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Opening My Eyes Underwater: Essays on Hope, Humanity, and Our Hero Michelle Obama
Inspired by the life and quotations of former first lady Michelle Obama, Opening My Eyes Underwater is a collection of essays penned by bestselling author Ashley Woodfolk.
In essays about bullying, heartbreak, racism, and confidence, Woodfolk taps into her past to share those stories that made her who she is today. She seamlessly weaves in parallel experiences that both she and Mrs. Obama have faced in their separate childhoods as well as their adult lives. Open, searing, and honest, these are stories that will help readers feel seen. Readers who are growing and learning as they move forward through life's triumphs and pitfalls will undoubtedly gravitate to and find comfort within its pages.
In essays about bullying, heartbreak, racism, and confidence, Woodfolk taps into her past to share those stories that made her who she is today. She seamlessly weaves in parallel experiences that both she and Mrs. Obama have faced in their separate childhoods as well as their adult lives. Open, searing, and honest, these are stories that will help readers feel seen. Readers who are growing and learning as they move forward through life's triumphs and pitfalls will undoubtedly gravitate to and find comfort within its pages.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published September 27, 2022
4 people are currently reading
1601 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Woodfolk
20 books851 followersAshley Woodfolk has loved reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She graduated from Rutgers University and worked in children's book publishing for over a decade. Now a full-time mom and writer, Ashley lives in a sunny Brooklyn apartment with her cute husband, her cuter dog, and the cutest kid in the world. Her books include The Beauty That Remains, When You Were Everything, and the Flyy Girls Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 15, 2023
I borrowed this from the library when I was browsing for short audiobooks to fill out the remainder of my year (and catch me up so I may actually hit my reading goal), and honestly, I wasn't really sure what to expect from it. I had previously read Michelle Obama's book "Becoming" and enjoyed learning more about her and being inspired by her.
So I started listening to this, and it was good. Part memoir, part essays, part self-love/acceptance, part advice column, part validation of all the ways that we may feel not-enough or not-worthy, and repudiation of that sentiment because we just inherently ARE.
I listened to the audio read by the author, and really enjoyed it. I have never read any of her other work, and YA isn't what I gravitate toward these days, but then again, TOPIC and SUBJECT-wise, they are right up my alley, so... maybe I'll check them out.
Anyway, I feel like this could fairly be called "Becoming" Lite, with the essence of Michelle Obama's guidance and wisdom, in much shorter and anecdotal form, as related to Ashley Woodfolk's life.
So I started listening to this, and it was good. Part memoir, part essays, part self-love/acceptance, part advice column, part validation of all the ways that we may feel not-enough or not-worthy, and repudiation of that sentiment because we just inherently ARE.
I listened to the audio read by the author, and really enjoyed it. I have never read any of her other work, and YA isn't what I gravitate toward these days, but then again, TOPIC and SUBJECT-wise, they are right up my alley, so... maybe I'll check them out.
Anyway, I feel like this could fairly be called "Becoming" Lite, with the essence of Michelle Obama's guidance and wisdom, in much shorter and anecdotal form, as related to Ashley Woodfolk's life.
June 22, 2025
This felt like a long Ted Talk so I fully recommend the audiobook.
July 7, 2022
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Part reflection, part connection, part storytelling, this book was like having a chat with Ashley Woodfolk over a cup of coffee. I enjoyed her honesty, her vulnerability, and her frankness. She does not sugar coat anything in this collection of essays, and that makes it extremely engaging to young readers. I love that she used Michelle Obama quotes to inspire her essays and think that this would be a great resource to use in class as a mentor text. I love when authors write essay collections so we can share with our students that essays aren’t awful. They can be lush and relatable and interesting. Ashley Woodfolk has done that with this book and I cannot wait to get it in the hands of students.
