“Becoming” by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama, the 44th First Lady of the United States wrote a memoir titled “Becoming”. The book, which was published in 2018, details her life, from her early years in Chicago to her time in the White House. The book explores her background, schooling, work, and the difficulties she had as a black woman in America with a focus on her personal progress. We will examine the major ideas and takeaways from Michelle Obama’s compelling memoir in this overview.

Becoming Me

Childhood and Family

On January 17, 1964, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson was born in Chicago’s South Side. She grew up in a close-knit family with parents who strongly emphasized work ethic and education. Her mother, Marian Robinson, was a stay-at-home mom, and her father, Fraser Robinson, operated city pumps. Michelle recalls a happy and orderly childhood during which she picked up important life skills from her parents.

Education and Aspiration

Michelle’s parents instilled in her a strong sense of purpose and the importance of education. She attended Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, where she stood out academically. Afterward, she studied sociology at Princeton University, where she faced the challenges of being a minority student but continued to excel. This section of the book highlights the significance of education and how it shaped her aspirations.

Meeting Barack Obama

Michelle met Barack Obama, who was a summer associate at the time, while she was working at the Sidley Austin law firm in Chicago. They developed a romantic relationship outside of work, and in 1992 they wed. According to Michelle’s account of their early days together, she was first hesitant to dedicate herself to a political career.

Becoming Us

The Early Years of Marriage

Michelle and Barack Obama had to learn to balance two hard occupations as they began their life together. Michelle is open about the strain this placed on her marriage and her own quest for fulfillment. Many readers can identify with her because of the hardships she has been honest about.

Motherhood

Also covered in “Becoming” is Michelle’s transition into parenthood. She vividly details the difficulties and rewards of juggling her own career objectives with raising her kids, Malia and Sasha. Her motherhood musings emphasize the everyday struggles faced by working mothers.

Political Reaction

Michelle Obama gradually made her way into politics. She was initially apprehensive, but as she saw the possibility for improvement, she started to get more active in her husband’s political activities. An in-depth analysis of her transition from private to public life sheds light on the costs and benefits of a political career.

Becoming More

Public Service

Michelle had to deal with increased obligations and demands as a senator’s wife after Barack was elected to the U.S. Senate. She became involved in programs like “Let’s Move!” and the “Joining Forces” campaign, which focused on children’s health and military families, as a result of her dedication to community service and education advocacy. These initiatives demonstrate her commitment to social causes.

The 2008 Presidential Campaign

Barack’s 2008 presidential campaign was undoubtedly the pinnacle of Michelle’s political career. The documentary “Becoming” offers an insider’s perspective on this historic campaign, describing the demanding schedule, the highs and lows, and the effect it had on the Obama family. Her personal encounters during this period humanized the political scene.

First Lady of the United States

Michelle Obama took on the role of First Lady of the United States after Barack Obama was elected president in 2008. Her function was complex and included everything from advocating for policies to making fashion choices. During her time in office, she advocated for causes like healthy living, education, and military families. Michelle won over the hearts of the American people with her grace, brilliance, and personality.

Becoming Free

Life in the White House

The book provides insight into living for the Obama family in the White House. The difficulties of living in the public glare, the value of preserving her children’s feeling of normalcy, and Michelle’s efforts to make the White House more approachable to the general people are all revealed in her candid observations. She also talks about her love of healthy eating and gardening, which inspired the development of the White House Kitchen Garden.

Advocacy and Legacy

Michelle continued her advocacy activities after becoming First Lady, concentrating in particular on girls’ empowerment and education. Her “Let Girls Learn” project aims to give girls everywhere access to education. Michelle’s commitment to improving society via education and individual empowerment will live on as her enduring legacy.

Post-White House Life

The pair started a new phase of their lives after Barack Obama’s presidency. Michelle considers the difficulties of making the transition to a more private life and pursuing her own interests outside of the White House. She established the Obama Foundation as evidence of her continued dedication to service.

Conclusion

The compelling memoir “Becoming” by Michelle Obama transports readers on a trip through her life, from her modest upbringing to her historic position as First Lady. Her tenacity, intelligence, and commitment to changing the world are all demonstrated in the book. Michelle encourages readers to embrace their own journeys of personal growth, empowerment, and self-discovery while sharing her own life narrative.

The book’s realistic depiction of the difficulties faced by women, particularly women of color, in both the personal and professional realms is among its most important contributions. The fact that Michelle is open about her flaws and the lessons she’s discovered along the road makes “Becoming” an inspiring and relevant story for people from various backgrounds.

In the end, “Becoming” is a celebration of individuality, family, leadership, and the steadfast conviction that every person has the ability to control their own destiny and influence the course of the world. Anyone looking to find their own voice, purpose, and road to becoming the best version of themselves will find inspiration in Michelle Obama’s memoir.

If you enjoyed my summary then you should definitely check out the full book here.