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Belonging: A Daughter’s Search for Identity Through Loss and Love
The award-winning journalist and co-host of CBS Saturday Morning tells the candid, and deeply personal story of her mother's abandonment and how the search for answers forced her to reckon with her own identity and the secrets that shaped her family for five decades.
Though Michelle Miller was an award-winning broadcast journalist for CBS News, few people in her life knew the painful secret she carried: her mother had abandoned her at birth. Los Angeles in 1967 was deeply segregated, and her mother--a Chicana hospital administrator who presented as white, had kept her affair with Michelle's father, Dr. Ross Miller, a married trauma surgeon and Compton's first Black city councilman--hidden, along with the unplanned pregnancy. Raised largely by her father and her paternal grandmother, Michelle had no knowledge of the woman whose genes she shared. Then, fate intervened when Michelle was twenty-two. As her father lay stricken with cancer, he told her, "Go and find your mother."
Belonging is the chronicle of Michelle's decades-long quest to connect with the woman who gave her life, to confront her past, and ultimately, to find her voice as a journalist, a wife, and a mother. Michelle traces the years spent trying to make sense of her mixed-race heritage and her place in white-dominated world. From the wealthy white schools where she was bussed to integrate, to the newsrooms filled with white, largely male faces, she revisits the emotional turmoil of her formative years and how the enigma of her mother and her rejection shaped Michelle's understanding of herself and her own Blackness.
As she charts her personal journey, Michelle looks back on her decades on the ground reporting painful events, from the beating of Rodney King to the death of George Floyd, revealing how her struggle to understand her racial identity coincides with the nation's own ongoing and imperfect racial reckoning. What emerges is an intimate family story about secrets--secrets we keep, secrets we share, and the secrets that make us who we are.
Though Michelle Miller was an award-winning broadcast journalist for CBS News, few people in her life knew the painful secret she carried: her mother had abandoned her at birth. Los Angeles in 1967 was deeply segregated, and her mother--a Chicana hospital administrator who presented as white, had kept her affair with Michelle's father, Dr. Ross Miller, a married trauma surgeon and Compton's first Black city councilman--hidden, along with the unplanned pregnancy. Raised largely by her father and her paternal grandmother, Michelle had no knowledge of the woman whose genes she shared. Then, fate intervened when Michelle was twenty-two. As her father lay stricken with cancer, he told her, "Go and find your mother."
Belonging is the chronicle of Michelle's decades-long quest to connect with the woman who gave her life, to confront her past, and ultimately, to find her voice as a journalist, a wife, and a mother. Michelle traces the years spent trying to make sense of her mixed-race heritage and her place in white-dominated world. From the wealthy white schools where she was bussed to integrate, to the newsrooms filled with white, largely male faces, she revisits the emotional turmoil of her formative years and how the enigma of her mother and her rejection shaped Michelle's understanding of herself and her own Blackness.
As she charts her personal journey, Michelle looks back on her decades on the ground reporting painful events, from the beating of Rodney King to the death of George Floyd, revealing how her struggle to understand her racial identity coincides with the nation's own ongoing and imperfect racial reckoning. What emerges is an intimate family story about secrets--secrets we keep, secrets we share, and the secrets that make us who we are.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2023
212 people are currently reading
2606 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 16, 2023
4 stars for Michelle's amazing story, so interesting, and good writing. But her reading of this audiobook sounds like she is narrating a news feature. I wish her director had said Michelle, let's try it a little quieter, as if you were reading a story to your kids or to a friend.
March 29, 2023
Everyone has a story
I've enjoyed Michelle as a newscaster for many years. Unbeknownst to me, and most viewers, she comes from a complicated story of origin. As an amateur genealogist, her story is particularly interesting. My heart hurts for her and the lost years looking for her mother's love. The book is a wonderful read by a gifted journalist and writer.
I've enjoyed Michelle as a newscaster for many years. Unbeknownst to me, and most viewers, she comes from a complicated story of origin. As an amateur genealogist, her story is particularly interesting. My heart hurts for her and the lost years looking for her mother's love. The book is a wonderful read by a gifted journalist and writer.
June 13, 2023
What a great fact that her trauma surgeon and single father (until Maria the stepmom) was the first to treat Sen Robert Kennedy—- what a life for this strong woman whose Mom was absent just hours after her birth.
Amazing the lessons learned in life as one invariably returns to what factors shape an identity.
Her love story to Marc M. Of NOLA was amazing and thrilling. And now a grandmother and still a correspondent, so amazing, the legacy.
Glad I read this, and the photos in the middle of the book are so precious. I got just how much, MM!
Amazing the lessons learned in life as one invariably returns to what factors shape an identity.
Her love story to Marc M. Of NOLA was amazing and thrilling. And now a grandmother and still a correspondent, so amazing, the legacy.
Glad I read this, and the photos in the middle of the book are so precious. I got just how much, MM!
February 13, 2024
I know Michelle Miller from in her days as a news reporter in New Orleans and as the wife of then Mayor Marc Morial.
Now an anchor on the CBS morning news, she tells her story of longing for the mother who left her at the hospital on the day she was born and has never acknowledged her to this day. Born the secret love child of her married black father, a doctor, and a white passing Mexican woman who was an administrator at the hospital. She was raised by her grandmother, Big Mama, and kept secret for her dad’s wife until she wasn’t.
Michelle was a gifted child and fortunate enough to have a doctor for a father and all the privileges that came a long with that. She struggled early on in life because she wasn’t never accepted by white kids and rejected some black ones. She learned early on that she was the product of two of the most hated races, black and Mexican. Her mother gave her up because she was white passing and her family told her they would disown her if she didn’t end the relationship. She went on to live her white life and no one ever knew about Michelle.