Part reflection, part connection, part storytelling, this book was like having a chat with Ashley Woodfolk over a cup of coffee. I enjoyed her honesty, her vulnerability, and her frankness. She does not sugar coat anything in this collection of essays, and that makes it extremely engaging to young readers. I love that she used Michelle Obama quotes to inspire her essays and think that this would be a great resource to use in class as a mentor text. I love when authors write essay collections so we can share with our students that essays aren’t awful. They can be lush and relatable and interesting. Ashley Woodfolk has done that with this book and I cannot wait to get it in the hands of students.
November 10, 2022
Opening My Eyes Under Water~~
Ashley Woodfolk struggled to write a biography of Michelle Obama and so she and her publisher decided that she should try writing her memoir inspired by many notable quotes by Ms. Obama. Since Woodfolk had done the research, this worked out well. Opening My Eyes Under Water is the happy result.
Woodfolk isn't writing about how perfect Ms. Obama is, but how her words of advice have helped her understand what she's going through because, in a way, she feels that the former First Lady understands her on a deep level.
Note that Woodfolk realizes that nobody knows what they're doing.
That's why we need someone plain-talking like Ms. Obama to guide us because she's been through so many life challenges, took the risks, and made it out the other end.
I recognized some of the perhaps twenty quotes and I'm sure you will too.
Woodfolk is a sensitive soul who was sickly as a child and still grapples with anxiety. She didn't even know that word until she started therapy. I'm sure it's been therapeutic for her to reflect on Michelle Obama's confident, wise voice.
I wish I could remember my favorite quote, but only remember the one where Michelle said to go high when they go low.
In other words, don't be an asshole when they treat you like one. Show them you've got class.
Ashley Woodfolk struggled to write a biography of Michelle Obama and so she and her publisher decided that she should try writing her memoir inspired by many notable quotes by Ms. Obama. Since Woodfolk had done the research, this worked out well. Opening My Eyes Under Water is the happy result.
Woodfolk isn't writing about how perfect Ms. Obama is, but how her words of advice have helped her understand what she's going through because, in a way, she feels that the former First Lady understands her on a deep level.
Note that Woodfolk realizes that nobody knows what they're doing.
That's why we need someone plain-talking like Ms. Obama to guide us because she's been through so many life challenges, took the risks, and made it out the other end.
I recognized some of the perhaps twenty quotes and I'm sure you will too.
Woodfolk is a sensitive soul who was sickly as a child and still grapples with anxiety. She didn't even know that word until she started therapy. I'm sure it's been therapeutic for her to reflect on Michelle Obama's confident, wise voice.
I wish I could remember my favorite quote, but only remember the one where Michelle said to go high when they go low.
In other words, don't be an asshole when they treat you like one. Show them you've got class.
November 21, 2022
3.5 stars
Thankyou to Netgalley.com for an eARC
Being able to have a role model like Woodfolk has in Michele Obama is certainly a guiding light for young adults. In a series of short essays, Woodfolk uses quotations from various speeches and books by Obama to shape the realities of her own life.
Some are more powerful than others, but all bring hope and an understanding of the formative teenage years to the forefront.
Of particular note, is the essay about assumptions of strangers and making the most of the complete story you can find out about a person. Reminiscent of Chimamanda Adichi's Danger of the Single Story Ted Talk, this essay emphasizes how truly unique all people are and should not be judged by one facet of their life.
Overall, young adults will certainly find themselves reflected at some point in the essays. A heavy emphasis is put on the authors admiration for Obama, and while I personally agree that she is a worthy rolemodel for young girls and all women, the text did refer back to her quite a lot, making it harder to relate to some of the authors points and stories.
Thankyou to Netgalley.com for an eARC
Being able to have a role model like Woodfolk has in Michele Obama is certainly a guiding light for young adults. In a series of short essays, Woodfolk uses quotations from various speeches and books by Obama to shape the realities of her own life.
Some are more powerful than others, but all bring hope and an understanding of the formative teenage years to the forefront.
Of particular note, is the essay about assumptions of strangers and making the most of the complete story you can find out about a person. Reminiscent of Chimamanda Adichi's Danger of the Single Story Ted Talk, this essay emphasizes how truly unique all people are and should not be judged by one facet of their life.
