Becoming: A Book Review
A worthwhile read from the former First Lady
You may live in the world as it is, but you can still work to create the world as it should be. — Michelle Obama
BECOMING ENTRANCED
One of my first memories of Michelle Obama was watching her in between my favorite Disney Channel shows. As she gardened with kids, she educated me on the importance of nutrition. Well, as best as she could to a 12 year-old girl impatiently waiting to see what was next on Hannah Montana.
But over the next decade, this First Lady became a role model to me as she moved effortlessly and spoke eloquently through a world that demanded much of her. I became curious. What was her career? How did she meet Barack Obama?
My college roommate and I shared an affinity for strong, intelligent women. So I gifted her Michelle Obama’s new book, “Becoming,” not even a month after it was published in November 2018. I got a glimpse into this book through her, but secretly, I was dying to have my own copy.
Exactly one year later, I found myself staring at “Becoming” in a mom-and-pop bookstore in Chicago, internally arguing if my college budget could afford a $35 book. I decided against it.
But alas, I opened a graduation present from my mother and there it was. I diligently read all 421 pages of “Becoming” and it was everything I hoped it would be.
BECOMING INSPIRED
In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and captivating women of our time.
“Becoming” walks the reader through her life in 3 stages: Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More. Each stage with unique anecdotes and stories. From her time growing up in the Southside of Chicago to defying odds at two Ivy Leagues. From falling in love with a quirky legal intern from Hawai’i to speaking to complete strangers in modest Iowa kitchens. From learning how to be the first black First Lady to watching her daughters grow up and leave the White House.
This book will leave you feeling inspired. And if you happen to be a young woman like me, it will leave you feeling empowered. It puts all of those news stories we heard about Michelle Obama into context and sheds light on what she did to become one of the most active and beloved First Ladies in US history.
Her refusal to become cynical was a breath of fresh air. Her motif, “Am I good enough? Yes, I am.” was uplifting. And just reading about the change happening on the smallest scales was electrifying.
The book isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty darn close. Here’s my praise and critique.
BECOMING 5 STARS
Praise
It’s impossible to delve into the content without first highlighting the exceptional quality of the writing. Okay yes, I’m aware that Michelle LaVaugh Robinson Obama did not sit down and personally scribble out 421 pages about her life. But the voice throughout the book is most certainly her own. It is the same voice you’ll find in her speeches, in her Netflix Documentary, and in her podcast.
Every anecdote was told with not a single word more than necessary, every emotion that conveyed to the reader, and honestly, it was refreshing reading something compassionate and hopeful about the state of the nation. But the best part about this book is that it is relatable.
Michelle Obama was a girl who lost her father to multiple sclerosis and classmates to gun violence. A young woman whose capabilities were questioned and who proved naysayers wrong by valuing her education. A mother who struggled to conceive and who successfully managed to raise children while working. A wife who made sacrifices for her spouse and is constantly learning what it means to be in a marriage.
Her story is the story of any reader and perhaps that’s what made it so inspiring.
Even when it’s not pretty or perfect. Even when it’s more real than you want it to be. Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own. — Michelle Obama
Critique
I’ll be honest, I had to dive deep to find critique to share about this book. And the only thing I was slightly disappointed by was the ending.
In the epilogue, she explains what “becoming” means to her, which is a fantastic move given the book title and the section names. But to me, it felt a little forced. While her definition and understanding of “becoming” makes perfect sense with her stories and anecdotes, the book didn’t quite lead me to her conclusion:
“For me becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.”
It felt like I was being preached to by a different person than who wrote the previous 419 pages. The book was building up to a conclusive lesson, and to me, it didn’t quite stick. But this was an artistic choice, and perhaps just one that went over my head because I was still entranced by her adept storytelling.
As far as constructive criticism goes, this was the only thing I could think of. Well, that and the fact she said she is not running for office, ever.
Who would enjoy this book? Anyone who is open to learning more about the relatable life of the former First Lady. And I strongly recommend it to young women and people of color. After reading “Becoming,” I have gained a new respect for Michelle Obama and her entire family. I feel inspired to keep writing my own story to the best of my ability.
If you are like me and it’s taking you awhile to get your hands on a copy, check out the Netflix documentary, Becoming, or listen to The Michelle Obama Podcast on Spotify. They are similar in feel and share some of the same stories. But when you get a chance, check out the book from the library, borrow it from a friend, or purchase a copy because there is something much more genuine and personal about it.
Happy reading!
Charlee Thompson
Charlee has a B.S. in environmental engineering from the University of Illinois and a M.P.A. in environmental policy from the University of Washington. She currently works as a policy associate for the Northwest Energy Coalition in Washington State. She writes on sustainability, diversity, and fitness.
