Becoming
An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States. In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.
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Readers say *Becoming* is an eloquent, authentic, and powerful memoir that offers a heartfelt, honest, and warm look at Michelle Obama’s journey. Revi...
Michelle Obama traces her journey from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to becoming the First Lady of the United States. She reflects on her family, education, and career, highlighting the values of hard work and resilience that shaped her. The book explores her experiences in the White House, including balancing public life, motherhood, and advocacy for women and girls. Becoming is a story about identity, purpose, and the ongoing process of self-discovery.
Oh Michelle, how I miss you. This memoir was everything. Reflective, honest, and deeply inspiring. I got all giddy at the part where Michelle sees Barack for the first time and you can feel that spark of something special beginning, even before either of them realizes what it will become. But beyond the love story, what stayed with me most was her vulnerability. She writes so openly about identity, ambition, motherhood, imposter syndrome, and the quiet pressure of always needing to be “enough” in spaces that weren’t built for her. It felt like sitting across from a wise friend who’s sharing her life lessons with honesty and grace. This is a truly empowering read that reminds you to own your story, your voice, and your space in the world.
I have not read a more warm, moving memoir. I purchased this when it first came out, but couldn’t bring myself to read it in that political climate. I’m glad I waited because it pairs perfectly with A Promised Land. Becoming highlights all of the good and important initiatives that Michelle Obama championed and highlights the human side of living in the White House. This gave me all the feels.
From her humble beginnings to First Lady, Michelle Obama “keeps it real” and we get an inside look at what it's like to be the (nonpolitical) spouse of a politician and being thrown into the spotlight, with its many advantages and disadvantages.
I cried at the end, as she relived the horror show of election night 2016, when the world's most hateful bully was somehow elected. But she ends on a very hopeful note:
"I'm an ordinary person who found herself on an extraordinary journey. In sharing my story,I hope to help create space for other stories and other voices, to widen the pathway for who belongs and why. I've been lucky enough to get to walk into stone castles, urban classrooms, and Iowa kitchens, just trying to be myself, just trying to connect. For every door that's been opened to me, I've tried to open my door to others. And here is what I have to say, finally: Let's invite one another in. Maybe then we can begin to fear less, to make fewer wrong assumptions, to let go of the biases and stereotypes that unnecessarily divide us. Maybe we can better embrace the ways we are the same. It's not about being perfect. It's not about where you get yourself in the end. There's power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. And there's grace in being willing to know and hear others. This, for me, is how we become."
I cried at the end, as she relived the horror show of election night 2016, when the world's most hateful bully was somehow elected. But she ends on a very hopeful note:
"I'm an ordinary person who found herself on an extraordinary journey. In sharing my story,I hope to help create space for other stories and other voices, to widen the pathway for who belongs and why. I've been lucky enough to get to walk into stone castles, urban classrooms, and Iowa kitchens, just trying to be myself, just trying to connect. For every door that's been opened to me, I've tried to open my door to others. And here is what I have to say, finally: Let's invite one another in. Maybe then we can begin to fear less, to make fewer wrong assumptions, to let go of the biases and stereotypes that unnecessarily divide us. Maybe we can better embrace the ways we are the same. It's not about being perfect. It's not about where you get yourself in the end. There's power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. And there's grace in being willing to know and hear others. This, for me, is how we become."
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