Becoming by Michelle Obama Book Review📚
📖: "Becoming is never giving up on the idea that there's more growing to be done"
Becoming follows a girl who grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood with little resources. She was fortunate enough to have people in her corner to fight for her, with her, to help her grow. The book follows her as she tackles harmful stereotypes and fights for her place in predominantly white spaces and eventually becomes the First Lady of the United States of America. It follows her journey of being part of the first Black Family in the White House.
There are many things that surprised me in the book... but what surprised me the most was how involved Michelle was with Barack's campaigns and presidency. Most politicians' spouses concern themselves with looking "good" in the media and not inconveniencing their partners in any way. Michelle, however, was pretty much the heart of the Obama campaign. She was very active with giving speeches, attending meetings, and securing votes. She also worked really hard to leave her mark during his presidency, helping place dozens of policies.
I really enjoyed getting a glimpse at who Michelle Obama is, beyond just being Barack Obama's better half.
In fear of this being too long, there's a lot of things I didn't end up including in this post. 😅 If you want to talk more about this book, feel free to comment or drop into my dms!
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Building on my initial thoughts, there's so much more to unpack in 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama that truly makes it a standout memoir. While I briefly touched on her journey from a South Side girl to First Lady, the depth with which she shares her experiences is what elevates this book to a #1 New York Times Bestseller and an Oprah's 2018 Book Club selection. I found myself completely engrossed, not just in the historical context but in the raw honesty of her personal growth. One aspect that truly resonated with me, and I think will with many readers, is how Michelle navigates her identity in varying environments. She openly discusses the challenges of being a Black woman in predominantly white academic and professional spaces, constantly striving to prove her worth and overcome harmful stereotypes. Her story isn't just about achieving greatness; it's about the relentless pursuit of self-definition and authenticity. It’s inspirational to see how she consistently advocated for herself and others, even when the path was unclear. This continuous 'becoming' truly embodies the core message of the book. What struck me most was how the book peels back the layers of public perception. You get to witness her struggles with infertility, her career shifts, and the very real balancing act of family life alongside a demanding public role. It’s easy to view public figures as one-dimensional, but Michelle’s narrative reveals a woman who is incredibly relatable in her vulnerabilities and her strengths. Her commitment to her daughters and her personal values, even as her life became intensely political, is something I deeply admired. Moreover, the 'accomplishments' often associated with Michelle Obama extend far beyond her time as First Lady. The book highlights her work as a lawyer, her roles in community development, and her unyielding dedication to public service long before she entered the White House. During her husband’s presidency, her initiatives like ‘Let’s Move!’ and her advocacy for military families are detailed with passion and purpose, showing how she carved out her own impactful legacy. Reading about these efforts directly from her perspective truly gives a richer understanding of her influence. For anyone considering picking up 'Becoming,' I can honestly say it’s more than just a political memoir. It's a powerful narrative about resilience, identity, and the courage to keep growing. The 5/5 rating isn't just for the writing style, but for the profound lessons and genuine inspiration it offers. It encourages you to reflect on your own journey of 'becoming' and what it means to truly make your mark, no matter where you start. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page, prompting self-reflection and a renewed sense of purpose.
❤️