Becoming

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In presidential politics, references are often made to Lincoln’s “better angels of our nature.” With that in mind, I can think of no national political figure I’d rather hear from than Michelle Obama. Recommended By Keith M., Powells.com

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America — the first African American to serve in that role — she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her — from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it — in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations — and whose story inspires us to do the same.

"A serious work of candid reflection by a singular figure of early-twenty-first-century America.... Becoming is refined and forthright, gracefully written and at times laugh-out-loud funny." Isabel Wilkerson, The New York Times Book Review

" From the first words, the very warmth that permeates [the book's] author emanates from the pages.... Becoming is a balm that America needs, from a woman America does not yet deserve." Angie Thomas, Time

"Deeply personal and refreshingly honest....She's thoughtful, humorous, bracingly revealing, and when it's time, she does us all the favor of showing us the human side of a man worshipped by so many....It's human and genuine and welcoming to see the layers of humanity she holds open....Michelle Obama's story can maybe inspire you to find a path for your own story."Shonda Rhimes, Shondaland

"A complex, accomplished life recounted with confidence and candor....Every page sparkles with directness and grace." Douglas Brinkley, The Boston Globe

“The former first lady looks back on an unlikely rise to the top while navigating issues of race and gender in this warmhearted memoir….an interesting, inspiring saga of quiet social revolutions.” Publishers Weekly

Michelle Robinson Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Mrs. Obama started her career as an attorney at the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin, where she met her future husband, Barack Obama. She later worked in the Chicago mayor’s office, at the University of Chicago, and at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Mrs. Obama also founded the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an organization that prepares young people for careers in public service.

The Obamas currently live in Washington, DC, and have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.