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4.57 AVERAGE
4.57 AVERAGE
If you have the chance to listen to the audio version - do it. I’m a big hands on, paper back reader - but this is one I would recommend the audio first. Why? Because Michelle narrates it, and that brings so much more intimacy into her life story.
Beyond politics - I like the Obama’s. When I found Michelle’s book, I knew I wanted to read it. To hear about her life before Barack, her family, parents, schooling.
My kids periodically listened in, and seemed to enjoy it as well. When she talks about the decline of her local school, and how some tried to close it down - my kids felt especially akin to it, as their school is set for closure in a few years, to move to a more prominent part of town.
Michelle tells her life like it is. No sugar coating, but no bitterness either. If anything, listening to this book made me feel like Michelle was more a personal friend than a former flotus.
Beyond politics - I like the Obama’s. When I found Michelle’s book, I knew I wanted to read it. To hear about her life before Barack, her family, parents, schooling.
My kids periodically listened in, and seemed to enjoy it as well. When she talks about the decline of her local school, and how some tried to close it down - my kids felt especially akin to it, as their school is set for closure in a few years, to move to a more prominent part of town.
Michelle tells her life like it is. No sugar coating, but no bitterness either. If anything, listening to this book made me feel like Michelle was more a personal friend than a former flotus.
After reading this book, I view our former First Lady in a new light. An equally amazing light but new nonetheless. I’d never given much thought to the true sacrifices she had to make in order to be such a strong support system for her husband and her daughters...much like all women do when I think about it but on a much grander scale. I recommend this book.
Actual rating: 4.5/5 stars!
I listened to this on audio and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I found it shocking to say the least that I really don’t feel like I know a lot about the Obama’s but really about Michelle herself. I loved that we learned about her from her childhood through her teen years to college to marriage to the White House. I think it’s so interesting to learn about her.
When Barack became president I was only 14. I didn’t care about politics in the slightest. So I really didn’t know anything about all of it or about them! So I loved learning all of it!
I took my time with this audiobook and listened to it at 1x speed because I just felt it the best way to do it. The reason I went with a lower 4.5 against a higher 4.5 is mainly because I don’t totally care about politics. Still don’t now at 26. But I loved how we learned about stuff that I didn’t know what was going on. I loved learning about her and how she felt about it all happening.
I loved how she told this story. I think it was amazing the way she went through everything. I loved the epilogue and talking about “becoming”. She’s one hell of an awesome woman.
I listened to this on audio and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I found it shocking to say the least that I really don’t feel like I know a lot about the Obama’s but really about Michelle herself. I loved that we learned about her from her childhood through her teen years to college to marriage to the White House. I think it’s so interesting to learn about her.
When Barack became president I was only 14. I didn’t care about politics in the slightest. So I really didn’t know anything about all of it or about them! So I loved learning all of it!
I took my time with this audiobook and listened to it at 1x speed because I just felt it the best way to do it. The reason I went with a lower 4.5 against a higher 4.5 is mainly because I don’t totally care about politics. Still don’t now at 26. But I loved how we learned about stuff that I didn’t know what was going on. I loved learning about her and how she felt about it all happening.
I loved how she told this story. I think it was amazing the way she went through everything. I loved the epilogue and talking about “becoming”. She’s one hell of an awesome woman.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
This was great! I really enjoyed learning more about her and who she was as a person, wife and mother. I can only imagine what it would be like to raise my children in the White House. She worked hard to build her life and career while raising a family. Even as a child she was driven and ready to succeed. I hope she is enjoying life outside the everyday lime light.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
I have always admired Michelle Obama and her unassuming stint as First Lady. She is often defined by her husband and the marriage that she chose well before he aspired to serve as the United States President. This memoir is a healthy reminder that Michelle is her own person with her own passions and her own skills. She shares honestly about the events in her life that led her to the role of First Lady. She helps to articulate challenges faced by families of color. And she advocates for better health and better lives across the spectrum. While she never intends to run for office, I believe she is one of the most important voices in American politics, and one respected deeply within Democratic circles.
So good! She's an inspiration. This look at what it was like for her family to get to and live in the White House was such an eye-opener. I'm grateful.
Listen to the audiobook & realize how much we have lost in a FLOTUS who was a great role model for every American.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
“Real change happens slowly, not just over months and years but over decades and lifetimes.”
Someone summed up Michelle’s memoir in one perfect sentence: “a remarkable look at life and politics and America through the eyes of a gracious and tenacious woman.”
One of my best friends gifted me this book a few years ago and it’s been patiently sitting on my shelf ever since. Oh, how I wish I had picked It up sooner. Considering the current climate, reading this was like gulping down fresh air after being underwater for far too long.
I didn’t know much about Michelle, or any of the Obamas, prior to reading Becoming, but I learned so much. Her story is much more than just being the First Lady of the United States. Michelle eloquently shares about growing up in Chicago’s South Side, her father’s battle with MS, her career as a lawyer and beyond, how she fell in love with Barack, raising their family, what it’s like to be married to a politician (and the POTUS), and so much more. She doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities of modern America, yet her story was captivating, moving, and inspiring. It reminded me of how important it is to remain hopeful and work for positive change.
Regardless of your political views, this was a great read. I highly recommend the audiobook to hear her narrating it and the physical book to see photos from throughout her life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Racism, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Miscarriage
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
medium-paced