Becoming
Obama, Michelle'What do you want to be when you grow up?' Michelle Obama has some strong opinions about such questions, but certainly her response would not have been to say 'to be the First Lady'. But of course, this is exactly where she ends up as the wife of President Barack Obama, from 2009-2017. Her journey to one of the most famous addresses in the world started in a working class neighbourhood in the South Side of Chicago and progressed via Princeton and Harvard, corporate law, marriage and motherhood.
Written with warmth and candour, this is an inspiring memoir from a former First Lady offering readers the unique perspective of someone achieving many 'firsts' in her life thus far.
Pages
416
416
Year
2018
2018
Reviews
18-01-2024
Most enjoyed the book especially the first half, as some felt it got a bit repetitive towards the end. A great insight into American political system, but also a very inspiring story of Michelle Obama's upbringing and desire to create a better future for her and her brother.
01-11-2023
We all enjoyed this inspirational book and wish we'd taken more notice of Michelle Obama during her years at the White House. We appreciated her unique position as a strong black woman and were impressed by how she navigated the challenges faced by others in those demographics. We found her resilience in the face of entrenched cultural disadvantage to be impressive and we were in admiration of the multiple initiatives she came up with to counteract them...
11-08-2023
Most enjoyed the beginning of the book, particularly about her childhood, but found it hard going. Many in our group didn't finish the book.
18-07-2023
Most of us enjoyed the book, but found it too long and some descriptions dragged on too long. Very informative about how the president is wrapped up in cotton wool! Interesting and tough lady.
02-05-2023
A very wordy book but it did give a good insight into her personality and it was really nice to hear her story. There was a comment that it needed editing. Some of the group found the middle a bit of a grind. Very apparent that both she and Barack were very hardworking individuals. There were also comments about her being very wise and making good choices for her situation.
20-03-2023
Great discussion. We all admire Michelle Obama and we all loved the book at the beginning but found it hard going when it became all political. We all thought Barack was an absent father and husband, and he's lucky she has stayed with him. None of us finished it.
13-12-2022
All of us enjoyed the book, although at times it was a bit long winded. The discussion ranged from Michelle's attempts to make life as normal as possible for her children and how to keep her own sense of self.
27-09-2022
Most of our group found this one a little hard going. We aren't really non-fiction readers. Well-written though and a very interesting perspective of the history.
23-08-2022
We all enjoyed the book very much. Very well-written and informative. Great discussion.
28-07-2022
The title did challenge us to consider how often we use the verb to become - very apt in terms of how we evolve throughout our life. We enjoyed the fact that Michelle Obama knew how much detail to share with her audience. She was an authentic narrator. It held our attention to the end. What a woman!
29-05-2022
Our group loved this book, finding it well-written and in a style making it easy to read. An informative, frank, inspiring account of the amazing Michelle Obama, her early years through to the end of her husband's presidency of the USA.
02-03-2022
The group thoroughly enjoyed this book. There was admiration for a woman who loved and supported her family, and ploughed her own furrow at the same time.
15-11-2021
Our group loved the book. We were impressed by their achievements, both individually and as a couple. Michelle's experiences as a young mother resonated with our memories of parenting. In referring to friends and colleagues, Michelle rarely refers to race. They were simply people.
27-10-2021
We all enjoyed this story and found her to be an amazing woman. The story could have been much shorter but felt that maybe she had to make sure she didn't leave anyone or her connections out for possible future political reasons. It was easy to read and created great discussion. Some didn't want to read it but did and enjoyed it :)
22-09-2021
Everybody enjoyed this book. A great insight into the political ups and downs and the way Michelle had such a positive attitude. A great read in lockdown.
17-09-2021
We enjoyed this book. It gave a detailed insight into American politics and particularly the run up to the elections. The input the First Lady gave was particularly detailed. She is obviously a remarkable personality who came from humble beginnings, but who had such a commitment to family. Recommended reading.
23-08-2021
Most found it "quite interesting", though too long.
15-03-2021
We all really liked the book, some of us even loved it! It generated a lively discussion around politics and race, and all agreed that it was great to have such an insight into family life in the White House. Above all, we admired how Michelle remained true to herself while, at the same time, supporting Barack in his life dream.
19-08-2020
We all really enjoyed this book. We enjoyed learning about her childhood and family the most. The main problem was that we all knew the disappointing ending!
25-05-2020
All but one of those attending loved the book, and appreciated its writing style, complexity, historical background and its structure.
22-05-2020
Brilliant. Well-written and inspiring. Such a talented woman - lovely to gain insights into life as a first lady, living in the White House, and the changes she created.
15-05-2020
50% loved the book and the detail. 50% thought it needed tighter editing and less detail.
15-05-2020
Most of our group really enjoyed reading 'Becoming'. We were impressed by her honesty and practicality. Aghast at how 'nasty' politics can be, and the ability to live with the security restrictions.
15-05-2020
Everyone enjoyed this. Enjoyable conversational style of writing. Impressive woman and story.
02-03-2020
Mixed reviews, some thought it too long, or had too much detail. We were interested in life in the White House.
18-10-2019
Enjoyed!
18-10-2019
Wow - what an amazing woman!! Loved learning her back story and seeing what a humble, genuine and hardworking couple she and Barack are!!