Now an anchor on the CBS morning news, she tells her story of longing for the mother who left her at the hospital on the day she was born and has never acknowledged her to this day. Born the secret love child of her married black father, a doctor, and a white passing Mexican woman who was an administrator at the hospital. She was raised by her grandmother, Big Mama, and kept secret for her dad’s wife until she wasn’t.
Michelle was a gifted child and fortunate enough to have a doctor for a father and all the privileges that came a long with that. She struggled early on in life because she wasn’t never accepted by white kids and rejected some black ones. She learned early on that she was the product of two of the most hated races, black and Mexican. Her mother gave her up because she was white passing and her family told her they would disown her if she didn’t end the relationship. She went on to live her white life and no one ever knew about Michelle.
June 30, 2024
This was a really good book about a daughter trying to make sense her entire life, even into adulthood as to why her mother had abandoned her at birth and allowed her to be raised mostly by her paternal grandmother and somewhat by her father and the struggles that she encountered throughout her life in finding her identity because of it.
March 9, 2024
Author writes a very telling story of her life and her former family’s impact during the height of a very problematic civil rights movement in American history.
Even though she is a motherless child, I find her pain threefold instead of twofold. She wrote that she spent most of her life searching for her birth mother so she could heal her mother wound, and her outward appearance was also a mystery. Both emotional challenges she had to navigate seemed to be painful. However I think she has a third pain, her dad, who chose to have her daughter live separately from him while he got married again. Michelle lived in South Central while he lived in a condo along the shore?! He claims he wanted more children when he remarried, but ironically didn’t want them all under one roof like one big family?! The guy clearly had money to buy a house where everyone would be under one roof and Michelle would not have been isolated during her most vulnerable time, her teenage years. For a doctor, the guy sounds extremely non-methodical and innately reckless. The author excuses him as a player of sorts, but is harshly critical to her birth mom which, in my opinion, is not fair. He is just as culpable as the mom.
Overall, the author seems to have such a big heart and is self aware of her own actions which is admirable in itself. It must’ve been a lot to write this book for her and withhold a lot of pain and anguish to get to the point in chapters of her life. This was a very good read and I highly recommend it!
Even though she is a motherless child, I find her pain threefold instead of twofold. She wrote that she spent most of her life searching for her birth mother so she could heal her mother wound, and her outward appearance was also a mystery. Both emotional challenges she had to navigate seemed to be painful. However I think she has a third pain, her dad, who chose to have her daughter live separately from him while he got married again. Michelle lived in South Central while he lived in a condo along the shore?! He claims he wanted more children when he remarried, but ironically didn’t want them all under one roof like one big family?! The guy clearly had money to buy a house where everyone would be under one roof and Michelle would not have been isolated during her most vulnerable time, her teenage years. For a doctor, the guy sounds extremely non-methodical and innately reckless. The author excuses him as a player of sorts, but is harshly critical to her birth mom which, in my opinion, is not fair. He is just as culpable as the mom.
Overall, the author seems to have such a big heart and is self aware of her own actions which is admirable in itself. It must’ve been a lot to write this book for her and withhold a lot of pain and anguish to get to the point in chapters of her life. This was a very good read and I highly recommend it!
December 4, 2025
Audio
This was a really compelling listen. As with Trevor Noah, I had never heard of Michelle Miller before picking up this book. She’s a news anchor and a really great writer. I appreciate how she wove the threads of childhood and personal life and professional life. I live how she named the unfulfilled longings and the hope she will always carry regardless of what data indicates will happen. I liked seeing things she couldn’t name as a child (her understanding of her father’s personal choices) changing as she grew and matured.
With memoir there’s always a question of whether to implicate people in your life story by name, and I was curious about the choice to so articulately out her mother, justified by the fact that this is her story as much or more than her mother’s story. Should she have waited until her mother was dead? Yet I imagine there was a satisfaction in going public in a way. She always learned for her mother to do.
It seems like Michelle was always well connected in black circles throughout the United States, so she’s gotten a very insider view on a lot of historical moments. The race pieces and the news journalist pieces gave her stories very much enjoyed seeing through her eyes.
This was a really compelling listen. As with Trevor Noah, I had never heard of Michelle Miller before picking up this book. She’s a news anchor and a really great writer. I appreciate how she wove the threads of childhood and personal life and professional life. I live how she named the unfulfilled longings and the hope she will always carry regardless of what data indicates will happen. I liked seeing things she couldn’t name as a child (her understanding of her father’s personal choices) changing as she grew and matured.
With memoir there’s always a question of whether to implicate people in your life story by name, and I was curious about the choice to so articulately out her mother, justified by the fact that this is her story as much or more than her mother’s story. Should she have waited until her mother was dead? Yet I imagine there was a satisfaction in going public in a way. She always learned for her mother to do.
It seems like Michelle was always well connected in black circles throughout the United States, so she’s gotten a very insider view on a lot of historical moments. The race pieces and the news journalist pieces gave her stories very much enjoyed seeing through her eyes.
January 21, 2024
Ms. Miller tells her amazing story about growing up without knowing her mother. Her family is complex to say the least partly due to a father who had no qualms about multiple relationships. Fortunately, Michelle had several strong women in her life who helped to raise her; a grandmother, an aunt, a family friend. Although the mystery surrounding her mother puzzled her, it was not until she had her own children that she really attempted to understand the why of her mother's absence. Along the way of discovering more about her mother, the reader comes to appreciate Miller as a journalist in a time when few black women were prominent in the profession.
March 30, 2023
I enjoyed reading Michelle's poignant story as much as I enjoy watching her on CBS Saturday Morning.
April 9, 2023
Very well written. Michelle eloquently speaks of her longing for her birth mother.
