Title: Becoming
Author: Michelle Obama
Publisher: Crown
Publication Date: November 2018
ISBN: 9780241334140
Synopsis from Goodreads:
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.
I so thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s an intimate inside look at Michelle Obama’s upbringing, her relationship with Barack, her experience as a friend/colleague/woman/mother, and her journey as the first black First Lady at the White House. The writing (although there is speculation that this memoir is ghostwritten) is so entirely relatable and approachable. Reading it is like sitting down for a glass of wine and a nice long conversation with a friend. Everything I read aligned with what I knew about her previously, with some details expanded. Her story is incredibly inspiring and motivating. Her story is told in such an open and personal way. She is so intelligent, ambitious, thoughtful, and compassionate, I’ve come her admire her so much more deeply that I did before.
Yes, I have also watched the Netflix adaptation of Michelle’s memoir, and hands down, the book is way better. The documentary is very well done, but the book is packed full of so much insight and information. It’s absolutely gripping. Her passion for helping others runs deep. Her decisions, especially into her later adult life, were driven by a desire to make impactful change, even if it meant less pay or longer hours. She is truly someone who is on this earth to make a difference and it’s no wonder that she’s such an inspiration to so many young people, women in particular.
If you haven’t read this memoir yet, I hope you will. Happy reading!
Worn Pages and Ink 