-income area of Chicago, her driven quest for learning and education, to her journey from attorney to First Lady, I found this memoir inspiring. So much of her story resonated with me. It is not a political book, but a heartfelt autobiography.
A fascinating look into the lives of Michelle and Barak Obama, their history and time in the White House. Entertaining, but gracefully written, honest and raw, and especially poignant given the current political climate in the United States; the corrupt leadership and ongoing degradation of the highest office in the country.
I purchased the audio version of this book because I wanted to hear the story in Michelle Obama’s voice. I’m so glad I did. Many would argue that this little white girl grew up in a home of privilege. I listened to Michelle Obama sharing her memories of her childhood with a loving mother, father, and brother.
Suddenly, I realized for the first time what a happy childhood looked like in the midwest. Also, by comparing her early years to my own, I finally understood that color and wealth mean nothing. What’s essential in this life is love, compassion, support, integrity, and the dreams which carry us forward. We owe our children that kind of childhood.
Becoming was a great journey that unfolded the changing scenes of the author’s life to reveal that although we were all born with our own unique greatness, we must intentionally work at sharing it with the world in a way that makes a positive difference. It showed the great value of parents involving their children in their acts of service to others, like Mr. Robinson preparing his young daughter for a presidential campaign (without knowing it), by taking her with him as he visited seniors and other persons in the community.
Did not want it to end!