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Courage Is Contagious: And Other Reasons to Be Grateful for Michelle Obama
A collection of never-before-published essays celebrating a First Lady whose impact will be felt for years to come, featuring a stunning array of acclaimed contributors
Michelle Obama's legacy transcends categorization; her cultural imprint is as nuanced as it is indelible. She used her time in the White House to fight for women, minorities, and health and education advocates. At the same time, her own genre-busting style encouraged others to speak, to engage, even to dress however they wanted. In this tribute to the former First Lady, T: The New York Times Style Magazine editor Nick Haramis assembles twenty original essays from prize-winning writers, Hollywood stars, celebrity chefs, and politicos, all of whom have been moved and influenced by her extraordinary grace in power. This uplifting book uncovers the many layers of Michelle Obama as she continues to be a role model and icon in the age of Donald Trump.
Michelle Obama's legacy transcends categorization; her cultural imprint is as nuanced as it is indelible. She used her time in the White House to fight for women, minorities, and health and education advocates. At the same time, her own genre-busting style encouraged others to speak, to engage, even to dress however they wanted. In this tribute to the former First Lady, T: The New York Times Style Magazine editor Nick Haramis assembles twenty original essays from prize-winning writers, Hollywood stars, celebrity chefs, and politicos, all of whom have been moved and influenced by her extraordinary grace in power. This uplifting book uncovers the many layers of Michelle Obama as she continues to be a role model and icon in the age of Donald Trump.
102 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
November 3, 2017
Very inspiring. Makes one really think about the mark one leaves on the world. What do people say about you when your not around.
Summation, Michelle Obama is a class act. She had a huge impact on so many people, from the young to the old. What you find in this book is their stories.
Very inspiring read.
Summation, Michelle Obama is a class act. She had a huge impact on so many people, from the young to the old. What you find in this book is their stories.
Very inspiring read.
December 14, 2017
You know you need to read this, and if you don't already know that, you don't need to read it. I love Michelle Obama, and her not being First Lady makes me a little weepy. If you don't feel that way, fuck you. She's classy, I'm not.
December 14, 2017
This book is a delightful book of celebration and inspiration.
February 14, 2018
This collection of seventeen essays is not intended to be a biography of Michelle Obama, many of which can be found here in LAPL’s catalog, rather this is an appreciation of who she is as a person, who also happened to be First Lady of the United States. The essays are from students and from working professionals in different fields: fashion, literature, arts and entertainment, social and political activists.
There is a commonality to their perceptions and expectations about the First Lady, as some recall being apprehensive or nervous visiting the White House, and meeting her. What comes through is that she is a loving, protective, supportive and encouraging mother; a professional lawyer who came from a working class family that was hard working; she is an enabler, especially for girls and women; and encourages healthful living through better eating and exercise. As a modern woman she made her own mark on style, fashion, entertaining, and on domestic and international events. She brought the professionalism of her working life to this position, but she also brought who she is as a person: focused, serious, at ease, dignified, outgoing, inclusive in her programs and her actions. There is also an unselfconscious, mischievous woman, which was evident in some of her public activities: mom-dancing with Jimmy Fallon, singing with James Corden, leading exercises on the White House lawn and encouraging others to participate.
Among those who wrote essays are the following: fashion designer Jason Wu, who was asked to dress the new First Lady, and submitted several sketches, not knowing until the inaugural ball that his dress was the one worn by Mrs.Obama; journalist and author Jon Meacham's insight, “... Mrs. Obama, a clear-eyed lawyer, found a way to withstand the scrutiny of the spotlight. To borrow a phrase from William Faulkner, she not only endured it: she prevailed over it."; for ninth-grader Laua Camacho, who lives in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Michelle Obama's modest early life is an inspiration to do well in school, and look to a future where a young girl can see endless possibilities.
Not only in 2016, but in years past women have campaigned to run for President of the United States. Most presidential wives may have supported their husbands' work, however it is doubtful that any woman has cajoled her husband into running for President so that she could be First Lady. In modern times it is a position that mostly has been a burden because every woman has been so intensively watched and scrutinized. "Perhaps this First Lady was watched more than any others, because her husband was “the first” African American President." Michelle Obama proceeded to live her life, and led by example, which exemplifies a woman who lives by the courage of her convictions.