Overall, young adults will certainly find themselves reflected at some point in the essays. A heavy emphasis is put on the authors admiration for Obama, and while I personally agree that she is a worthy rolemodel for young girls and all women, the text did refer back to her quite a lot, making it harder to relate to some of the authors points and stories.
April 30, 2023
**I received this book from Goodreads in a giveaway**
I normally stray away from nonfiction but I was willing to give this book a try because I enjoyed Michelle Obama's Becoming when it came out and I thought that if they were connected, both would be enjoyable, and I was correct.
Opening My Eyes Underwater is a great collection of stories, anecdotes, and advice, all drawn under the guidance of various essays, speeches, and other wise words of Michelle Obama. I really enjoyed the vulnerability Woodfolk shared with her audience about her struggles growing up and how she found ways to manage some of the bad thoughts that can sometimes encompass us all. The quotes from Michelle Obama were very well chosen and covered a variety of topics that Woodfolk connected to her own life, struggles, and triumphs in a cohesive way.
The whole book was easy to read while still covering tough topics and setting enduring positive messages about self esteem, confidence, and managing anxiety. The book also provides multitudinous resources for readers at the end looking for connection, therapy, or further reading.
I normally stray away from nonfiction but I was willing to give this book a try because I enjoyed Michelle Obama's Becoming when it came out and I thought that if they were connected, both would be enjoyable, and I was correct.
Opening My Eyes Underwater is a great collection of stories, anecdotes, and advice, all drawn under the guidance of various essays, speeches, and other wise words of Michelle Obama. I really enjoyed the vulnerability Woodfolk shared with her audience about her struggles growing up and how she found ways to manage some of the bad thoughts that can sometimes encompass us all. The quotes from Michelle Obama were very well chosen and covered a variety of topics that Woodfolk connected to her own life, struggles, and triumphs in a cohesive way.
The whole book was easy to read while still covering tough topics and setting enduring positive messages about self esteem, confidence, and managing anxiety. The book also provides multitudinous resources for readers at the end looking for connection, therapy, or further reading.
October 2, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
“The reason role models are important, and the truth your teachers don’t want to tell you, are one and the same: No one knows what the hell they’re doing.”
Opening my Eyes Underwater is a collection of essays, all written by Ashley Woodfolk, but each containing their own unique themes and ideas. The entire book was inspired by Michelle Obama’s life and quotations, but Woodfolk has her own things to say in each anecdote.
I like the way this book was set up, because if I wasn’t a fan of one essay, the next one would be pretty different. It’s a good format as an introduction to an author. I’ll definitely read more from this author; a lot of the books I’ve seen by her look really good!
I would recommend this book to even non-readers, because when I picture someone that reads more for intellectual value rather than for fun, I think they would like this book. There are a lot of people I know that don’t read books when it isn’t required reading, and I think those people would gravitate towards something like this.
Overall, this was a solid book and I will be reading more from this author in the future!
“The reason role models are important, and the truth your teachers don’t want to tell you, are one and the same: No one knows what the hell they’re doing.”
Opening my Eyes Underwater is a collection of essays, all written by Ashley Woodfolk, but each containing their own unique themes and ideas. The entire book was inspired by Michelle Obama’s life and quotations, but Woodfolk has her own things to say in each anecdote.
I like the way this book was set up, because if I wasn’t a fan of one essay, the next one would be pretty different. It’s a good format as an introduction to an author. I’ll definitely read more from this author; a lot of the books I’ve seen by her look really good!
I would recommend this book to even non-readers, because when I picture someone that reads more for intellectual value rather than for fun, I think they would like this book. There are a lot of people I know that don’t read books when it isn’t required reading, and I think those people would gravitate towards something like this.
Overall, this was a solid book and I will be reading more from this author in the future!
