Audio Review: Becoming by Michelle Obama

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.

Hardcover, 426 pages 

Published November 13th 2018 

by Crown

Audio:19 hours, 3 minutes

*****

I enjoy listening to memoirs and autobiographies in audiobook format, it’s like they are talking directly to me. What I loved about Becoming was Michelle Obama read it and it was wonderful. I would have loved the book edition just to see the pictures though.

 I am not into political books, which made me a little apprehensive but it wasn’t an issue with Becoming. Beginning when Michelle is a child living in Chicago she tells about her up bringing, values and so much more. She is down to earth, intellect and has a passion (and the ability) to empower. She has a gift to speak with such eloquence, grace and intelligence that kept me listening to this book.

Her honesty as she told of her struggles in so many aspects of her life was real, from her career to juggling motherhood in the White House along with the demands of being FLOTUS and even on the campaign trail.

 Definitely a book I highly recommend, even if you aren’t American, this Canadian loved it.