Reviewed by Sheryn Morris, Librarian, Central Library
There is a commonality to their perceptions and expectations about the First Lady, as some recall being apprehensive or nervous visiting the White House, and meeting her. What comes through is that she is a loving, protective, supportive and encouraging mother; a professional lawyer who came from a working class family that was hard working; she is an enabler, especially for girls and women; and encourages healthful living through better eating and exercise. As a modern woman she made her own mark on style, fashion, entertaining, and on domestic and international events. She brought the professionalism of her working life to this position, but she also brought who she is as a person: focused, serious, at ease, dignified, outgoing, inclusive in her programs and her actions. There is also an unselfconscious, mischievous woman, which was evident in some of her public activities: mom-dancing with Jimmy Fallon, singing with James Corden, leading exercises on the White House lawn and encouraging others to participate.
Among those who wrote essays are the following: fashion designer Jason Wu, who was asked to dress the new First Lady, and submitted several sketches, not knowing until the inaugural ball that his dress was the one worn by Mrs.Obama; journalist and author Jon Meacham's insight, “... Mrs. Obama, a clear-eyed lawyer, found a way to withstand the scrutiny of the spotlight. To borrow a phrase from William Faulkner, she not only endured it: she prevailed over it."; for ninth-grader Laua Camacho, who lives in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Michelle Obama's modest early life is an inspiration to do well in school, and look to a future where a young girl can see endless possibilities.
Not only in 2016, but in years past women have campaigned to run for President of the United States. Most presidential wives may have supported their husbands' work, however it is doubtful that any woman has cajoled her husband into running for President so that she could be First Lady. In modern times it is a position that mostly has been a burden because every woman has been so intensively watched and scrutinized. "Perhaps this First Lady was watched more than any others, because her husband was “the first” African American President." Michelle Obama proceeded to live her life, and led by example, which exemplifies a woman who lives by the courage of her convictions.
Reviewed by Sheryn Morris, Librarian, Central Library
March 7, 2018
This collection of essays showcases Michelle Obama, not by her title, but by the amazing human being that she is that gave us eight great years in which we got to see her grow, transform, and revitalize not just the image of the White House but us, as a nation, us a people as we too grew, transformed and revitalized with her.
This collection showcases Michelle's facets from the eyes of the people who wrote them, whether they get to meet her in person or not, and all showcase the warm, intelligent, caring individual that I gladly called my First Lady for eight years and find myself missing every day as Cecile Richards stated in her essay "She was the voice of our better angels-a role she never asked for, but one she stepped into with grace and humility."
This collection showcases Michelle's facets from the eyes of the people who wrote them, whether they get to meet her in person or not, and all showcase the warm, intelligent, caring individual that I gladly called my First Lady for eight years and find myself missing every day as Cecile Richards stated in her essay "She was the voice of our better angels-a role she never asked for, but one she stepped into with grace and humility."
February 15, 2018
RATING: 3 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
I put this on hold only because it featured essays on Michelle Obama. There were a few good essays but some were more about names (Lena Dunham who also published this book).
(Review Not on Blog)
I put this on hold only because it featured essays on Michelle Obama. There were a few good essays but some were more about names (Lena Dunham who also published this book).
May 9, 2019
A collection of short essays about why Michelle Obama is an inspiring woman? Yes. Just yes!
February 4, 2019
Courage Is Contagious: And Other Reasons to Be Grateful for Michelle Obama
is a sweet little volume of essays from mostly (but not only) women, spanning the spectrum of personal fame, each with a varying degree of connection to the former First Lady – from actresses and activists to authors and fashionistas – all of whom describe in short chapters the snapshots of Mrs. Obama's life they'd gotten to see, and how each encounter influenced and inspired them.
It was both fascinating and heartwarming to read such vivid and accurate descriptions of Michelle's most subtle and ethereal mannerisms and gestures, how she invites and welcomes with only a few words and a warm smile, how she manages to simultaneously exude both humility as well as complete self-assuredness.
Unfortunately, most of the stories were very similar in tone and content, and in the ways and reasons that their authors valued and revered Michelle. Frankly, the two most original and pleasantly surprising essays were by eighth graders; I got the feeling from them more than any of the other authors that they were truly writing what was in their hearts, as opposed to what they thought they should be saying, what they should sound like. And therefore, it was these two young ladies who most successfully captured the spirit of what we love about Michelle Obama – the courage to unselfconsciously and unapologetically march to the beat of their own drum, with skill, grace, and dignity.
A great gift for any Michelle Obama fan, and/or young women from Millennials down through higher-grade middle schoolers.