May 4, 2023
Knowing nothing at all about this woman, having not lived in the U.S. for 25 years and not seeing their TV shows, I went back and forth about reading this book but it was well worth it. She worked hard to get where she is and she overcame a lot of obstacles. It was well worth the read.
July 8, 2023
I liked this book. But it had me steaming over the relationship Michelle tried repeatedly to have with her mother. The relationship with her father had its moments as well but he did offer a home/family to raise her and did what he could when he was not not being a a brilliant surgeon and civil rights activist during a time when its was very much needed (and a player). In spite of the unusual tragedies in her life. Being bullied, no mother but a doting grandmother, she managed a family, 2 children, traveled the world and made a great impact on this country and I imagine she is not finished yet.
February 3, 2025
I will admit I was not familiar with Michelle Miller and only picked up "Belonging" because my cousin, Rosemarie Robotham, is the co-author. I have been enjoying memoirs on audio so decided to do the audio version.
When I started listening, I was on the cusp of my empty nest phase. I found the early chapters incredibly emotional. I'm not sure if that was the intent of the author or if her discussing her mother choosing not to be in her life was triggering to me as I was embarking on a new phase of my own parenting.
Belonging is beautifully written, and I was very quickly captivated. I did find that in the middle sections of the book the narration became almost clinical. As the author was discussing her years at Howard and her journalism days it began to sound more like a textbook on race and intersectionality than a memoir. I think Ms. Miller was reading those sections as a reporter rather than someone inviting people into her story. It's hard to know if I would have felt differently if I had been reading it for myself.
Ms. Miller's discussion about her desire to be publicly claimed by her mother was heartbreaking to read. As a mom myself who can't wait to regale anyone who will listen with stories of my two amazing children, I found myself struggling to find sympathy for a mom who would make this choice. I did find lots of sympathy for the wounded daughter who reached out way too many times to try to create a relationship where none exists. I do hope Ms. Miller has found peace in the family she has created since the relationship with her own mother is not ever likely to be what she hopes.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Belonging. I cried, sometimes ugly tears, I laughed, and most of all I connected with a woman I do not know. I am very glad that I learned her story and I plan to try to catch her on tv one Saturday morning so that I can see the woman behind this moving story.
One note about the audio version - you don't get to see some of the fun photos that are included in the book. I actually went back and checked Belonging out of the library just to see the pictures.
When I started listening, I was on the cusp of my empty nest phase. I found the early chapters incredibly emotional. I'm not sure if that was the intent of the author or if her discussing her mother choosing not to be in her life was triggering to me as I was embarking on a new phase of my own parenting.
Belonging is beautifully written, and I was very quickly captivated. I did find that in the middle sections of the book the narration became almost clinical. As the author was discussing her years at Howard and her journalism days it began to sound more like a textbook on race and intersectionality than a memoir. I think Ms. Miller was reading those sections as a reporter rather than someone inviting people into her story. It's hard to know if I would have felt differently if I had been reading it for myself.
Ms. Miller's discussion about her desire to be publicly claimed by her mother was heartbreaking to read. As a mom myself who can't wait to regale anyone who will listen with stories of my two amazing children, I found myself struggling to find sympathy for a mom who would make this choice. I did find lots of sympathy for the wounded daughter who reached out way too many times to try to create a relationship where none exists. I do hope Ms. Miller has found peace in the family she has created since the relationship with her own mother is not ever likely to be what she hopes.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Belonging. I cried, sometimes ugly tears, I laughed, and most of all I connected with a woman I do not know. I am very glad that I learned her story and I plan to try to catch her on tv one Saturday morning so that I can see the woman behind this moving story.
One note about the audio version - you don't get to see some of the fun photos that are included in the book. I actually went back and checked Belonging out of the library just to see the pictures.
June 21, 2023
Audiobook. Memoir. Author grew up upper middle class/affluent in CA. Her experience was unlike most of her peers in her neighborhood. However, she struggled with her mother who gave her up to her father bc her parents objected to the mother dating a black man. In fact, she was a secret. She had a loving and supportive paternal family along with a big chunk of motivation and drive. She aptly describes the struggle of “light privilege.” I personally cringe when I hear grown women refer to their fathers as Daddy as the author does throughout the book.
April 26, 2023
I was not familiar with Michelle Miller before reading this memoir. Her story is interesting and reflective of our wider culture. I enjoyed her voice and message.
July 26, 2023
Powerful and impactful audiobook narrated by CBS this Morning news anchor Michelle Miller.
September 30, 2024
I originally thought I would rate this book a 3.5, but after completing it, I’m giving it a solid 4. Although I’m still processing my emotions, I wanted to write this review while the story was fresh in my mind. Closing the book, I found myself crying because of the parallels between my life and Michelle’s, the synergy of our stories hitting me deeply. While it’s not a book I’d immediately rush to reread, I’m now compelled to consider the audiobook version, as I read the print edition and feel that hearing Michelle’s voice might add another layer to her narrative.
I started this book back in January, but it felt too close to home at the time, so I paused and picked it up again in late September. I finished it in about two and a half sittings. From the start, I can say that this book will take you on an emotional ride. It has its lighthearted moments, it offers hope, and it might even inspire you. However, if you share any similarities with Michelle’s story, as I do, it might be a challenging read, and that’s okay — healing is not linear.
Michelle’s story touched on themes that I resonate with deeply. As someone who is adopted and grapples with “mother wounds” and the loss of a father figure — my godfather who was a central figure in my life — her reflections stirred emotions I had long buried. I also identified with her strong career drive, often being labeled as “extra” or “too much.” Reading about her struggles with overcompensation due to feelings of abandonment and rejection mirrored my own experience. I appreciated seeing that, like me, Michelle had a partner in Marc who encouraged her to tell her story.
