If you are an avid bookworm who enjoys learning about the lives of interesting people, then you might want to consider reading a biography or a memoir. These books can offer insight into the life experiences of fascinating individuals and can provide inspiration and motivation for your journey. One of the most popular and highly regarded biographies in recent years is “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. This article will explore what makes this book unique and why it should be on every reader’s list.
Table of Contents
1. Michelle Obama: Early Life and Education
2. Meeting Barack Obama
3. Life in the White House
4. Michelle Obama’s Work as First Lady
5. Becoming: The Book
6. Themes in Becoming
7. Michelle Obama’s Writing Style
8. Reception and Awards
9. Impact of Becoming
10. Why You Should Read Becoming
11. Where to Find Becoming
Introduction
Michelle Obama is a well-known public figure who was the early Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. In her memoir, “Becoming,” she shares her life story, from her humble beginnings on the South Side of Chicago to her years in the White House. The book offers a unique perspective on Michelle Obama’s experiences as a wife, mother, lawyer, and advocate for causes such as education, health, and community development. In the ensuing paragraphs, we will analyze the main themes and ideas in “Becoming,” and discuss why this book is worth reading.
1. Michelle Obama: Early Life and Education
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama was born in Chicago in 1964. Her parents, Fraser and Marian Robinson, both had working-class backgrounds and placed a high value on education. Michelle attended Whitney Young High School, a selective public school in Chicago, and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Princeton University in 1985. After college, she worked in marketing and public relations for several years before attending Harvard Law School, where she met her eventual husband, Barack Obama.
2. Meeting Barack Obama
Michelle and Barack met in 1989 while working at the law firm Sidley Austin in Chicago. Michelle was assigned to be Barack’s mentor, but the two quickly evolved friends and started dating. They were matched in 1992 and had two daughters, Malia and Sasha.
3. Life in the White House
In 2008, Barack Obama was selected as the 44th President of the United States, and his wife, Michelle, became the First Lady. During her period in the White House, she worked on several initiatives, including Let’s Move!, which aimed to address childhood obesity, and Joining Forces, which supported military families. She also advocated for education, health, and community development, becoming a source of inspiration for young women worldwide.
5. Michelle Obama’s Work as First Lady
In “Becoming,” Michelle reflects on her time as First Lady and discusses the challenges and rewards of living in the White House. She shares anecdotes about meeting world leaders, hosting state dinners, and visiting other countries on official visits. She also talks about her efforts to balance her role as a mother with her duties as First Lady and how she tried to instill values such as hard work, kindness, and empathy in her daughters.
6. Becoming: The Book
“Becoming” was published in 2018 and instantly became a bestseller. The book is separated into three parts: “Becoming Me,” “Becoming Us,” and “Becoming More.” In each section, Michelle reflects on different aspects of her life and shares personal stories that provide insight into her journey. Michelle’s story is about resilience, determination, and perseverance from her youth on the South Side of Chicago to her time in the White House. She also examines the challenges she faced as a Black woman in America and how she worked to overcome stereotypes and prejudice.
7. Themes in Becoming
One of the main themes in “Becoming” is the idea of identity and how it can change over time. Michelle shares how she struggled to define herself as a young woman and how her experiences as a wife, mother, and public figure shaped her sense of self. She also explores the importance of family, community, and mentorship and how these relationships helped her to grow and evolve.
Another key theme in the book is service and how it can be a powerful force for change. Michelle talks about her work as a community organizer and how it taught her the value of grassroots activism. She also discusses the importance of education and how it can empower individuals and communities to create positive change.
8. Michelle Obama’s Writing Style
Michelle Obama is not only a powerful speaker but also a gifted writer. Her writing style is engaging and accessible, with vivid descriptions and relatable anecdotes that draw readers in. She is also honest and vulnerable, sharing her fears, insecurities, triumphs, and successes.
In “Becoming,” Michelle’s writing style effectively conveys the emotional depth and complexity of her experiences. She can capture the joy, pain, and uncertainty of different moments in her life and connect with readers profoundly and personally.
9. Reception and Awards
“Becoming” has been widely praised for its honesty, insight, and inspiration. It has received numerous awards, including the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Memoir & Autobiography in 2018 and the NAACP Image accolade for Outstanding Literary Work in 2019. The book has also been translated into 24 languages and has sold over 15 million books worldwide.
10. Impact of Becoming
“Becoming” has significantly impacted readers worldwide, particularly young women and people of color. Michelle’s story has inspired many to pursue their dreams, overcome adversity, and make a positive difference in their communities. The book has also sparked conversations about race, identity, and representation and has helped to promote empathy and understanding across different cultures and backgrounds.
11. Why You Should Read Becoming
If you are looking for a compelling and inspiring book that offers insight into the life of a remarkable individual, then “Becoming” is worth reading. Michelle Obama’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and service, and her writing is engaging and thought-provoking. Whether you are curious about politics, social justice, or personal growth, “Becoming” has something to offer.
12. Where to Find Becoming
“Becoming” is widely available in print and digital formats at bookstores and online retailers. You can also check with your local library or borrow a copy from a friend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Becoming” by Michelle Obama is a must-read book for anyone interested in the lives of inspiring individuals. Through her personal stories and insights, Michelle offers a unique perspective on identity, service, and the power of community. Her writing is engaging and accessible, and her story is relatable and aspirational. So, pick up a copy of “Becoming” today and discover why this book is powerful and impactful.
FAQs
1. How long is “Becoming,” and how long does it take to read?
“Becoming” is approximately 400 pages long, depending on the edition. It takes an average reader about 10-15 hours to read.
2. Can “Becoming” be used as a classroom resource?
Yes, “Becoming” can be valuable for classroom discussions and assignments, particularly in social studies, history, and English language arts.
3. What other books has Michelle Obama written?
“Becoming” is Michelle Obama’s only published book, although she has written numerous articles and speeches throughout her career.
4. How has “Becoming” impacted readers?
“Becoming” has inspired readers worldwide, particularly young women and somebody of color, to pursue their dreams, overcome suffering, and make a positive difference in their communities. The book has also sparked conversations about race, identity, and representation and has helped to promote empathy and understanding across different cultures and backgrounds.
5. What is “Becoming” by Michelle Obama about?
“Becoming” is a biography by former First Lady Michelle Obama, chronicling her life from childhood to the end of her time in the White House. The book details her experiences growing up on the South Side of Chicago, attending Princeton University and Harvard Law School, meeting and marrying Barack Obama, and navigating life in the public eye.