3.5 stars.
I received an Advanced Readers Edition of this title via Goodreads Giveaways courtesy of the publisher in return for my honest review.
It was both fascinating and heartwarming to read such vivid and accurate descriptions of Michelle's most subtle and ethereal mannerisms and gestures, how she invites and welcomes with only a few words and a warm smile, how she manages to simultaneously exude both humility as well as complete self-assuredness.
Unfortunately, most of the stories were very similar in tone and content, and in the ways and reasons that their authors valued and revered Michelle. Frankly, the two most original and pleasantly surprising essays were by eighth graders; I got the feeling from them more than any of the other authors that they were truly writing what was in their hearts, as opposed to what they thought they should be saying, what they should sound like. And therefore, it was these two young ladies who most successfully captured the spirit of what we love about Michelle Obama – the courage to unselfconsciously and unapologetically march to the beat of their own drum, with skill, grace, and dignity.
A great gift for any Michelle Obama fan, and/or young women from Millennials down through higher-grade middle schoolers.
3.5 stars.
I received an Advanced Readers Edition of this title via Goodreads Giveaways courtesy of the publisher in return for my honest review.
November 8, 2017
Alice Waters: "The food from the garden became a metaphor for the values of the First Couple, from welcoming guests to helping neighbors in need."
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: "All over America, black women were still, their eyes watching a form of God, because she represented their image writ large in the world."
Janet Mock: "Her gift was her ability to address the truth of the matter, and I always believed her-probably because she was not a politician, because she was doing unpaid labor, because she was investing her talents in a country that had often made her feel as if she would never measure up, never truly belong simply because she was a black woman."
Jason Wu: "She has a comforting spirit about her, and she makes you feel included, listened to, and important. That's part of her strength and her legacy: As smart and inspirational as she is, she is also completely relatable."
Cecile Richards: "She's smart, fiercely independent, and determined to chase her dreams. She worked hard to pursue opportunities in her own life, then reached back to hold the door open for all the women who would come after."
Adasendis De La Cruz (9th grader): "I only care what certain people say, among them Michelle Obama, who taught me that it's not just okay-but right-to pursue your dreams."
Charlamagne tha God: "She was as visible as anyone on TV, and she presented an entirely different model for black women. No matter what the setting, Michelle always acted with poise. We never saw her slip up. Not once. Thanks to her influence, black women I know, including my daughters, felt more empowered."
Gloria Steinem: "After a decade under a public microscope, she has managed what no other first lady-and few people in any public position-have succeeded in doing: She has lived a public life without sacrificing her privacy and authenticity."
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: "All over America, black women were still, their eyes watching a form of God, because she represented their image writ large in the world."
Janet Mock: "Her gift was her ability to address the truth of the matter, and I always believed her-probably because she was not a politician, because she was doing unpaid labor, because she was investing her talents in a country that had often made her feel as if she would never measure up, never truly belong simply because she was a black woman."
Jason Wu: "She has a comforting spirit about her, and she makes you feel included, listened to, and important. That's part of her strength and her legacy: As smart and inspirational as she is, she is also completely relatable."
Cecile Richards: "She's smart, fiercely independent, and determined to chase her dreams. She worked hard to pursue opportunities in her own life, then reached back to hold the door open for all the women who would come after."
Adasendis De La Cruz (9th grader): "I only care what certain people say, among them Michelle Obama, who taught me that it's not just okay-but right-to pursue your dreams."
Charlamagne tha God: "She was as visible as anyone on TV, and she presented an entirely different model for black women. No matter what the setting, Michelle always acted with poise. We never saw her slip up. Not once. Thanks to her influence, black women I know, including my daughters, felt more empowered."
Gloria Steinem: "After a decade under a public microscope, she has managed what no other first lady-and few people in any public position-have succeeded in doing: She has lived a public life without sacrificing her privacy and authenticity."
October 14, 2018
This book was both encouraging - it made me wonder what seeds I can plant through my own actions - and discouraging- because our current first family is so far from the one described here.
I liked the different voices in this book, but my favorite pieces were certainly those written by authors, not celebrities. John Meacham’s piece was particularly good. Rashida Jones’ had particularly awkward writing that required lots of reading and re-reading to get her point.
That being said, the editor did a great job of weaving a common theme through all of the disparate reflections. Michelle Obama is so much like all of us. May we all be as willing to hold the door open for others as she is.
