Becoming

Rating: 5/5

Category: Nonfiction, Biography

Synopsis

I absolutely loved this book. It’s just what I needed to gain some perspective on my own life and get to know someone I truly did not know much about. Becoming is a nonfictional story that reflects on where Michelle Obama came from in Chicago, Illinois, and how she got to this point today where we as a society know her as the Michelle Obama. In this book she is candid, raw, blunt, funny, and (most importantly) genuine.

What’s There to Like

If you’re still skeptical or on-the-fence, I encourage you to take a chance with this book. I’m not too much of a nonfiction reader, so even I was hesitant to pick this up. But it’s easy to read and become engrossed in. And Michelle really doesn’t go too far into the politics that are difficult to avoid surrounding her husband. She focuses a lot on the emotional aspects of everything that’s happened in her life and reflects on issues in a very empathetic way.

Also, I loved how much I learned about the White House. Michelle was wonderfully descriptive with how mostly everything functioned (obviously, I’m sure there were details she wasn’t allowed to bring up for the sake of security). For example, each new presidential family elected into the White House is budgeted a $100,000 to decorate their living quarters the way they like. And the presidential family is not allowed to accept clothing for free from designers – they are allowed to accept the clothes as a rental, and then donate them to the National Archive. Otherwise, all clothing is purchased from the family’s own funds.

What Didn’t Work

Quite honestly, I can’t really think of anything that didn’t work – and I usually find something. If anything, I’d say it’s sad she’s not ever going to run for president. But after reading this, I totally understand. She will continue to make a difference regardless!

Conclusion

Read this book! Michelle Obama is thoughtful, funny, and won’t let you down.