Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is more than the first lady. She is an inspiration to women. She is intelligent, educated and passionate.

Becoming is a compelling and insightful read. Michelle Obama comes from humble beginnings and through preservation, hard work and using education as a tool she made her own way. She was born into a lower-middle class family and had many challenges growing up. Her determination and hard work got her into Princeton, Harvard Law and then a prestigious law firm in Chicago, where she met Barack.

Michelle's honesty is eye-opening regarding her feelings about Barrack going into politics and running for President. She struggled with his political ambition and the cost (not just financially) of being the spouse of the person running for President. It's a long, difficult, emotionally exhausting journey.

Michelle Obama discuses her time at the White House and  her work as First Lady. She's clever and an inspiration to all women (even those who can't seem to get past her being a Democrat).
She is also humble. She broke many barriers in which she was the first black woman to achieve something and is matter of fact about it. There is no bragging, she minimize her accomplishments.

Becoming gives you an insight into the person and not the political figure or public figure. I learned a lot about the Obamas as individuals and their drive to better others, their community and the US. There is no bashing of Republican Party.

Becoming focuses on her life with Barrack, campaigning, life in the White House and the fight for gun control, healthcare and improving public schools.

I knew very little about Michelle until I read her this memoir. She is hard working, funny, an overachiever and someone I could easily found myself being friends with. This is a book I will keep in my collection and reread in the future.