LIFE Michelle Obama: A Portrait of the First Lady

by LIFE

Before the historic presidential election of 2008, LIFE Books published a best-selling volume entitled The American Journey of Barack Obama. In researching that book, the editors came to be deeply impressed not only by the exotic story of the candidate himself but also by the life and personality of the woman who would, if Obama were to prevail, enter the White House at his side. Michelle Robinson, the daughter of a Chicago municipal worker-and, in fact, a woman with slavery represented in her family tree-had risen to be educated in the Ivy League and was already embarked upon a successful legal career back in theWindy City before she ever met Barack Obama.Once she did, these two bright, charismatic young people influenced each other and rose together in Chicago politics. The rest, as they say, is history.

As the nation came to know Michelle Obama, the nation fell for her-and for Malia and Sasha as well (plus now, of course, Bo). The same has happened on the world stage, where it has been observed that Michelle, with her vivacity and sense of style, has sometimes eclipsed her husband in the way that Jackie Kennedy outshone JFK back in the early 1960s.

Meantime, Michelle has been out and about in Washington, working at the food bank, tending the garden, shepherding the kids. That, too, is part of the story-and all of it is here, in words and vibrant pictures, in LIFE's Michelle A Portrait of the First Lady . This is Michelle's story, from her girlhood to her current crucial role. It is not the story of the President's wife. It is the complete, illustrated biography of one of the most intriguing and captivating women in America.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Life was an American magazine published weekly from 1883 to 1972, as an intermittent "special" until 1978, and as a monthly from 1978 until 2000. During its golden age from 1936 to 1972, Life was a wide-ranging weekly general interest magazine known for the quality of its photography.

Reviews

[Miri Gifford · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing in this book is garbage. Sounds like an adult trying to appeal to teenagers with humor, and we know how well that always works. (When the Council of Fashion Designers of America announced that they were giving her an award for fashion, "the news could have been filed under: Duh." Really? Is this how we write books for grownups?)

Besides that, the thing that stuck out to me most was the business about fist-bumping that happened during the 2008 campaign (which I'd never heard about until now)... And all I can say is that I don't think I've ever seen something else that makes the GOP look quite so much like the party of Grouchy Old People. They were concerned that it was "a terrorist fist jab"? Really?? That's not the cool grandpa with all the war stories or even the loveable one with the black argyle socks and linen shorts; that's the bitter and slightly deranged old man who sits on his front porch waving a shotgun and bellowing at children who pass on their way home from school.

[Krystal Esmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never before had a role model or a true inspiration until Michelle Obama hit the scene running. Her intelligence, her poise, her ability to remain graceful under fire, her healthy habits, her great sense of fashion, her skin color---I just LOVE her!
I really enjoyed the beautiful pictures in this book along with the anecdotes and tid bits about her life. I would definitely recommend this book to Michelle Obama fans. Some of my favorite photographs from the book were page 97, 137, & 144.
Great book!

[Tamara Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful combination of biography and photos highlighting Michelle Obama and the Obama family. I really liked that the book had candid shots of the Obama family as well as rare never before seen photos from Michelle's childhood including her prom picture. It was an enjoyable and inspiring read which shows readers that by being driven and persistent, anyone can achieve their goals.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful photos in this book, which also gives some biographical information about the first lady, her past and her present. I visit a nursing home resident who invariably smiles very broadly when I bring in newspaper, magazine, or book photos of Mrs. Obama; I'm looking forward to sharing this one with her.

[Anita Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome portrait in pictures...