While I appreciated her vulnerability, I found myself wishing Michelle had delved deeper into certain aspects of her life, particularly her journey as a mother. She touched on it, but perhaps the sequel will allow for more exploration of that experience. At times, the tone felt distant, likely a reflection of her journalistic background, which made me wonder if I’d get more emotion from the audiobook version. Nevertheless, she bared enough of her personal story to create a meaningful connection with readers.
Michelle’s reflections on family resonated with me, as I’ve also dealt with estrangement from siblings due to unresolved past hurts. Her story stirred something within me, compelling me to consider reconnecting with people in my life, especially as the holiday season approaches.
On a more personal level, Michelle’s story made me reflect on my own readiness to be a nurturing mother, despite my unconventional upbringing and the need to mother myself. Her narrative gave me hope that I, too, can be a good mother and wife, even though my own upbringing didn’t provide a clear blueprint for that.
In the end, I’m thankful that Michelle shared her truth. She gave voice to things that people often feel too ashamed to express. Her courage in speaking truth is something I admire, and it mirrors my own tendency to be unflinchingly honest, even when politeness would be easier. This book felt like a mirror, and I’ve come away with a greater understanding and appreciation for Michelle Miller and her journey. Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your story with us.
I started this book back in January, but it felt too close to home at the time, so I paused and picked it up again in late September. I finished it in about two and a half sittings. From the start, I can say that this book will take you on an emotional ride. It has its lighthearted moments, it offers hope, and it might even inspire you. However, if you share any similarities with Michelle’s story, as I do, it might be a challenging read, and that’s okay — healing is not linear.
Michelle’s story touched on themes that I resonate with deeply. As someone who is adopted and grapples with “mother wounds” and the loss of a father figure — my godfather who was a central figure in my life — her reflections stirred emotions I had long buried. I also identified with her strong career drive, often being labeled as “extra” or “too much.” Reading about her struggles with overcompensation due to feelings of abandonment and rejection mirrored my own experience. I appreciated seeing that, like me, Michelle had a partner in Marc who encouraged her to tell her story.
While I appreciated her vulnerability, I found myself wishing Michelle had delved deeper into certain aspects of her life, particularly her journey as a mother. She touched on it, but perhaps the sequel will allow for more exploration of that experience. At times, the tone felt distant, likely a reflection of her journalistic background, which made me wonder if I’d get more emotion from the audiobook version. Nevertheless, she bared enough of her personal story to create a meaningful connection with readers.
Michelle’s reflections on family resonated with me, as I’ve also dealt with estrangement from siblings due to unresolved past hurts. Her story stirred something within me, compelling me to consider reconnecting with people in my life, especially as the holiday season approaches.
On a more personal level, Michelle’s story made me reflect on my own readiness to be a nurturing mother, despite my unconventional upbringing and the need to mother myself. Her narrative gave me hope that I, too, can be a good mother and wife, even though my own upbringing didn’t provide a clear blueprint for that.
In the end, I’m thankful that Michelle shared her truth. She gave voice to things that people often feel too ashamed to express. Her courage in speaking truth is something I admire, and it mirrors my own tendency to be unflinchingly honest, even when politeness would be easier. This book felt like a mirror, and I’ve come away with a greater understanding and appreciation for Michelle Miller and her journey. Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your story with us.
October 23, 2023
** may contain a spoiler ** Probably 3.7 stars. I listened to the audio book which was easy to listen to but didn't show the depth and heart of a memoir.
I'm glad I read the book showing Michelle's personal and family life in an honest and open way that takes her from an abandoned infant to a public figure and superior TV news journalist. She has been blessed with some wonderful family members and circumstances and has had trouble and heartbreak along the way. It was difficult for her as a mixed-race child whose mother left her in her father's arms at birth. But her strong, loving paternal grandmother raised her. Her Hispanic mother has never felt free to acknowledge Michelle as her child, ever! And her rather famous doctor father was loving but rather distant and preoccupied by his own life and never let Michelle live with him. At times Michelle had much privilege and advantages of being in the right family to meet and benefit from associations with famous or significant people. However, she has never truly felt that she belongs. Raised completely by her black family but yet is half Hispanic without any connection to that side of her family or culture. She discusses her conflicted emotions and complex situations in this book. The book follows her from birth to current time with very interesting times in-between.
Michelle is an inspirational person in that she truly used every advantage she had to improve herself educationally, professionally and in her own family. She may have never fully fit in, but she made her own course and determined her own fate.
I hope that at some point she will be able to fully recognize her own worth separate from her father's indifference and her mother's inability to go against her strict family. Even after all parties who would have cared have died; her mother refuses to acknowledge Michele or her children as her daughter and grandchildren. What a sad life that must be for her and what a deep hurt it is for Michelle. I admire her work in television journalism and found her memoir interesting and inspiring.
It is interesting, but not captivating which is why it wasn't a full 4-star book for me. Michelle seemed to have approached this like a news story rather than her life story as it doesn't have the heart and soul of a memoir. The story is reported rather than told. She also read the book like a reporter with not much feeling except for certain tragic moments. Her narration felt stilted and was read with the objectiveness of a reporter without the passion and warmth of an autobiography.
I enjoyed reading about her interesting life story and time in history. I wish her soul-felt peace about who she is and a true sense of belonging.
