The Best of 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama
As soon as Michelle Obama released her book I downloaded it straight into my phone. I wish I bought the book and probably still will just to add to my collection. But I also wish I bought the audiobook to hear her voice tell me the amazing story of her life. No matter which way you choose to consume the first lady's memoir, just do it. It's honestly one of the best books I've read so far, no exaggeration.
Michelle invites readers on a journey to becoming herself, a wife, a mother and the first lady of the United States. Sharing her childhood memories, teenage dreams, and college aspirations. Detailing almost every little moment that impacted her life, explaining how it all shaped her to become the woman she is today. From her life in Chicago on Euclid Ave with her tight0knit family and community; to the intricacies in raising a family of her own in the White House. Sharing intimate moments she experienced with Barack and laying out everything we ever wondered about how they built their life together. Her moving story reminded me of the eight years my generation experienced growing up through the most monumental time in history. I along with many new voters, contributed to seeing the first black president. The first black family to represent people who had never been represented before. Her book reveals all the obstacles and sacrifices she made to make this the most progressive moment in America.
I would say that this book may be one of the most important texts in American literature. Michelle Obama lays out almost every struggle black women endure to get through the day. As a professional woman, she taps into the issues of representation in the board room and how she managed to work her way to the top of her career. All to make a shift for a better cause, using her knowledge to give back to the community. She exemplified a strength that all women need to possess and use the book as a way to pass that strength on. After reading this book, you see that the Obama's were always meant to be in that White House. She goes through every scandal her arms may have caused, every little mistake the media claimed she made and all the challenges there were to normalize her daughters to this new life.
Becoming is more than a memoir; it's a stamp in time that shows how the regal Obama's fought tooth and nail for the countries acceptance. While their successor Trump can't go a day without insulting a community. Michelle uses this book as a chance to share her process through her initiative and the impact it had on our country. Sharing her fears when Malia and Sasha first went to school and their journey growing up in the public eye.
I can't stress enough how important this book is for women everywhere. Showing that resilience works, connecting with communities matter and love will always win. Her battle through keeping her husband close while letting him achieve his dreams is inspiring. Maintaining her own character while building with his, it's moving to see a couple genuinely love each other. Especially after two years of the dry relationship, the Trumps have.
The book was refreshing for me, it motivated me to stay focused and continue to become who I am. It made me realize that my voice is important and my story is worth sharing with others. It opened my eyes to seeking more possibilities and taking more risks. I hope everyone at some point can take time to read this book because it is phenomenal. The impact this family had on this country is immeasurable. From small things like changing the White House staff uniforms to larger issues like obesity and gay marriage. They spoke for so many people and proved that revolutions can happen.
Despite our current circumstances, there is still hope for change. Today, more women are in Congress than ever before. Women who hit the ground running because they felt they needed to save our country. Women who took the campaign strategies from Barack and made it their own. Never in my life have I seen women like me in the positions they are in and I believe that is thanks to Michelle holding that family together for us to see. Now we have a chance to cherish the moment forever with this book and use it as a catalyst to enrich change in our world.
