Honestly, Becoming was not really on my radar of “Must Reads” until I saw the number of people on the “First Book Of The Year” post that planned to read this as their first book of the year. Seven of the ninety-nine participants had this book in their photo – far more than any other book chosen. So.. who am I to argue with the logic of the worlds book lovers? ;P
~Sheila
Michelle Robinson grew up on the South Side of Chicago in a home that was shared with her Aunt’s family as well as her own. She and her brother Craig were raised in a loving home with parents that did not dictate their comings and goings or saddle them with curfews – they believed that you installed good habits and good examples in your home and your children will make their own decisions based on their upbringing.
It worked. Craig, who loves sports and could open up a conversation in any room, was accepted into Princeton. As his little sister, Michelle, followed suit taking an interest in Law and also made her way to Princeton. Later, while working in a position at Sidley Austin in Chicago, she would meet a young attractive colleague named Barack Obama. And the story of a journey to the White House would begin….
I listened to this book on audio while working on house projects. The book is narrated by Michelle herself and I would highly recommend anytime you choose to read a Memoir/Biography go with audio if they are narrated (and they often are) by the author. There is just something about the authors voice being put to their life story that takes it to the next level.
I was not disappointed with Becoming. Michelle’s modest upbringing, her friendships, relationships, and even her struggles to fit in sometimes with an all too white-washed society was all very real. I admit to cheering at some of the stories such as while in College a mother had her daughter removed due to Michelle’s color and I think “some day that lady can recall that she had her daughter moved away from a young girl that would someday become the First Lady.”
I found the book moving, and I enjoyed hearing of Michelle’s life as a child, to her schooling, to meeting Barack; her struggles with politics, Barack’s drive and the family struggles as it led to the decision to run for President. To both of them I found a renewed appreciation for what they took on – come what may.
Overall – quite an enjoyable journey – one I recommend that you take as well if you have not already. This is a delightful look into Michelle’s drive and the First Family.
Also recommended: First Women by Kate Andersen Brower and The Residence by Kate Anderson Brower
In the end, I enjoyed the story. There were a few laugh out loud moments and once again Moriarty has created something unusual using trendy topics and real life issues. Recommended for Moriarty fans and I highly recommend if you have not tried her on audio to do so.