I'm glad I read the book showing Michelle's personal and family life in an honest and open way that takes her from an abandoned infant to a public figure and superior TV news journalist. She has been blessed with some wonderful family members and circumstances and has had trouble and heartbreak along the way. It was difficult for her as a mixed-race child whose mother left her in her father's arms at birth. But her strong, loving paternal grandmother raised her. Her Hispanic mother has never felt free to acknowledge Michelle as her child, ever! And her rather famous doctor father was loving but rather distant and preoccupied by his own life and never let Michelle live with him. At times Michelle had much privilege and advantages of being in the right family to meet and benefit from associations with famous or significant people. However, she has never truly felt that she belongs. Raised completely by her black family but yet is half Hispanic without any connection to that side of her family or culture. She discusses her conflicted emotions and complex situations in this book. The book follows her from birth to current time with very interesting times in-between.
Michelle is an inspirational person in that she truly used every advantage she had to improve herself educationally, professionally and in her own family. She may have never fully fit in, but she made her own course and determined her own fate.
I hope that at some point she will be able to fully recognize her own worth separate from her father's indifference and her mother's inability to go against her strict family. Even after all parties who would have cared have died; her mother refuses to acknowledge Michele or her children as her daughter and grandchildren. What a sad life that must be for her and what a deep hurt it is for Michelle. I admire her work in television journalism and found her memoir interesting and inspiring.
It is interesting, but not captivating which is why it wasn't a full 4-star book for me. Michelle seemed to have approached this like a news story rather than her life story as it doesn't have the heart and soul of a memoir. The story is reported rather than told. She also read the book like a reporter with not much feeling except for certain tragic moments. Her narration felt stilted and was read with the objectiveness of a reporter without the passion and warmth of an autobiography.
I enjoyed reading about her interesting life story and time in history. I wish her soul-felt peace about who she is and a true sense of belonging.
February 18, 2024
I enjoyed this book as a memoir and because I could fully relate to so much of what the author is describing from my own life. Although she was not adopted (she was abandoned at birth by her birth mother, and repeatedly rejected by her mother throughout her life because she was mixed race. She was raised by her father’s biological family.) her sense of not belonging anywhere, and what appears to be a lifelong quest to figure out who she is and what her worth and value are is highly familiar. Her traumatic mother wound is something that, as an adoptee, I strongly can empathize with, and understand how it really impacts you for your entire life. and probably in more ways than a person is consciously aware of.
I also could appreciate her attempts at unpacking her lived experience with difficult situations, such as colorism, racism, complicated family dynamics, complex family members, and interracial identity.
The parts of the book where she shared key historical moments were fascinating, celebratory, and sometimes heart wrenching reminders of where we, as a country, are failing miserably at making this a truly safe place for Black people and people of color.
As a book authored by a journalist, it was a tidy story. I thought it was well written, but occasionally word choices and the tone read a little too much like “breaking news”. Which brings me to what I did not enjoy about the book.
I listened to this book on audio, and I will say that is the only criticism that I have of my experience with the book is that, because the author narrated it, and the author is a broadcast journalist, it was read in that particular voice of a reporter. Occasionally that tone and cadence would slip and I think she would get into her story more. But at first it was really hard to appreciate what was being said because I was caught up in the tone of the narration. I felt it detracted from the story. This is a book that I would probably recommend enjoying in paper form.
I also could appreciate her attempts at unpacking her lived experience with difficult situations, such as colorism, racism, complicated family dynamics, complex family members, and interracial identity.
The parts of the book where she shared key historical moments were fascinating, celebratory, and sometimes heart wrenching reminders of where we, as a country, are failing miserably at making this a truly safe place for Black people and people of color.
As a book authored by a journalist, it was a tidy story. I thought it was well written, but occasionally word choices and the tone read a little too much like “breaking news”. Which brings me to what I did not enjoy about the book.
I listened to this book on audio, and I will say that is the only criticism that I have of my experience with the book is that, because the author narrated it, and the author is a broadcast journalist, it was read in that particular voice of a reporter. Occasionally that tone and cadence would slip and I think she would get into her story more. But at first it was really hard to appreciate what was being said because I was caught up in the tone of the narration. I felt it detracted from the story. This is a book that I would probably recommend enjoying in paper form.
January 31, 2024
Identity is shaped by those around as much by those who are absent. This one sentence shapes the life of Michelle Miller. In this memoir she effortlessly weaves her layered family history with the tangled history of this country. And this her story is a quite a ride!
Her history starts with her father, a black surgeon, who puts the title “playa” to shame! This man was on a different level:
—married a sadiddy southern black woman who can’t conceive, convinces her to adopt TWO - 1 year old infants, and then proceeds to become a politician on top of his rounds at the hospital….he smooth set her up!
—has an affair with a white Latino woman (with a racist family), conceives a child and then gives the baby to his sister’s friend in Alabama…like what?!?
—has numerous relationships and affairs with successful beautiful women, some occurring at the same damn time!
But the women were not putting up with his shenanigans!
—his Big Momma found out about the baby and went down to Alabama to get her grandbaby.
—his wife was so fed up with him she packs up one of her adopted daughters and takes her back to the adoption agency…ruthless, beyond heartless
—and his baby mama leaves the child and wants nothing to do with her.
This is the beginning of Michelle’s life, considering the world-wind she was born into, she has a relatively normal upbringing, but the absence of her plagued her into adulthood.
While she does meet her mother eventually, her mother never acknowledges Michelle as her daughter. I really enjoyed the memoir, although listening to her read the entire book in the newscaster voice grated on my nerves.
Her history starts with her father, a black surgeon, who puts the title “playa” to shame! This man was on a different level:
—married a sadiddy southern black woman who can’t conceive, convinces her to adopt TWO - 1 year old infants, and then proceeds to become a politician on top of his rounds at the hospital….he smooth set her up!
—has an affair with a white Latino woman (with a racist family), conceives a child and then gives the baby to his sister’s friend in Alabama…like what?!?
—has numerous relationships and affairs with successful beautiful women, some occurring at the same damn time!
