Review: Becoming by Michelle Obama
SYNOPSIS:
An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States.
In a life filled with meaning and 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.
REVIEW:
I am trying to branch out this year and review different genres, so I decided to listen to the audio book of Becoming and it reignited my love of autobiographies all over again. You see, when I was a teenager, I primarily read autobiographies, but as I grew older and responsibilities were thrust upon me, I preferred the escapes of happily-ever-afters to the struggles of one’s life.
Yet, this story moved me. I connected on a far deeper level with the tale, trials, and tribulations, and the search for ones self. I found myself moved to tears as Michelle watched her father’s health deteriorate. But Michelle’s struggle with finding a job and feeling fulfilled is something that resonated with my soul. I think this is a common struggle with many in my generation. We seek jobs that give us purpose, but purpose doesn’t always pay the bills. Her autobiography became a moment of self-reflection. As Michelle pondered her happiness, I found myself pondering mine.
As she detailed the presidential race, I found myself being reinvigorated with hope. As that 2008 election was the first election I was of legal voting age. I was reminded that people can come together and do great things. And though Michelle and I come from drastically different backgrounds, I found myself in awe of how many shared similarities we had.
I was captivated by the kindness and grace extended to others, even when it became blatantly obvious, some don’t deserve such niceties. I feel not only inspired but also hopeful. And while Michelle makes it clear she will never run for office, its comforting to know women like her are out there fighting for us. Trying to make the difference and pave a different path.
LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
