Becoming by Michelle Obama – Review

Non-Fiction

Overview

The former first lady, Michelle Obama, beautifully depicts her journey as she transitions from a young woman growing up on the South Side of Chicago, to the inconceivable path that led her to the White House. Michelle, through a life searching for her purpose has surfaced one of most iconic and inspirational women of our time.

Not only are we given a profound insight into Michelle’s un-imaginable adventure, we are taken back, to understand the disparity life brings for people of a different race. Although, many claim racism is dead and buried, it’s made evident that the world is still on the path for equality.

As First Lady—the first African American woman to acquire that role—it became Michelle’s mission to create a more welcoming and inclusive White House. Instantly it was clear that the 44th First Lady had many goals of her own. Establishing herself as a spokesperson for young women both in U.S. and around the world. Michelle strived to solve issues such as obesity in children, encouraging families to practice healthier lifestyles. Moreover, we see Michelle’s constant battle against stereotypes and minorities, undertaking every effort and strength to bring equality to world. Her story was told over and over to disadvantaged youths, creating a belief in the future. While Michelle’s journey was inconceivable, it is a sign of more for these kids, a sign that they can be more than they ever thought possible. What did she want to achieve? Her mission was simple, to diminish desperation, and replace it with hope.

Along the way we experience many incredible moments of Michelle’s life. From standing by her husband as he steered America through some of its most traumatic times. To lighter moments of an ordinary couple raising two daughters, from the first days at school all the way to first dates.

Thoughts

This memoir truly is a work of a deep, emotionally raw reflection told through a spellbinding story. Michelle has kept nothing out, from her mistakes to her achievements, every piece of the puzzle that’s shaped her. Infallibly honest and surprisingly witty, she tells her journey exactly as she has lived it, and for once, in her own words instead of media taint. Becoming encompasses both composure and resilience, admiration and heartbreak. Michelle’s personality shines through as completely lovable and inspirational as she battles her whole life with challenges of African-American woman, all while she revels in life as a young girl would, there is little self-pity seen, just facts of the time.

Becoming is the understanding that growth is not finite, at no point as people do we simple plateau. We will constantly grow, change and find ourselves as we travel our own unique journeys. Readers will undertake a roller-coaster of emotions like never before, from joy to torment, through this tiny glimpse into what made the woman that is Michelle Obama.