I liked the different voices in this book, but my favorite pieces were certainly those written by authors, not celebrities. John Meacham’s piece was particularly good. Rashida Jones’ had particularly awkward writing that required lots of reading and re-reading to get her point.
That being said, the editor did a great job of weaving a common theme through all of the disparate reflections. Michelle Obama is so much like all of us. May we all be as willing to hold the door open for others as she is.
April 6, 2018
Lovely odes to the one of the country’s most beloved first lady.
February 2, 2018
A wonderful tribute to Michelle Obama!
"For me, a foreign-raised person who likes America, one of its greatest curiosities is this: that those who have the most reason for dissent are those least allowed dissent." - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"Things happen that are beyond our control, but we have a choice to give up or to keep fighting. Life is like a boxing match. It's not about how hard you hit. It's about how many times you can take a hit and get back up." - Adasendis De La Cruz
"Like so many of the people I work alongside, I grew up fearful that if I were truly myself, I would be met with closed doors. Michelle Obama guaranteed that the doors to the White House, and all that they implied, would remain open. She made it clear that when she, as a black woman, entered that historic space, she may have been the first to be let in, but that it was her duty to ensure that she would not be the last." - Janet Mock
"She confronted hate and vitriol with poise and honesty, and reminded us all that it was never about her - it was about deep-seated racism, sexism, and bias. It was about the naked hostility too many women, particularly women of color, face every single day." - Cecile Richards
"We will never have a democracy until we have democratic families and a society without the invented categories of both race and gender. Michelle Obama may have changed history in the most powerful way - by example." - Gloria Steinem
"When they go low, we go high." - Michelle Obama
"For me, a foreign-raised person who likes America, one of its greatest curiosities is this: that those who have the most reason for dissent are those least allowed dissent." - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"Things happen that are beyond our control, but we have a choice to give up or to keep fighting. Life is like a boxing match. It's not about how hard you hit. It's about how many times you can take a hit and get back up." - Adasendis De La Cruz
"Like so many of the people I work alongside, I grew up fearful that if I were truly myself, I would be met with closed doors. Michelle Obama guaranteed that the doors to the White House, and all that they implied, would remain open. She made it clear that when she, as a black woman, entered that historic space, she may have been the first to be let in, but that it was her duty to ensure that she would not be the last." - Janet Mock
"She confronted hate and vitriol with poise and honesty, and reminded us all that it was never about her - it was about deep-seated racism, sexism, and bias. It was about the naked hostility too many women, particularly women of color, face every single day." - Cecile Richards
"We will never have a democracy until we have democratic families and a society without the invented categories of both race and gender. Michelle Obama may have changed history in the most powerful way - by example." - Gloria Steinem
"When they go low, we go high." - Michelle Obama
January 24, 2024
I needed to hear these positive messages this week: whoo. Obviously, you are only going to like this audiobook (read by all the essayists) if you are already a fan, so I loved it. It's short - less than 2 hours. If you need a pick-me-up, give it a whirl.
September 1, 2017
I received my copy free through Goodreads Giveaways. My copy is an uncorrected ARC, so a couple of chapters are blank.
I loved the chapter written by Adasendis and Laura (8th graders) for who Michelle Obama was a role model of working hard and doing better. Gloria Steinem wrote, "We will never have a democracy until we have democratic families and a society without the invented categories of both race and gender. Michelle Obama may have changed history in the most powerful way -- by example."
Whether one liked or hated President Obama's policies while in office, one cannot but be impressed with what Michelle has accomplished by example and hard work.
"You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages." -- Michelle Obama
I loved the chapter written by Adasendis and Laura (8th graders) for who Michelle Obama was a role model of working hard and doing better. Gloria Steinem wrote, "We will never have a democracy until we have democratic families and a society without the invented categories of both race and gender. Michelle Obama may have changed history in the most powerful way -- by example."
Whether one liked or hated President Obama's policies while in office, one cannot but be impressed with what Michelle has accomplished by example and hard work.
"You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages." -- Michelle Obama
March 3, 2018
Originally I planned to give this book two stars but because it’s about Michelle Obama...I couldn’t.
I enjoyed this book because of some of the personal accounts of experiences with Michelle Obama, the stories of how she inspired others, and snippets of who she was. I think this book made me love her more as I was inspired by the love of others in this book.
With that said, only a few essays really moved me...it was definitely a variety of voices but, I wish some of these voices were included or were exchanged for others. Some essays left much to be desired and truly probably could be said in a paragraph rather than a few pages.