January 24, 2023
Dubbed “Essays on … Our Hero Michelle Obama,” Opening My Eyes Underwater reads like a compilation of advice and reflections from a regular young woman who is just a little older, with wisdom to share on modern life. Ashley Woodfolk faces challenges just like anyone else, but she has found inspiration in the words of Michelle Obama. She has realized her own worth and the worth of all people through Obama’s guidance. She shares these lessons for young people in a relatable and gentle way, but without hiding the hard parts. Young women, especially young women of color, will particularly benefit from the advice and kindness offered in this quick, accessible read. Also included are resources on organizations and books for further support.
July 25, 2022
I was so excited to read this book. I've never read a book by Ashley Woodfolk, but the cover and the title got my attention. I loved that Ashley used quotes by Michelle Obama as starting points for her essays. Using quotes as a starting point/inspiration for her essays was a really good idea. It was interesting to read her opinions, reflections, and stories on various topics such as bullying, education, career, love, and racism. Some of the essays were difficult to read and broke my heart, but I think they were all important to read.
April 12, 2025
Audiobook, read by the author (yay! And she did such a great job!)
I really enjoyed this collection of essays. The author took Michelle Obama's quotes as inspiration to share her own journey, experiences, and reflections. If nothing else, this book was inspiring and full of hope.
To keep it short and sweet, this was a very approachable and fast read. It didn't feel super YA (which was a plus for me), although it would probably resonate most with teens (especially teen girls of colour). Would recommend!
I really enjoyed this collection of essays. The author took Michelle Obama's quotes as inspiration to share her own journey, experiences, and reflections. If nothing else, this book was inspiring and full of hope.
To keep it short and sweet, this was a very approachable and fast read. It didn't feel super YA (which was a plus for me), although it would probably resonate most with teens (especially teen girls of colour). Would recommend!
August 14, 2022
Opening my eyes underwater is an inspiring and reflective essay collection. It's like having a conversation with the author. Woodfolk used the quotes of Michelle Obama as starting points of her essays. Career, love, Education, Bullying, and racism are the topics. This essay collection should be a good resource for students at schools and libraries. I like Ashley's honesty and vulnerability throughout the book.
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September 29, 2022Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Opening My Eyes Underwater.
Opening My Eyes Underwater is a series of essays connecting Ashley Woodfolk's formative years to quotes from Michelle Obama while also giving life advice to young adults. At first, I wasn't sure about it, but after the first few essays, I really enjoyed it. Ashley Woodfolk and Michelle Obama are a winning combination!
Opening My Eyes Underwater is a series of essays connecting Ashley Woodfolk's formative years to quotes from Michelle Obama while also giving life advice to young adults. At first, I wasn't sure about it, but after the first few essays, I really enjoyed it. Ashley Woodfolk and Michelle Obama are a winning combination!
June 6, 2023
I enjoyed listening to this collection of essays because it references Michelle Obama's book Becoming a lot. The author shares her story and shares how Michelle dealt with similar things and showed nothing but grace. It felt personal since the author narrated the book, and my heart stung after she talked about bullying and racism, but I rejoiced when she held on to her morals and didn't change herself to fit in with her peers.
October 26, 2022
This was an uplifting, fast read that can be enjoyed by anyone, but is targeted towards black teenaged girls. It is blunt, honest, and at times political. It sends strong messages about the importance of EVERY person and gives great advice dealing with anxiety, race, passion, how to life your life, etc. I will buy this & recommend it often!
February 12, 2023
This was a really uplifting book. This tells the story of the author's life Ashley Woodfolk reflecting on her life in relation to Michelle Obama, her life and her wisdom. It was a really good book that was short and just a feel good book that definitely was a good read and I recommend to anyone who needs a little bit of wise words or just a story to pay attention to.
November 9, 2023
Woodfolk's short essays springboard from quotes by Michelle Obama. They give insight to a highly motivated and smart woman (in this case Woodfolk admiring another highly motivated and smarter woman) and the advantages and disadvantages that come with being so.
