Becoming: The Sunday Times Number One Bestseller

by Michelle Obama

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir; 15 million copies sold worldwide

THE NO. 1 BESTSELLER

BRITISH BOOK AWARDS, NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR

THE SUNDAY TIMES, MEMOIR OF THE YEAR

BOOKS OF THE YEAR: THE TIMES, OBSERVER, GUARDIAN, EVENING STANDARD

_______________________________

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. She dramatically changed the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and stood 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 rich, entertaining and candid memoir. And overall Obama's a fun person to sit alongside as she tells you the story of her life . . . it is as beautifully written as any piece of fiction' i

'A genuine page-turner, full of intimacies and reflections' Evening Standard

'Offers new insights into her upbringing on the south side of Chicago and the highs and lows of life with Barack Obama . . . a refreshing level of honesty about what politics really did to her' Guardian

'An inspirational memoir that also rings true' Daily Telegraph

• ISBN10: 0241334152
• ISBN13: 9780241334157
• Publish Date: 13 November 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
• Format: eBook (EPUB)
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[Laurie]

Unfortunately this turned out to not be a bookf or me.

[lauriesbookshelf]

Unfortunately this turned out to not be a bookf or me.

[lovelybookshelf]

I don't get starry-eyed when I think of the Obamas, but I appreciated the kind, thoughtful candor of Michelle Obama's memoir. Listening to her optimism chipped away a tiny bit of my own cynicism. I enjoyed hearing about her early life, the wisdom she's gained over the years, and the glimpses into everyday life in the White House. I'm very glad I chose the audiobook. Sincerity and hopefulness shine through the soothing cadence of her words. Even though their lives obviously revolve around politics, this memoir is more about human connections, and I found that refreshing.

[mercurial]

Well-written and honest, the book does not dwell into the minutia of politics even though it plays such a big part in her life. It is very pleasant to read - much like a long talk with a friend to catch up after many busy years.

[Beth C.]

Michelle Obama is a class act, as is her book. First - it's a very lovely book, with paper thicker than normal and more pictures than one often finds. It's definitely giftable. But most importantly, as with any book, is the content - and she nails it. Down to earth and honest, she gives us the gift of her childhood - the music, her disabled dad, her strict piano-teaching aunt that came through for her at just the right moment. She tells us about her high school years, and then into college - and she finally is allowed to claim her own accomplishments, rather than being just "Mrs. Obama". I had little idea of her professional life before politics called her away, and in that she also excelled. She talked about how hard it could be to find the strength and grace, day in and day out, to live such a public life when fear called to the hatred in too many. One book could not cover all eight years, but she does cover some of the best - and some of the worst - moments.

On one hand, reading this was like a breath of fresh air, one missed for too long. On the other hand, it leaves me questioning even more how we went from a family with class and sincerity and honor to what we currently have now. And the answers are heart-breaking. I do miss the Obamas - not because they have faded from view, but because they signified the best of what our country could be. The actual American Dream come true. All done with grace and kindness and heart. All of which is on ample display within the pages of this book.