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A review by nickgalentine
Becoming by Michelle Obama
5.0
The way this book was written stirred me. Every word choice seemed to fit perfectly with the context and tone of voice of the book. Michelle Obama is a powerful, confident woman, and her personality (what we know of it from her public life) really shines through. Her story is so wholly American that I felt my own story in it even though the two are vastly different.
It reminded me of Hard Choices by Hillary Clinton in the pacing and style of writing with urgency about political issues. If she hadn't clarified at the end in no uncertain terms that her aim was never going to be to pursue political office, I would have thought Becoming was intended as a stepping stone for a campaign for higher office in the future. But even if she hadn't come out and said it, I don't think that's her. Michelle Obama comes across as completely authentic and gives a fascinating perspective as not only a resident of the White House during cataclysmic events, but also as the first Black First Lady, as a girl growing up in the South Side of Chicago, as a marginalized student at Ivy League schools, and as a devoted mother and extremely supportive and patient wife. I highly recommend Becoming.
It reminded me of Hard Choices by Hillary Clinton in the pacing and style of writing with urgency about political issues. If she hadn't clarified at the end in no uncertain terms that her aim was never going to be to pursue political office, I would have thought Becoming was intended as a stepping stone for a campaign for higher office in the future. But even if she hadn't come out and said it, I don't think that's her. Michelle Obama comes across as completely authentic and gives a fascinating perspective as not only a resident of the White House during cataclysmic events, but also as the first Black First Lady, as a girl growing up in the South Side of Chicago, as a marginalized student at Ivy League schools, and as a devoted mother and extremely supportive and patient wife. I highly recommend Becoming.