Sigh, if this book had more essays like Chimamanda’s...it’d be 5 stars pretty easily. Great beginning essays, enjoyed Janet Mock as well.
I enjoyed this book because of some of the personal accounts of experiences with Michelle Obama, the stories of how she inspired others, and snippets of who she was. I think this book made me love her more as I was inspired by the love of others in this book.
With that said, only a few essays really moved me...it was definitely a variety of voices but, I wish some of these voices were included or were exchanged for others. Some essays left much to be desired and truly probably could be said in a paragraph rather than a few pages.
Sigh, if this book had more essays like Chimamanda’s...it’d be 5 stars pretty easily. Great beginning essays, enjoyed Janet Mock as well.
December 18, 2017
This ode to Michelle made me laugh, cry, and reminded me of the inspiration she brings to everything she touches. I highly recommend this little book if you're looking to inject some joy in your life.
February 7, 2018
This is an extraordinarily quick read that’ll bring some tears in the current political climate. But I loved it.
August 25, 2019
I miss the Obama family so much. This was such a beautiful tribute to how amazing our First Lady Michelle Obama is. From her garden, to her education initiatives, to her poise and elegance and grace, she left a hugely positive impact on many people.
September 13, 2017
NOTE: I received this book free through the Goodreads First Reads program.
I still remember how I felt when I first read “To the First Lady with Love,” the 2016 New York Times article that serves as the inspiration for this book. The original contributions of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Gloria Steinem, Jon Meacham, and Rashida Jones were powerful testaments to Michelle Obama’s style, grace, intellect, influence, work, and purpose. Some pieces lyrical and deeply personal, others cerebral and reflective, all were moving. It was a beautiful public declaration of admiration for the First Lady that gave voice to so many things I admired about Mrs. Obama. So, I was extremely excited to win and read Courage is Contagious. Sadly, the ARC that I read suggests the best of the book remains in the original article.
The good:
The original pieces. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s contribution in particular remains poignant, powerful, and serves to provoke a sentimental and emotional response. The lead piece of the article, it is the crowning jewel of the book.
The artwork of Joana Avilla. Avilla’s artwork, which graces each of the book’s sections, evoke a growing season. From germination to fruition, it is both a glorious homage to Mrs. Obama’s community garden and representative of the evolution of a First Lady. Additionally, it is a shining example of art as a unifying element to a written anthological work. I wish the editor would have taken the artist’s lead and allowed the illustrations of progression to order the book.
The bad:
Editing. This critique comes with the caveat that I have read only an uncorrected proof. That said, the problem here is far more substantive than grammatical errors or missing articles (TK). There seems to have been a complete lack of direction given to the book’s contributors. The rules which governed an article comprised of four contributors do not work in a book length version that adds 15 more. There is a great degree of repetition in the pieces, a constant reiteration of facts that many readers will know prior to opening the book (the First Lady planted a community garden, for instance). For those who do not, the facts are repeated so often as to quickly render the book mundane. This lack of guidance was a disservice to both the contributors and readers.
The Forward. First, there are far too many parentheses. I imagine the final edit will correct this flaw. Second, given the problems inherent in Sheryl Sandberg’s concept of “leaning in” in general as well as the attacks Michelle Obama confronted from the concept’s strictest adherents in particular, I found Lena Dunham’s deliberate effort to position Michelle Obama as the feminist model of “leaning in” not only annoying but disrespectful.
The underrepresentation of Black men as contributors. I can just hear critics of this point scream “Why does someone always have to bring up race?” To that, I roll my eyes and disregard disingenuous exasperation and rage because, let's face it, Michelle Obama was one half of the first black couple to occupy the White House as President and First Lady; the other half was, of course, a black man. Yet, Courage is Contagious offers the sole contribution of Charlamagne tha God. Certainly this book could have benefited from the reflections of one or two more of any number of influential African American men. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Marc Lamont Hill, Jesse Williams, Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Kendrick Lamar, Michael Render (aka, Killer Mike), and Damon Young come readily to mind; there are many, many others.
Courage is Contagious held such promise; unfortunately, it falls far short of its full potential. To capture the idea’s spirit, read the article. 2/5-3
I still remember how I felt when I first read “To the First Lady with Love,” the 2016 New York Times article that serves as the inspiration for this book. The original contributions of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Gloria Steinem, Jon Meacham, and Rashida Jones were powerful testaments to Michelle Obama’s style, grace, intellect, influence, work, and purpose. Some pieces lyrical and deeply personal, others cerebral and reflective, all were moving. It was a beautiful public declaration of admiration for the First Lady that gave voice to so many things I admired about Mrs. Obama. So, I was extremely excited to win and read Courage is Contagious. Sadly, the ARC that I read suggests the best of the book remains in the original article.
The good:
The original pieces. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s contribution in particular remains poignant, powerful, and serves to provoke a sentimental and emotional response. The lead piece of the article, it is the crowning jewel of the book.
The artwork of Joana Avilla. Avilla’s artwork, which graces each of the book’s sections, evoke a growing season. From germination to fruition, it is both a glorious homage to Mrs. Obama’s community garden and representative of the evolution of a First Lady. Additionally, it is a shining example of art as a unifying element to a written anthological work. I wish the editor would have taken the artist’s lead and allowed the illustrations of progression to order the book.
The bad:
Editing. This critique comes with the caveat that I have read only an uncorrected proof. That said, the problem here is far more substantive than grammatical errors or missing articles (TK). There seems to have been a complete lack of direction given to the book’s contributors. The rules which governed an article comprised of four contributors do not work in a book length version that adds 15 more. There is a great degree of repetition in the pieces, a constant reiteration of facts that many readers will know prior to opening the book (the First Lady planted a community garden, for instance). For those who do not, the facts are repeated so often as to quickly render the book mundane. This lack of guidance was a disservice to both the contributors and readers.
The Forward. First, there are far too many parentheses. I imagine the final edit will correct this flaw. Second, given the problems inherent in Sheryl Sandberg’s concept of “leaning in” in general as well as the attacks Michelle Obama confronted from the concept’s strictest adherents in particular, I found Lena Dunham’s deliberate effort to position Michelle Obama as the feminist model of “leaning in” not only annoying but disrespectful.
The underrepresentation of Black men as contributors. I can just hear critics of this point scream “Why does someone always have to bring up race?” To that, I roll my eyes and disregard disingenuous exasperation and rage because, let's face it, Michelle Obama was one half of the first black couple to occupy the White House as President and First Lady; the other half was, of course, a black man. Yet, Courage is Contagious offers the sole contribution of Charlamagne tha God. Certainly this book could have benefited from the reflections of one or two more of any number of influential African American men. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Marc Lamont Hill, Jesse Williams, Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Kendrick Lamar, Michael Render (aka, Killer Mike), and Damon Young come readily to mind; there are many, many others.
Courage is Contagious held such promise; unfortunately, it falls far short of its full potential. To capture the idea’s spirit, read the article. 2/5-3
September 7, 2018
What a delightful slim book of essays honoring just a snapshot of the deep impact and legacy of Michelle Obama's time in the White House.
Each essay was interesting and important, and I feel I learned from each of them. I especially loved the two essays by high school freshman who shared what Michelle means to them and the dreams they now have for their future. What a strong and empowering role model!
My favorite essay was actually the very first in the book by Alice Waters primarily about the impact of the White House Kitchen Garden. She has a line, "It was a living, growing representation of the bounty and generosity and diversity of the United States..." I miss that message coming from the White House, but truly believe that is the heart of our country and it just hit me deeply. Maybe it's the line of work I'm involved in and my Franciscan values and heart for social justice, especially around food, but it connected with a layer of my own depth of admiration and respect for Michelle.
If you are looking to reminisce, be inspired, be empowered, feel encouraged, or just to not feel alone for a minute, this is a wonderful book and you should spend an hour or so reading it and revisiting it.
Each essay was interesting and important, and I feel I learned from each of them. I especially loved the two essays by high school freshman who shared what Michelle means to them and the dreams they now have for their future. What a strong and empowering role model!
My favorite essay was actually the very first in the book by Alice Waters primarily about the impact of the White House Kitchen Garden. She has a line, "It was a living, growing representation of the bounty and generosity and diversity of the United States..." I miss that message coming from the White House, but truly believe that is the heart of our country and it just hit me deeply. Maybe it's the line of work I'm involved in and my Franciscan values and heart for social justice, especially around food, but it connected with a layer of my own depth of admiration and respect for Michelle.
If you are looking to reminisce, be inspired, be empowered, feel encouraged, or just to not feel alone for a minute, this is a wonderful book and you should spend an hour or so reading it and revisiting it.
