Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, is a deeply personal and inspiring account of her life, from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as First Lady of the United States. In the book, Obama shares her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, with honesty and grace. She also reflects on the challenges and opportunities she has faced as a woman, a mother, and an African American.

Becoming by Michelle Obama


The book in three sentences:

  • Michelle Obama describes her strong relationship with her parents and her two brothers, as well as the challenges she faced growing up in a working-class neighborhood.
  • As First Lady, Michelle Obama focused on initiatives such as Let's Move! and Reach Higher, as well as her travels around the world and her interactions with other world leaders.
  • Michelle Obama's book is a powerful and inspiring account of her life, and it is a reminder that we all have the power to overcome challenges and achieve our dreams.

Becoming is divided into three parts: "Becoming Me," "Becoming Us," and "Becoming More." In the first part, Obama tells the story of her childhood and adolescence. She describes her close relationship with her parents and her two brothers, as well as the challenges she faced growing up in a working-class neighborhood. Obama also writes about her education at Princeton University and Harvard Law School, where she met her future husband, Barack Obama.

In the second part of the book, Obama focuses on her relationship with Barack and their life together as a couple and as parents. She writes about the challenges of balancing their careers and raising two young daughters, as well as the impact of Barack's political career on their family. Obama also shares her insights on marriage and parenting, and on the importance of finding a partner who supports your dreams and ambitions.

In the third and final part of Becoming, Obama reflects on her time as First Lady of the United States. She writes about her work on initiatives such as Let's Move! and Reach Higher, as well as her travels around the world and her interactions with other world leaders. Obama also discusses the challenges she faced as First Lady, such as the scrutiny of the media and the public.

Throughout Becoming, Obama writes with honesty and candor about her experiences. She does not shy away from discussing difficult topics such as race, sexism, and classism. She also writes about her own personal struggles, such as her battle with imposter syndrome and her difficulty conceiving a child.

One of the most powerful aspects of Becoming is Obama's ability to connect with her readers on a personal level. She writes in a warm and engaging style, and she shares her story with honesty and vulnerability. Obama's book is a reminder that we all have the power to overcome challenges and achieve our dreams, regardless of our circumstances.

Here is a more detailed summary of each part of Becoming:

Part 1: Becoming Me

Michelle Obama was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 17, 1964. She grew up in a working-class neighborhood on the South Side of the city with her parents, Fraser and Marian Robinson, and her two older brothers, Craig and Craig. Obama's parents were both hard-working and supportive, and they instilled in her a strong sense of self-worth and ambition.

Obama excelled in school, and she went on to attend Princeton University, where she majored in sociology and African American studies. After graduating from Princeton, Obama attended Harvard Law School, where she met her future husband, Barack Obama.

After graduating from Harvard Law School, Obama worked as a corporate lawyer and a community organizer. She also served as the Assistant to the Commissioner for Planning and Development in the City of Chicago.

Part 2: Becoming Us

Michelle and Barack Obama met in 1989 while working at the same law firm. They were married in 1992, and they have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Michelle Obama has said that balancing her career and her family was one of the biggest challenges of her life. She also faced the challenges of being a black woman in a white-dominated workplace and of being the wife of a rising political star.

In 2004, Barack Obama was elected to the United States Senate. Michelle Obama continued to work as a lawyer and a community organizer, but she also took on a more active role in her husband's political career.

Part 3: Becoming More

In 2008, Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. Michelle Obama became the first African-American First Lady of the United States.

As First Lady, Michelle Obama focused on initiatives such as Let's Move!, which aimed to reduce childhood obesity, and Reach Higher, which encouraged young people to pursue higher education. She also traveled around the world and met with other world leaders.

Michelle Obama has said that she wanted to use her platform as First Lady to make a difference in the lives of others. She has also said that she wanted to be a role model for young people, especially young women and girls of color.

Becoming is a powerful and inspiring book that tells the story of a woman who has overcome challenges and achieved her dreams. It is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the book:

  • It is important to have strong role models in your life. Michelle Obama credits her parents with instilling in her a strong sense of self-worth and ambition. She also credits her husband, Barack Obama, with being her biggest supporter and cheerleader.
  • It is okay to make mistakes. Michelle Obama writes about the mistakes she has made in her life, both personal and professional. She also writes about how she has learned from her mistakes and grown as a person.
  • It is important to be authentic and true to yourself. Michelle Obama has always remained true to herself, even in the face of challenges. She has spoken out about the importance of diversity and inclusion, and she has used her platform to advocate for causes that she believes in.
  • It is important to give back to your community. Michelle Obama has always been passionate about giving back to her community. She has worked on a number of initiatives, such as Let's Move! and Reach Higher, that are aimed at improving the lives of others.
  • You are enough. Michelle Obama writes about how she has always struggled with imposter syndrome. However, she has learned to embrace her strengths and to believe in herself. She encourages her readers to do the same.

In addition to these key takeaways, Becoming is also a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world. Michelle Obama's story is an inspiration to us all.

Conclusion

Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, is a powerful and inspiring book that tells the story of a woman who has overcome challenges and achieved her dreams. It is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.

Obama's book is also a reminder that it is okay to be different. Obama writes about how she has always felt like an outsider, both because of her race and her gender. However, she has never let her differences stop her from pursuing her dreams.

Obama's story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and resilience. She is an inspiration to us all.