But the women were not putting up with his shenanigans!
—his Big Momma found out about the baby and went down to Alabama to get her grandbaby.
—his wife was so fed up with him she packs up one of her adopted daughters and takes her back to the adoption agency…ruthless, beyond heartless
—and his baby mama leaves the child and wants nothing to do with her.
This is the beginning of Michelle’s life, considering the world-wind she was born into, she has a relatively normal upbringing, but the absence of her plagued her into adulthood.
While she does meet her mother eventually, her mother never acknowledges Michelle as her daughter. I really enjoyed the memoir, although listening to her read the entire book in the newscaster voice grated on my nerves.
March 1, 2024
3.5 stars, which I will round up to 4 stars overall.
After reading the reviews, I was excited to pick up this book. Like some others have said, I had no idea who Michelle Miller was when I bought this book. Now I feel like I have a better understanding of who Michelle is.
First off, this book is about Michelle and how she came to be who she is today. When you read the synapsis for this book, you might think that it is about Michelle finding her mother to figure out who she is. Spoiler alert, Michelle’s mother was never in her life. She had Michelle, and gave her over to her father. Michelle then went to look for her at twenty-two, after her father is diagnosed with cancer. While the story about Michelle finding her mother is here, that is not completely what this book is about, in my opinion.
This book is about Michelle discovering and growing into herself as a person. She describes going from a young girl who struggled with confidence, moving into an adult who also struggle with confidence and knowing who she was. Michelle does a lot of work on herself in her story to become the person she is today. Does that work include finding her mother, yes, but Michelle also does so much more to find herself than just finding her mother. The work, both as a journalist, and as a person is what this book is about.
The reason for my lower star is because, while I enjoyed this book, I did feel it was a little slow at times. Also, I found that Michelle concentrated her story a lot on becoming who she is up to meeting her husband, then the story kind of fell off a bit. I would have liked more information about Michelle now, not Michelle in the 1990s to round out this story more.
After reading the reviews, I was excited to pick up this book. Like some others have said, I had no idea who Michelle Miller was when I bought this book. Now I feel like I have a better understanding of who Michelle is.
First off, this book is about Michelle and how she came to be who she is today. When you read the synapsis for this book, you might think that it is about Michelle finding her mother to figure out who she is. Spoiler alert, Michelle’s mother was never in her life. She had Michelle, and gave her over to her father. Michelle then went to look for her at twenty-two, after her father is diagnosed with cancer. While the story about Michelle finding her mother is here, that is not completely what this book is about, in my opinion.
This book is about Michelle discovering and growing into herself as a person. She describes going from a young girl who struggled with confidence, moving into an adult who also struggle with confidence and knowing who she was. Michelle does a lot of work on herself in her story to become the person she is today. Does that work include finding her mother, yes, but Michelle also does so much more to find herself than just finding her mother. The work, both as a journalist, and as a person is what this book is about.
The reason for my lower star is because, while I enjoyed this book, I did feel it was a little slow at times. Also, I found that Michelle concentrated her story a lot on becoming who she is up to meeting her husband, then the story kind of fell off a bit. I would have liked more information about Michelle now, not Michelle in the 1990s to round out this story more.
May 22, 2023
Belonging by Michelle Miller
“A daughter’s search for identity through loss and love.” Identity for Michelle is important to her as it is for every child. One nearly-blank page in her identity is from a person missing from her life, her mother. For many, moms love unconditionally, wipe away tears, and push us into our best life through an outpouring of support. Michelle, at 24, opens the door to find out anything that might satiate her need to know about her mother.
Michelle strips away the layers of the person viewers watch every week as co-host on CBS Saturday Morning. Through her book, she invites the reader to see her vulnerabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. All to discover who she really is.
Her story is about Bigmama, who bundles her up as an infant and holds on to her for dear life. Her father is loving but always has one step in her world, the other living outside. Relatives, friends, not so much friends-as-enemies all influencing Michelle into who she is to become. Michelle strives, as she does today, to find the details in her story. To report the importance of what she is to research. To do her very best and to be the best she can be is what drives her soul.
“Belonging” is a great read. The truths Michelle reveals about herself are honest. The reader will come away knowing her as a celebrity with a real life and as someone we can all relate to.
“A daughter’s search for identity through loss and love.” Identity for Michelle is important to her as it is for every child. One nearly-blank page in her identity is from a person missing from her life, her mother. For many, moms love unconditionally, wipe away tears, and push us into our best life through an outpouring of support. Michelle, at 24, opens the door to find out anything that might satiate her need to know about her mother.
Michelle strips away the layers of the person viewers watch every week as co-host on CBS Saturday Morning. Through her book, she invites the reader to see her vulnerabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. All to discover who she really is.
Her story is about Bigmama, who bundles her up as an infant and holds on to her for dear life. Her father is loving but always has one step in her world, the other living outside. Relatives, friends, not so much friends-as-enemies all influencing Michelle into who she is to become. Michelle strives, as she does today, to find the details in her story. To report the importance of what she is to research. To do her very best and to be the best she can be is what drives her soul.
“Belonging” is a great read. The truths Michelle reveals about herself are honest. The reader will come away knowing her as a celebrity with a real life and as someone we can all relate to.
September 23, 2023
“A daughter’s search for identity through loss and love.” When I first picked up this book from a Barnes and Noble bookshelf, I originally intended to broaden my horizons by reading an autobiography. However, I soon learned that Michelle would lead me on a journey towards self-discovery in more ways than one. While not everyone shares Miller’s same background, a biracial daughter abandoned at birth by her mother, she tackles more significant issues, issues that all Americans could learn more about.
