The former first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama had penned down a beautiful memoir – Becoming, earlier this year. The book was in rage even before its release because of course, we knew it would be full of her warmth and wit. I had eagerly waited for the prices to drop down a bit in Amazon and I didn’t have to wait for long to get this amazing book in hardcover itself. With a brilliant narration, here’s why Michelle Obama’s Becoming is a must read.
“I was humbled and excited to be First Lady, but not for one second did I think I’d be sliding into some glamorous, easy role. Nobody who has the words ‘first’ and ‘black’ attached to them ever would. I stood at the foot of the mountain, knowing I’d need to climb my way into favor.”
I’ve read quite a lot of memoirs but I do not think I’ve read anything this soul-stirring and phenomenal. It was everything we know of her – her elegance, poise, morals, honor, duty, and kindness brimming in each and every page of the book.
We may not have known much of her, I am sure, maybe just that Michelle is from Chicago, grew up with loving and supportive parents, attended Princeton followed by Harvard for law school, then began her position as an associate at the prestigious law firm of Sidley Austin, where she eventually met Barack. So, this book is insightful, moving and deeply personal. I can’t put in words how refreshingly honest she has penned down Becoming, all the important decisions she had taken in life, she almost is just like us all.
What I loved most about this book is that there is hardly any negativity in the book; there is no gossip, and nothing aiming at the opposing rule. Yes, there are brief mentions but if you like her, you are going to love this one.
The audiobook of Becoming is equally amazing. It was my first ever audiobook and hearing her narrate her memoir, was truly heartfelt and made it more personal. You become emotional with her, you smile at those silly things she did, and there are moments that make you go Aww. You get to witness the self-doubt, grief, and criticisms she faced. You get to know what it was like to be a black woman trying to find a place in the world and the grim realities. You get to know her as a daughter, sister, wife, and mother before anything else. And you get to know what it was like to be a FLOTUS.
So, no. Becoming is not a political thriller and she blatantly says she doesn’t like politics. Why one feels the book is so relatable is because you get to experience first-hand, her directness and openness, as if you are talking woman-to-woman. To have heard her, read her like that – ah, it was so memorable!
I, with all my heart, recommend this truly inspiring, profound and thought-provoking book! A book that asks you to believe in yourself, come what may.
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That’s all for now!
Have you read Becoming? What are
I hope you’ll drop by tomorrow too.
My theme for the A to Z Challenge this year is ‘Celebrating the Bibliophile in me’, where I would share the books, authors and fictional characters that I love, loathe and tolerate.
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Vartika Gakhar says
I already have this book in my TBR as I absolutely adore this lady. Great review, Shalini.
Vartika Gakhar recently posted…Memorable road trip to Hogenakkal Falls, a breathtaking Waterfall near Bangalore
Soumya says
I just wrote about her as my inspiration for ‘M’ 🙂
I’m yet to read this book, but I know it will be awesome.
Soumya recently posted…M: Michelle Obama #AToZChallenge
Reema D'souza says
I haven’t read the book but I have just picked up the audio book. I’ve finished just one chapter and I already love it.
Reema D’souza recently posted…Mizpah #AtoZChallenge #NaPoWriMo
Roshan Radhakrishnan says
Check out her videos with Ellen online, often at the store and also during her book signing for this one… hilarious
Roshan Radhakrishnan recently posted…Local Police & Firefighters give Autistic boy the best day of his life
vidhya Thakkar says
It’s my favourite book!
Manas Mukul says
I have seen a lot of people recommend this one. Nice information on this book. A must read.
Shilpa Gupte says
I haven’t read the book yet, but each time I spot it at the bookshop I promise myself I will pick it up soon. Well, now I most definitely will!
Thanks for this inspiring and awesome post, Shalini!
Inderpreet Uppal says
Yet to read this one and I am so tempted to pick it now. will read it on vacation so I can savour it, maybe even hear it since Michelle has narrated it.
Inderpreet Uppal recently posted…M is Mexico #TravelWithBooks #AtoZchallenge @AprilA2Z
Random Musings says
I’m not a big fan of celebrity memoirs so I’ve been avoiding this one, but you make is sound much more relatable than I expected it to be
Debbie
Damyanti says
I’ve only heard rave reviews about this one. Must get it.
NJ says
I simply loved this book ❤
Dimpi says
beautiful book
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