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A review by katykelly
Becoming by Michelle Obama
5.0
Articulate, honest, insightful and inspiring.
I've long been interested in hearing Michelle Obama's story, and finally got hold of a copy of the library audiobook, narrated by the author herself. And that really was the way to read this, with Michelle telling her own story.
Written soon after leaving the White House, she tells the warts-and-all story of her childhood, father's degenerative illness, experiences at school and with boyfriends, through to college and her the job as a lawyer where she met the perpetually-late-though-charming Barack.
This then becomes the story of how parents and a married couple and survives the world of politics, and never away from the heart of it is the story of a mother and wife, juggling demanding work with the needs of a young family.
I was touched and ending up grinning away at the proposal scene. Michelle's passion for education and female empowerment are strongly portrayed throughout. Feelings for certain other political figures aren't whitewashed. And the book also gives us a beautiful vision of a strong marriage of equals and vision of how to raise independent and intelligent young adults.
The political process of the American system is explained a little as Michelle discusses the elections her husband was involved in, quite an insight for someone across the pond. Even though we all of course know the results, I still felt the tension of the results.
Michelle Obama is a natural writer, and her story should inspire young people everywhere, across the gender/race spectrum. Your background, your origins shouldn't matter, she tells us, your will, desire to succeed and talent can take you where you want to go.
Fantastic listen, she's a wonder to listen to. Definitely a favourite autobiography.
I've long been interested in hearing Michelle Obama's story, and finally got hold of a copy of the library audiobook, narrated by the author herself. And that really was the way to read this, with Michelle telling her own story.
Written soon after leaving the White House, she tells the warts-and-all story of her childhood, father's degenerative illness, experiences at school and with boyfriends, through to college and her the job as a lawyer where she met the perpetually-late-though-charming Barack.
This then becomes the story of how parents and a married couple and survives the world of politics, and never away from the heart of it is the story of a mother and wife, juggling demanding work with the needs of a young family.
I was touched and ending up grinning away at the proposal scene. Michelle's passion for education and female empowerment are strongly portrayed throughout. Feelings for certain other political figures aren't whitewashed. And the book also gives us a beautiful vision of a strong marriage of equals and vision of how to raise independent and intelligent young adults.
The political process of the American system is explained a little as Michelle discusses the elections her husband was involved in, quite an insight for someone across the pond. Even though we all of course know the results, I still felt the tension of the results.
Michelle Obama is a natural writer, and her story should inspire young people everywhere, across the gender/race spectrum. Your background, your origins shouldn't matter, she tells us, your will, desire to succeed and talent can take you where you want to go.
Fantastic listen, she's a wonder to listen to. Definitely a favourite autobiography.