This book was an inspiring story that allowed me to follow along on her journey of soaring to new heights, heights that many thought she was incapable of reaching, primarily because of her appearance. Michelle created an atmosphere in her book that made the connections I found in reading along with her story feel real; by the time I had finished the book, I felt as if I knew her so much so that I felt comfortable referring to her by her first name throughout this paper. Through reading her story, I became comfortable reading her vulnerability and experiencing and expressing my own.
I do understand that this book may not resonate with everyone, especially considering that her story is quite specific. However, I would be doing a great disservice to Michelle and any potential readers if I did not strongly recommend that there is something to learn within the 489 pages encased by the hard-backed covers of her reality. Michelle’s book “Belonging” answers more questions than just “Who am I?” but forces us to question how our backgrounds change our perspectives and why those perspectives matter in this world. This autobiography transcends the level of just Black and White as many things in life do. When you realize that race is your heritage and not your legacy, you not only break but reshape the mold of what people consider you capable of.
Michelle became a CBS co-host even though she started as a young girl who questioned her identity and where she belonged in this confusing world and even more complicated “life.” As for me? Well, who knows, but I have learned that life is only worth living if you keep your head up and your mind open to all the possibilities laid before you.
This book was an inspiring story that allowed me to follow along on her journey of soaring to new heights, heights that many thought she was incapable of reaching, primarily because of her appearance. Michelle created an atmosphere in her book that made the connections I found in reading along with her story feel real; by the time I had finished the book, I felt as if I knew her so much so that I felt comfortable referring to her by her first name throughout this paper. Through reading her story, I became comfortable reading her vulnerability and experiencing and expressing my own.
I do understand that this book may not resonate with everyone, especially considering that her story is quite specific. However, I would be doing a great disservice to Michelle and any potential readers if I did not strongly recommend that there is something to learn within the 489 pages encased by the hard-backed covers of her reality. Michelle’s book “Belonging” answers more questions than just “Who am I?” but forces us to question how our backgrounds change our perspectives and why those perspectives matter in this world. This autobiography transcends the level of just Black and White as many things in life do. When you realize that race is your heritage and not your legacy, you not only break but reshape the mold of what people consider you capable of.
Michelle became a CBS co-host even though she started as a young girl who questioned her identity and where she belonged in this confusing world and even more complicated “life.” As for me? Well, who knows, but I have learned that life is only worth living if you keep your head up and your mind open to all the possibilities laid before you.
April 1, 2023
Michelle has a lovely, easy to listen to voice. (Audibook version). She writes beautifully. Her story was engaging and interesting. I initially felt sympathy hearing how she ached for her “birth mother” to be in her life however as the chapters continued, I started to feel pity for her. She seemed bitter toward her birth mother who was honest about her reasons for what she did and where she stood. Michele continued over and over and over to push the relationship. It felt as though she lost her sense of reality. She had a wonderful, supportive snd loving childhood being raised by many generous and caring people yet she still obsessed over her “birth mother”. I also couldn’t believe she actually put her 8 year old in the position to make judgment of her (birth mother) their grandmother as if the 8 year old wasn’t feeding off her her moms feelings. It’s a shame because one chapter Michelle would say she finally realized her “birth mom” would not be her in her life and the next chapter she was obsessing again over it. Its sad. BE grateful for all the wonderful things you have and not the things you don’t.
June 20, 2023
4.5
I am astounded that Michelle Miller, a public facing TV news journalist, would be as open and honest about her personal and family life as she was in this memoir. Her life has been blessed and troubled in approximately equal proportions from its inception. As the mixed race child of a mother who was, and remains, unable to acknowledge her, Michelle was raised by her strong, loving African-American paternal grandmother and her brilliant, but often distracted, father within a close extended family. Until her brief introduction to her mother at the age of nine, she had no contact with her. The confusion and sadness this must have caused to her would be indescribable, although Miller does her best to express her conflicted emotions in this book.
In spite of always feeling apart from schoolmates, Michelle took full advantage of the emotional, financial, and educational support from the family that raised and nurtured her. She and her birth mother have had some contact over the years, but even now, it is minimal. Yet, this strong woman is well educated, professionally successful, and the devoted mother of two, rearing her family in partnership with her husband.
I only hope that Michelle Miller is as happy as this book projects, improving what can be changed while accepting the disappointments that cannot be resolved. I admire her work in television journalism and found her memoir interesting and inspiring.
I am astounded that Michelle Miller, a public facing TV news journalist, would be as open and honest about her personal and family life as she was in this memoir. Her life has been blessed and troubled in approximately equal proportions from its inception. As the mixed race child of a mother who was, and remains, unable to acknowledge her, Michelle was raised by her strong, loving African-American paternal grandmother and her brilliant, but often distracted, father within a close extended family. Until her brief introduction to her mother at the age of nine, she had no contact with her. The confusion and sadness this must have caused to her would be indescribable, although Miller does her best to express her conflicted emotions in this book.
In spite of always feeling apart from schoolmates, Michelle took full advantage of the emotional, financial, and educational support from the family that raised and nurtured her. She and her birth mother have had some contact over the years, but even now, it is minimal. Yet, this strong woman is well educated, professionally successful, and the devoted mother of two, rearing her family in partnership with her husband.
I only hope that Michelle Miller is as happy as this book projects, improving what can be changed while accepting the disappointments that cannot be resolved. I admire her work in television journalism and found her memoir interesting and inspiring.
February 4, 2025
I admire Michelle Miller as a news reporter and this book gave me a greater understanding into how she became the reporter and woman that she is. Born to a successful doctor and an Hispanic woman, who could not accept her (her parents would not accept a child fathered by a Black man), she was brought up by her father and his mother (Bigmomma).
