Book Summary – Becoming

Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” is a powerful memoir that chronicles her life from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her time as First Lady of the United States. The book is deeply personal, providing readers with an intimate look at Obama’s life experiences and how they shaped her into the woman she has become.

Key Takeaways:

• Michelle Obama grew up on the South Side of Chicago in a close-knit family. Her parents instilled in her the values of hard work, education, and community service.
• Obama attended Princeton University and Harvard Law School, where she struggled with feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to succeed.
• After law school, Obama worked as a lawyer and then as a community organizer, where she discovered her passion for helping people and making a difference in her community.
• Obama met Barack Obama when she was working at a law firm in Chicago, and the two fell in love and got married. She supported him throughout his political career, including his successful run for president in 2008.
• As First Lady, Obama focused on initiatives to promote healthy eating and physical fitness, support military families, and encourage education for girls around the world.
• Throughout her life, Obama has faced numerous challenges, including racism, sexism, and the pressures of public life. Despite these obstacles, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to making the world a better place.

Personal Growth and Resilience

One of the key themes of “Becoming” is Obama’s personal growth and resilience. She writes candidly about her struggles with feeling like she didn’t belong at elite institutions like Princeton and Harvard, and how she had to work harder than her peers to prove herself. However, instead of letting these experiences hold her back, Obama used them as fuel to succeed.

This determination and resilience is also evident in Obama’s work as a community organizer and as First Lady. She writes about how she was often underestimated or dismissed by others, but how she refused to let this stop her from fighting for what she believed in.

The Importance of Family and Community

Another key theme of “Becoming” is the importance of family and community. Obama writes about how her parents instilled in her a sense of responsibility to give back to her community, and how her upbringing helped shape her into the person she is today.

Throughout the book, Obama also emphasizes the importance of finding a sense of belonging and support in one’s community. This is evident in her work as a community organizer, as well as in her initiatives as First Lady to support military families and promote education for girls.

The Power of Hope and Action

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of “Becoming” is its message of hope and action. Obama writes about how, despite the challenges she has faced throughout her life, she remains optimistic about the future and committed to making a difference.

Whether she is working to promote healthy eating or advocating for education for girls, Obama emphasizes the power of individual action to effect change. She writes about how each and every one of us has the ability to shape the world around us, and how we can all make a difference if we are willing to work hard and stay committed to our goals.

Conclusion

Overall, “Becoming” is an inspirational memoir that offers readers a window into the life of one of the most influential women of our time. Obama’s journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and commitment to making the world a better place.