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Becoming

Michelle Obama

Start date: February 1, 2019

Finish date: February 28, 2019

Discussion: Group Books of the Month (BotM)

Why we're reading this: Chosen by our members as our February 2019 group BotM read.
[close] Chosen by our members as our February 2019 group BotM read.

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What Members Thought

Feb 22, 2019 Kenny rated it it was amazing

Shelves: black-authors, american-history, people, audio

“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.”
Michelle Obama, Becoming

Please pardon my gushing in this review. I love Barack and Michelle Obama. I think he the greatest president of my lifetime, and her the greatest first lady of my lifetime. I think they are both amazing.

Michelle Obama’s Becoming tells the extraordinary ascent of Oba ...more

134 likes · Like · see review

Dec 16, 2018 Mekerei rated it really liked it

Everyone has a story, I enjoyed "Becoming" and listening to Michelle's story read by herself.

She's lead an interesting life, a life worth hearing about. I love the way she has let us into parts of her life, given us an insight into the highs, lows, exciting and scary things.

I especially like that she still believes in the system (the good and bad), and how we need to the power we have to create a fair and humane world.

Three and a half stars.
...more

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Jun 05, 2020 Gregory Williams rated it it was amazing

Shelves: memoir, african-american

It's so refreshing to read such an honest, personal and authentic memoir involving politics. These days, so many seem to be about posturing, striving, image-making. This one is just honest. And its message is one of hope and possibility of what a person can become. It also reminds me of how far our country has fallen in four years - from one of honest aspiration to one of chaos, manipulation and narcissistic nonsense.

But it's not about that - it's about the story of her and Barack and how thing ...more

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Sep 21, 2020 Abbyb1 rated it it was amazing

Her voice is soothing, her manner is amiable and she inspires hope at a time that frankly feels bleak and daunting. It took me a long while to read this book - partly because I was exhausted of living amidst the ruins of her husband's scandal-free administration and in part because I was just lazy and detached from the hope and desire for a very different world.

There are many reasons why this book should be read...but the Epilogue itself is beautiful and it reminds us that we all deserve so much ...more

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Oct 30, 2019 J. Else rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audible

Its more than just about the White House. Its about being a woman and a mother and a political figure. Its a heartfelt and honest journey about overcoming the odds and spreading kindness into the world. Very enjoyable especially being read by the First Lady herself. The only reason it took so long was because I only listened during bus rides to work. Recommended!

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Jun 29, 2021 Red The Book Nerd rated it it was amazing

There's this thing I hate to do. I HATE to cry. This woman made me cry...
Such a good read. First time I've read a non-fiction, autobiography set in a time in which I lived. Some of the events were hard to relive (especially the Cheeto Hitler era beginning).
I'm thankful for this book and have a new appreciation for her perspective and experiences. ...more

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