As she grew up, she always wondered where her mother was, in fact it was what seemed to drive her to college and then to a successful career in journalism. She relates and reflects on what has been a very successful career, but her search for and acceptance by her mother were and are always on her mind and in her heart.
She shares just enough to create a picture of her life without dwelling on any one aspect for too long. Of course her desire to connect with her mother is constant throughout the book. While meeting her once or twice, she is never able to truly connect and you feel that it is still something that will haunt her for the rest of her life.
Well written and a look into her life in reporting through some very interesting and tragic times.
As she grew up, she always wondered where her mother was, in fact it was what seemed to drive her to college and then to a successful career in journalism. She relates and reflects on what has been a very successful career, but her search for and acceptance by her mother were and are always on her mind and in her heart.
She shares just enough to create a picture of her life without dwelling on any one aspect for too long. Of course her desire to connect with her mother is constant throughout the book. While meeting her once or twice, she is never able to truly connect and you feel that it is still something that will haunt her for the rest of her life.
Well written and a look into her life in reporting through some very interesting and tragic times.
September 23, 2024
4.5 stars. I enjoyed listening to Michelle’s journey. At first, her voice seemed insecure or robotic. Having finished the book, I realize that she is speaking in her reporter’s voice. Even when she described an emotional moment with her voice breaking, she seemed to stay in her professional, journalistic voice.
However, reading about the mother that she longed for and their resulting “relationship” had me bound. It’s so different ti refrain from judging her mother. Who gives up their biracial child so that they can continue passing for White? Her mother is Latina.
Michelle lays herself open and even in her worst or lowest moments, she takes responsibility for her actions. She offers reasons without trying to justify her actions. She journeys from childhood to adulthood where she becomes a mother, wife and Honorary member of AKA. A Howard alum, I finished this up on a trip to Howard. HU alumni are Uber proud of their Alma Mater and she expresses her love for Howard. Could she had had any idea that Kamala would propel Howard to the Global stage more so than as the VPOTUS? Good read.
However, reading about the mother that she longed for and their resulting “relationship” had me bound. It’s so different ti refrain from judging her mother. Who gives up their biracial child so that they can continue passing for White? Her mother is Latina.
Michelle lays herself open and even in her worst or lowest moments, she takes responsibility for her actions. She offers reasons without trying to justify her actions. She journeys from childhood to adulthood where she becomes a mother, wife and Honorary member of AKA. A Howard alum, I finished this up on a trip to Howard. HU alumni are Uber proud of their Alma Mater and she expresses her love for Howard. Could she had had any idea that Kamala would propel Howard to the Global stage more so than as the VPOTUS? Good read.
April 15, 2023
Though I am white, old and male, I feel a kinship with Michelle Miller. For one, I spent my career as a newspaper journalist, she started hers that way before moving to TV news. We’re both native “Angelinos.” And we both had big holes in our personal heritage story.
Those things made this book a must-read for me and it didn’t disappoint. It is a comfortable read though the subject matter is anything but comfortable.
Yes, her story’s racial component is a layer mine doesn’t have, and she was abandoned by her biological mother while my Dad was abandoned by his biological father - a reality no less damaging to my Dad and reverberating every day in our family.
I’ve been doing family research for decades in an attempt to retrieve a sliver of what our family lost. This book appears to be a similar journey for Miller.
At the end of the day, most families have buried secrets that create painful burdens.
Most readers will see something familiar in this engaging book.
Those things made this book a must-read for me and it didn’t disappoint. It is a comfortable read though the subject matter is anything but comfortable.
Yes, her story’s racial component is a layer mine doesn’t have, and she was abandoned by her biological mother while my Dad was abandoned by his biological father - a reality no less damaging to my Dad and reverberating every day in our family.
I’ve been doing family research for decades in an attempt to retrieve a sliver of what our family lost. This book appears to be a similar journey for Miller.
At the end of the day, most families have buried secrets that create painful burdens.
Most readers will see something familiar in this engaging book.
September 19, 2023
Interesting, not captivating. Central is the theme of being abandoned by her mother at birth and the nagging loss that represents through her life, contributing to not ever quite feeling anchored. Her advantage was in having financial security and extended family which afforded her strong educational opportunities that she did not squander. As a top journalist she has seen the world in all its expressions but since this was an autobiography about loss, the reader only gets a glimpse into the heart and dole of those moments except about Hurricane Katrina, George Floyd and Jan 6th. Unlike some autobiographies read by the author (for example Viola Davis), Michelle’s narration was often grating and read with the objectiveness of a reporter, not the warmth and passion of the central figure. In this case it feels like what makes her “good” anchoring Saturday morning tv, makes her narration stilted.
October 5, 2024
Michelle looks to the epitome of beauty and brains, at least that's what I thought for many years of seeing her broadcast local and national news in addition to being showcased as the wife of former New Orleans Mayor Morial. She bears her soul in this heartwarming biography that reveals upper middle class black life in the early 1900's and beyond...her family life intertwined with a cloud of mystery regarding her birth mother.
On the flipside, I am shocked that her birth mother is so calculating and refuses to establish a relation. Obviously, the mother is dealing with her own internal issues that will probably never be truly addressed.
I watch Michelle almost every Saturday morning on CBS to catch up on the latest news, new book releases, culinary arts, etc. I see her in a different light now, a positive light that continues to shine through adversity of her maternal lineage.
Good Read!
On the flipside, I am shocked that her birth mother is so calculating and refuses to establish a relation. Obviously, the mother is dealing with her own internal issues that will probably never be truly addressed.
I watch Michelle almost every Saturday morning on CBS to catch up on the latest news, new book releases, culinary arts, etc. I see her in a different light now, a positive light that continues to shine through adversity of her maternal lineage.
Good Read!
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