One sentence summary:
Becoming by Michelle Obama is the inspirational and captivating story of a woman’s journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House and every moment leading up to it.
Book genre:
Memoir
Main topic of the book:
The main topic of Becoming by Michelle Obama is a raw and honest account of personal triumphs and successes, as well as public and private challenges faced by the author throughout her life, up to and including her time in the White House.
Key ideas:
- Personal Growth: Michelle Obama reflects on her childhood, family background and formative years, highlighting key moments of growth and self-discovery.
- Social Change: The author recognizes and speaks to the power of using her platforms to promote positive change, particularly in terms of women’s rights, education, and breaking down racial barriers.
- Self Identity: Michelle Obama demonstrates how she has managed to remain true to her core values and identity, even when facing adversity and criticism.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Part 1: Becoming Me: Michelle Obama provides an intimate personal account of her childhood growing up in a working class family on the south side of Chicago, her struggles and successes in getting an education, and her early career as a lawyer.
- Part 2: Becoming Us: The author shares the emotions of falling in love and marrying Barack Obama, as well as her journey of becoming a mother to two daughters. Michelle also candidly discusses overcoming the criticism and scrutiny of being first lady of the United States.
- Part 3: Becoming More: In this section, Michelle Obama recounts her experiences with the Let Girls Learn initiative, assisting NGOs in developing countries, and her work for the Obama Foundation.
Key takeaways:
- Resilience in the face of adversity is possible.
- Everyone can make a difference, regardless of the scale.
- It is important to stay true to yourself and your values.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Michelle Obama is an American lawyer, author, and public speaker who was the first African-American First Lady of the United States. Before entering the White House, she practiced law, founded the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, and ran a small non-profit organization to assist working women and families. She holds a degree from Princeton University and a law degree from Harvard Law School.
Target audience:
Becoming by Michelle Obama is an inspirational and empowering read for people of all ages–from high school students to working adults. The book is perfect for individuals looking for personal growth, motivation, and a better understanding of the former First Lady’s life and struggles.
Publisher and first publication date:
Becoming was published by Crown on November 13, 2018.