Sunday, December 23, 2018

Becoming; Michelle Obama


TITLE: Becoming
AUTHOR: Michelle Obama
PUBLISHER: Random House (audio)
PUB. YEAR: 2018
SETTING:  N/A
FORMAT:  - audio download
RATING: 5/5 stars

Michelle Robinson Obama's memoir Becoming was probably the very best memoir/biography I've ever read/listening to.  It was a very intimate look at our former first lady from her working class childhood and tight knit family, which included a close relationship with her parents (especially her mother) and her older brother, Craig. Always a good student, Michelle set her sights on Princeton like her brother, even though she was told be a counselor that "she wasn't Princeton material." Despite this, she was not deterred and, not only did she get into and graduate from Princeton, she went on to Harvard Law School to earn her law degree.

Successful in her own right, she describes herself as disciplined and somewhat of a control-freak. She speaks about her career, her father's illness and the way she and Barack met. We learn about her marriage, infertility, child-rearing, her husband's political career and life inside the White House and so much more. As for political aspirations of her own, it seems unlikely we will see the former first lady running for office.

Written with honesty, pain and some humorous moments as well, Becoming, was a sometimes emotional story of a woman with humble beginnings, "becoming" all that she is and experiencing more than she dreamed possible. Engrossing from beginning to end, I loved this book. It felt so personal, because the audio is read by Michelle herself in her pitch perfect voice.  I'll be getting a print copy as well so I can see all of the pictures.

If you love audio books - this one is a must listen!
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20 comments:

  1. JudithDecember 23, 2018 at 5:54 PM

    Diane,
    Something inside told me I must purchase both the hardcover and the audio of Becoming. I listened to the first few chapters, but realized that the weeks leading up to Christmas were just too distracting for me to solidly focus on the book and her message the way I would like to. So it's coming up for me in 2019. Such an inspiring and admirable woman. I appreciated your comments about the book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaDecember 24, 2018 at 2:41 PM

      Oh yes, no distractions. We listened on a road trip - it was great -- I wasn't a distracted driver LOL

      Delete
  2. MysticaDecember 23, 2018 at 8:59 PM

    Thank you for the review. I knew the book had to be very strong and very moving watching the lady for many years.
    Happy Christmas

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    Replies
    1. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaDecember 24, 2018 at 2:42 PM

      I'm happy to read you've read about our lovely former first lady.

      Delete
  3. bermudaonionDecember 23, 2018 at 9:45 PM

    I thought this was terrific, too. I've always been a fan of hers but never really thought of her humble beginnings before I listened to this book.

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  4. Les in OregonDecember 23, 2018 at 10:19 PM

    I saw Michelle speak at the Lied Center in Lincoln, Nebraska while on the campaign trail for her husband. I found her very engaging and articulate and became a big fan. I've purchased this on audio, but am inclined to buy the book, as well. I can't wait to begin listening! I'm so glad you and Kathy (bermudaonion) both thought it was terrific!! I think I'll start right after Christmas.

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  5. Brian JosephDecember 24, 2018 at 4:34 AM

    I would like to read this. It is very popular and everyone who I know who read it had good things to say about it. I guess everyone that I know who read it liked the Obama’s from the start but so do I so I would probably enjoy this.

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  6. JoAnnDecember 24, 2018 at 8:10 AM

    I'll definitely be listening to this in 2019. Thanks for the review!

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  7. Helen's Book BlogDecember 24, 2018 at 11:29 AM

    Ha! We both posted about this book today. I enjoyed it as well and found it super interesting. What an intelligent, thoughtful, and driven woman she is.

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  8. Judy KruegerDecember 24, 2018 at 12:50 PM

    Great book! I am glad you loved it as much as I did. Happy Holidays Diane!

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  9. stacybuckeyeDecember 29, 2018 at 11:19 PM

    I've been with Jason 22 years now and he has never bought me a book (why would he need to?), UNTIL this Christmas when I opened this one. I didn't ask for it, he just knew. He also gifted me a coffee grinder and kitchen mat, so let's just give him lots of credit for Michelle :)

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  10. SusanDecember 31, 2018 at 12:45 PM

    I've heard nothing but good things about this book. I need to read it one of these days!

    ReplyDelete

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