Becoming by Michelle Obama | Book Escapade
Rating : 4.5/5
Date of publication : 13th November, 2018
I “Became” aware of the strong fan base of Michelle Obama in my household once Becoming came home. Technically bought as an anniversary present for me, I just got a few glimpses of the book as my husband initially hogged most of the time with this book. Once he was done, my mother-in-law and I somehow managed to work out a complicated schedule between us so that we both could read it at the same time. What surprised me most was my mother’s reaction when I mentioned that I was plucking a few flowers from her garden to photograph the book to tag Michelle Obama. The one who is usually so grumpy about people plucking even a single flower from her garden, voluntarily offered me the best flower in bloom! Anything for Michelle!
Barack and Michelle Obama rewrote history when they became the first black President and First Lady of the United States. Michelle stole many hearts for showing the world what a truly modern woman is. She was more than just eye candy who stood beside her husband as a tribute to his masculinity; but an educated, confident, smart and honest working woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. If anyone could take the archaic role of the First Lady and make it look purposeful and powerful, it was Michelle. Her life in the White House is a lesson in dignity while facing extreme criticisms. Beyond the glitz and glamour of life as the First lady, she was able to raise two confident daughters under severe public scrutiny.
“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.”
Becoming is a candid and honest portrayal of the life of Michelle Obama. The book, divided into three parts, showcases the three phases of Michelle’s life – the first details her childhood with her family in the South-side of Chicago, the second showcases her life with Barack Obama and the third chronicles her experiences as the First Lady. The book shows us that beneath all the decorations Michelle is still a South side girl born to hardworking parents who instilled in her the values with which she leads her life even as the most powerful woman in The United States. The endearing aspect of the memoir is that it portrays Michelle as a normal human being with everyday struggles and uncertainties. As a perpetual thinker of “Am I good enough?” or “Can I do this?” it was surprising and inspiring at the same time to read that my idol, Michelle Obama, also struggles with questions of self-doubt.
PC : Mark Wilson/Getty Images
The memoir also discusses about infertility and its emotional and physical strain on couples, which I personally felt was not highlighted sufficiently. Also, rather than sending out a message that women can have it all, she expressed her solidarity with thousands of working women as she painted a realistic portrayal of her personal life with its share of frustrations and loneliness with a travelling spouse and two small kids to care for.
Becoming is narrated in a very friendly voice peppered with various personal anecdotes that are both emotional and inspiring as well as some that are hilarious. The personal anecdotes elevated the book to a whole new level as it made the readers feel closer to Michelle Obama. Although the book is narrated at a slow pace, it keeps our interest alive as we see many of the events that happened from the perspective of the Obama family. Above all, the book is written with great dignity and Michelle remains completely apolitical in a book that has politics as one of the key element.
Overall, I would recommend every women to read this book just to understand that they are not alone in their struggles, be it personal or professional. Not just women, anyone who wants to know more about Michelle Obama should definitely read this memoir.