June 25, 2024
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. Woodfolk’s voice is easy to listen to and her essays were full of hope and anecdotes about her life. I liked how she used quotes from Michelle Obama as jumping off points for each essay. This was a quick read and relatable.
November 3, 2022
2.5 stars. I wish I'd realized this was for kids before reading. Felt a little like a diary a teenager wrote about their favorite celebrity
November 15, 2022
Enjoyable quick read! It gave me a new perspective on having somebody to look up to (something I merely associated with cliche writing prompts) and taking a chance in situations that might scare me.
December 29, 2022
Well written and relatable essays that will resonate, especially with teen girls of color.
February 10, 2023
Timely, encouraging, motivational. Ashley has a way of connecting with readers through sincere words and straight vulnerability. Put this book in the hands of every girl you know.
February 11, 2024
Really nice, but just a tad preachy.
February 15, 2024
Concise and relevant essays that many teens can apply to their lives. I especially loved the essay that addressed anxiety.
September 12, 2024
Felt like an open dialogue about finding one’s worth and inviting the hard lessons of life to engender growth. And she loves Michelle Obama!
February 26, 2025
Good, positive affirmations and encouragement.
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January 12, 2024It's been months since I last read a non-fiction, and this was the best one to bring me back into reading them.
I'm fond of reading essay collections, this one inspired by Michelle Obama and her quotes over the years is one of the simplest but meaningful ones out there for future generations. Each quote and its meaning holds an important anecdote that anyone can apply to their life regardless if they're a teenager or adult.
For some it may take away a bit of loneliness, knowing they're not totally alone with a feeling or experience, that both the author and our former first lady have gone through similar. And while I personally have have not experienced the struggle of being a poc, as I'm white, I have struggled with how people perceive me and the struggle to have friendships. Of being bullied when I was younger and then not quite befriending the bully after, but being on better terms with them. Of anxiety and being overwhelmed by the world. And have dealt with a few other topics touched on in this collection.
If you have interest in reading this or gifting it to someone, do it. Especially for any black or brown young adults in your life.
I'm fond of reading essay collections, this one inspired by Michelle Obama and her quotes over the years is one of the simplest but meaningful ones out there for future generations. Each quote and its meaning holds an important anecdote that anyone can apply to their life regardless if they're a teenager or adult.
For some it may take away a bit of loneliness, knowing they're not totally alone with a feeling or experience, that both the author and our former first lady have gone through similar. And while I personally have have not experienced the struggle of being a poc, as I'm white, I have struggled with how people perceive me and the struggle to have friendships. Of being bullied when I was younger and then not quite befriending the bully after, but being on better terms with them. Of anxiety and being overwhelmed by the world. And have dealt with a few other topics touched on in this collection.
If you have interest in reading this or gifting it to someone, do it. Especially for any black or brown young adults in your life.
March 2, 2023
I have read Ashley Woodfolk’s novels and of course I love and admire Michelle Obama, so I was very interested in the concept of this book. Inspired by the life and quotations of former first lady Michelle Obama, Opening My Eyes Underwater is a collection of essays including essays about bullying, heartbreak, racism, and confidence. This book is geared towards the YA reader with the promise that you are valuable and you are not alone. She says “We’re never truly alone, if only we have the patience to listen to the stories of others, and the courage to share our own.” This was a quick and inspiring read that will appeal to teens and adults alike.
December 21, 2022
Real talk, this book has some really great quotes. Unfortunately every single one of them is either directly from one of Michelle’s books or the multitude of speaking engagements she had done. If you, like me, adore Michelle Obama, it’s not a bad listen. But it didn’t have anything else to offer. I wouldn’t recommend it. It may be more approachable to some readers, but for me, it was definitely underwhelming. If you want Michelle Obama vibes, you’d do better to read or reread Becoming or the light we carry.
February 22, 2023
DNF after reading the first half. This is a quick read…you could probably read the whole thing in one sitting. But honestly, save time and just read Michelle Obama’s books instead, rather than this author’s essay about how Mrs. Obama inspired her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews