Summary : Becoming Michelle Obama

by Dennis Braun

Becoming is the story of how Michelle Obama ended up excelling at school and meeting an up-and-coming lawyer named Barack Obama, who would become her partner in an incredible life. Realizing that she really wanted to help people more than be involved in the intricacies of contract law, Michelle left her job at a respected law firm to work in the world of nonprofits, community outreach and mentoring.
This civic-mindedness is what she brought with her into the White House, where she strove to make an impact on children’s health, veterans affairs and education. Michelle Obama feels lucky to have had strong female role models in her life, and she has made it part of her life’s work to help empower the next generation of civic leaders.




This is a CONCISE VERSION of Becoming by Michelle Obama. It summarizes the book in detail, to help people understand and implement the original work by Michelle Obama. This book is not meant to replace the original book but to serve as a companion to it.

Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2018

Reviews

[Tracy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have some sympathy for Melania Trump based on the experiences of Michelle Obama. First Lady is not a job I would want.

[Peggy McAloon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased the audio version of this book because I wanted to hear the story in Michelle Obama's voice. I'm so glad I did. Many would argue that this little white girl grew up in a home of privilege. I listened to Michelle Obama sharing her memories of her childhood with a loving mother, father, and brother.

Suddenly, I realized for the first time what a happy childhood looked like in the midwest. Also, by comparing her early years to my own, I finally understood that color and wealth mean nothing. What's essential in this life is love, compassion, support, integrity, and the dreams which carry us forward. We owe our children that kind of childhood.

Michelle Obama shared her joys, fears, and insecurities on becoming who she is today. She told her reader what the family achieved together and what she hopes to become in the years-to-come.

How many of us are willing to share the intimate details of life? What does it take to find the courage in the shadows of the political arena to remain committed to our ideals and beliefs through every challenge imaginable?

She traveled from the lower middle-class south-shore neighborhood of Chicago to Princeton and Harvard, then back to Chicago and eventually to Washington DC and the White House.

Michelle Obama never ceased to dream or fight for the things she wanted to achieve in life. Her journey highlights the stress and demands public life bestows on an entire family. She did it with grace, integrity, compassion, and respect. She married a man who possessed "a vision who was optimistic without being naive, undaunted by conflict, and intrigued by how complicated the world was.

"Becoming is a book I would share with my daughter and friends. Besides, she talked about Iowa in her book...the place where my "Becoming" began.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read, especially in these times. What a gross contrast Mr. and Mrs. Obama are to 45 in all ways. His characteristics are not becoming. I miss civility and the good parts of humanity after reading the book. Mrs. Obama is an amazing human, and she is the perfect example of who all people in the US can emulate. Perhaps we will not all become public figures or high-level political figures, but if we persistently work to be our best selves for the good of humanity, we have heard her voice and we are doing magnificent work. I am in awe of her advocacy for children and education. Mrs. Obama is a realist for the way things are: she also believes that humans can (& I think should) be pushed. I love that the message was that she and all of us are always "becoming".

She is on the top of my list of the person in the world I would love to have a cup of tea with. Reading this book caused me to want to be a better human in all regards.

[Marcia Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't typically like biographies but I've been looking forward to this one and it didn't disappoint. Michelle Obama is not a novelist, but she's a capable writer who tells her story in an authentic and pretty compelling manner, using anecdotes to make important points without hitting us over the head. She clearly had an agenda in telling this story -- and it's a purpose I embrace, so it was easy to have it placed front and center from the earliest pages to those at the end. I learned a lot -- about her, her family life in Chicago, and the political fishbowl she lived in for nearly a decade. I liked her when I started the book and I loved her when I finished it. It shouldn't surprise any of us that she's a multi-dimensional woman of many strengths. I can't imagine any American woman not enjoying this book.

[Jeanette Hurrelbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Summary

This was a good review of the book. It helped me decide to purchase and read the entire book. Looking forward to reading the book and sharing Mrs. Obama's story in my book club.

[Scott Giese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

I found this book to be extremely interesting and a terrific story. It's down to earth style and relatable manner is just plain friendly. I suggest anyone interested how normal people deal with major changes in their lives, at least give this book a chance.

[Siân O'Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and brilliant... which I knew it would be... obvs.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great recap

I bought becoming but half way through i started skimming and speed reading
This summary captured the best parts of the book

[Michael McKinney]

Just wow! Great book, very easy to relate to and gives me some hope in these rough times. Nice to be reminded that some people do things for the greater good and have pure hearts.

[Ashish Vyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

honest and candid account of journey of Michelle Obama and a glimpse of life of the lovely first family of America.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is such a class act

[Shin Phone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually do not read political memoris, but Becoming by Michelle Obama by the end felt more than just that, as the book itself is a reflection on, resilience and how she navigates life through the public eye. Her narrative is candid and reflective. She is also made weaved her personal experiences with broader cultural and social commentary, which I liked. From her childhood in Chicago to her years as First Lady, she showed her ability to confront problems with poise while still remaining true to her values. Hence, I give this book a 5 stars. I enjoyed reading her use of language, because her prose is precise yet accessible for all, blending the anecdotal storytelling with rhetorical insight. She also goes deeper into issues of race and gender, which offers readers a chance to consider how personal choices can intersect with broader systems. Either way, the book inspires reflection and encourages readers to embrace their own journeys.

[Beverly]

Prepared by sacrificing parents, studious and determined, South side Chicago black student survives the odds to get her Princeton and then Harvard Law Degree. Evolving with her Community support of women, students, equality, fairness, etc to change the imbalance of society!!!

[Esther Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and powerful memoir. I loved this book.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elegance, poise and grace with a brain and a backbone.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this!

[Vit]

It was an amazing book.

[Rebecca Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent view of path to and life in the White House.

[Kali Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptional

[Nina Whitmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through perseverance and self-awareness, we grow into a more complete and stronger version of ourselves. Both life and career are worth continuously striving to "become."

[Estella Pinkton · Rating 5 out of 5]

started off a little boring but interesting at the same time. Just wanted to hear more. Her voice is so relaxing, it captures your undivided attention.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intimately written, generously rendered.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed the audiobook!