October 14, 2017
The 2016 election pulled many of us out of our private political closets, as issues and words could not be overlooked, accepted, or ignored. Although I'd had no opposition to the Obamas, the sharp contrast now became apparent, and I was drawn to their calm strength and compassion for others. Each time I heard Michelle Obama speak, my respect and admiration grew. This small book of essays about her impact on the lives of others from differing backgrounds, cultures, and ages was a good way for me to get to know her better. She has been a role model, example, and inspiration to so many. We see a woman who loves her family and her country and wants everyone to live with dignity, respect, and justice. As First Lady, she had the courage to be herself in spite of harsh criticism and stand firm for her convictions. We would do well to follow her example. Thanks to the Goodreads Giveaways for this uplifting book.
October 30, 2017
I have nothing but love and respect for the greatest first lady since Eleanor Roosevelt. Michelle Obama has shown all men and women what it is to be wholly respectful, unique, empowered, & enlightened.Mrs. Obama showed us how to live your life leaving what you inherited, better when you leave. Her involvement with Veterans, health of children, a pro garden movement to encourage healthful eating and knowledge, a movement to get children and adults to move more; may seem like very motherly things to stand behind. But remember She is a Princeton, Harvard educated Lawyer, who was running a Hospital before her husband became president.
Michelle brought style, grace, pride of race, intelligence, compassion, lazer focus on important issues and still was a wonderful mother, wife, daughter, and the Best First Lady I have ever witnessed in my 61 years.
Michelle brought style, grace, pride of race, intelligence, compassion, lazer focus on important issues and still was a wonderful mother, wife, daughter, and the Best First Lady I have ever witnessed in my 61 years.
August 7, 2017
Talk about having an ideal book to always have by your side to remind you of such a wonderful human being. This book is a love letter to First Lady Michelle Obama by people that were closest to her and just by people that had day to day interactions with her. The general theme from almost everyone's insight stresses just how strong, brave, kind and graceful she is. I grew up on the South Side of Chicago not very far from where Michelle was born and raised so naturally I already worship her but I am so grateful for this book. A book that will constantly be at my reach for me to pick up and thumb through when I need a reminder to hold my head high or am in need of inspiration. Or just when I am wondering to myself "What Would Michelle Obama Do?".
March 23, 2018
So I have not sat down to read a book in a while, and boy am I glad I picked this one up. What an inspiration, befitting ode to our former First Lady, the beautiful Michelle Obama. 18 individuals (actors, activitists, high schoolers, a chef, and fashion icons and designers) offered poignant moments of meeting her as well as what it meant to have her and her family in the White House. Its a quick read, but a special book that reminds the reader of greatness that once existed. I definitely recommend this read. Enjoy!!!!
January 5, 2018
A true celebration of an incredible woman. Highlights include moving essays from two high school students who grew up knowing only the Obamas in office. Not all of the authors added fresh and interesting perspectives to the collection (do we really care how Michelle Obama has affected Anna Wintour? I know I don’t).
December 21, 2017
Love paying homage to the wonderful woman who is Michelle Obama, but this didn't quite do it for me. Definitely some nice sentiments, but it just didn't feel like enough, or significant. I guess I needed more.
December 6, 2017
Well that was a nice little bright spot.
March 2, 2018
The antidote to a day of feeling overwhelmed by Trump
June 24, 2018
The stories were very short, but sweet. Made me long for the Obama administration...
October 16, 2018
This isn't really about politics, it's a brief collection of essays, essentially thanking the First Lady for acting with poise and grace and being so many things during her time in the White House. There isn't much to say for fluffy little books like this, and I initially intended to rate it three stars because it really is just fluff, but I felt the contributors deserved to have it said that they wrote well. As a whole, it's nice. It is nice to read that there can be grace and dignity in the White House, and it is nice to remember that a family, as much as I disliked Obama's decisions, could resolutely remain above the ugliness thrown at them. It's nice to remember that there weren't any embarrassing interns or jackets with "I don't really care" at supposedly charitable events for eight years. The line repeated most often across the different writers was probably "When they go low, we go high," and that, too, is nice. It's nice to remember the example of a First Family who weren't the Kardashians. Who weren't already so low that you really wouldn't want to go low at them because they are SO much better at hitting low blows than you. What's not so nice is recognizing that, in spite of the niceness, I can't dissociate this reading from the current, highly divided state of our nation, and that all the way through the book, I couldn't stop the comparisons.
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