Book cover of Becoming

Book description

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir; 17 million copies sold worldwide

THE NO. 1 BESTSELLER

BRITISH BOOK AWARDS, NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR

THE SUNDAY TIMES, MEMOIR OF THE YEAR

BOOKS OF THE YEAR: THE TIMES, OBSERVER, GUARDIAN, EVENING STANDARD

Now in paperback featuring a new introduction by Michelle Obama,…

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Why read it?

9 authors picked Becoming as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a readable and insightful memoir.

Michelle described her personal success and failures with honesty and engaging prose. This memoir is somehow similar to my life story. I have invited readers into my own world and talked about the experiences that have shaped my life: from my childhood in Motel Qu and Kelardasht to my student life and my several years of living in Tehran and eventually traveling to the United States as a health science scholar.

This is a deeply personal story that shows everyone can overcome the limitations and constraints of fate with effort and determination, and…

I loved reading this for so many reasons. Michelle Obama inspires me as the former First Lady, and I’m deeply inspired by the work that she does for children. I, too, was a young girl dancing in my bedroom to “Move Your Body” by Beyoncé for Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” Initiative. So as an adult, when I read Michelle Obama’s memoir, I was empowered by her story and her recount of her childhood, growing up on the Southside of Chicago with her brother and her parents.

I loved the details she shared about the lessons that her parents taught her,…

I absolutely love this book. Michelle Obama’s story is all about how we are constantly evolving, always “becoming” someone new. She dives deep into lessons about where you come from and how that shapes who you become, especially in how we educate our kids.

It’s powerful to see her journey through different phases of life and how she keeps growing. This book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a powerful reminder that we are always in the process of becoming our true selves.

From Dr.'s list on pushing you into badassery.

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Book cover of Children of Change: A Memoir

Children of Change by Carole Kelly,

This is a personal story of Carole and her rise from the ashes of tragedy as a fourteen year old, to success in many areas of her life. Carole graphically depicts the story of how success is the result of a passion and determination that comes from deep inside

While…

I had the honor of getting to know Michelle Obama when I worked in the White House, and she–along with her book–is every bit as dazzling and inspiring as you’d expect.

In the book, as in life, she insists on being authentically who she is - despite the string of “firsts” in her life, including being the country’s first African American First Lady, there is no pretension to her. Only honesty. This is a rare and wonderful book by a rare and wonderful human and a great source of inspiration.

From Cecilia's list on inspirational books for women color.

As someone deeply invested in themes of self-discovery and finding inner strength, Michelle Obama's book resonated profoundly with me. Through her candid storytelling, she takes readers on a journey of personal growth, navigating the complexities of identity, purpose, and resilience.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is her unwavering commitment to authenticity, which inspired how I wanted my own memoir to be seen. She fearlessly confronts the challenges and triumphs that shaped her journey, offering invaluable insights into the power of self-reflection and self-empowerment.

Michelle Obama's narrative highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability as a catalyst for…

From Wakisha's list on discovering a path to a better you.

I’ve done extensive writing about the Holistic Wealth mindset that I developed, and about women who embody this mindset including Michelle Obama.

Her story of becoming the first African American first lady on the life experiences that shaped her journey from the south side of Chicago to the White House. Michelle titled her book Becoming because she is constantly evolving, “becoming” the woman she aspires to be, which is part and parcel of the Holistic Wealth mindset.

It’s a great book on resilience and overcoming setbacks. Michelle stated in an interview with Oprah Winfrey: “My journey is the journey of…

From Keisha's list on resilience and overcoming setbacks.

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Book cover of Malcolm Before X

Malcolm Before X by Patrick Parr,

Malcolm Before X is about finding a way to continue moving forward after everything has been taken from you. While in prison, Malcolm Little discovered the power of reading and found a way to transform his character and become a better man. This half-biography focuses on that transformation, especially his…

I grew up in Washington, DC with a front row view of politics. As a child and adult, I went to the East and West Wings of the White House many times as a personal guest of the people who lived and worked there. However, Michelle Obama’s book was the first time I understood what it truly feels like to live in the White House and to be the most powerful, most scrutinized “trailing spouse” ever. As I read her words, I felt like I knew her – a brilliant, grounded businesswoman, wife, and mother with an unexpected and extraordinary…

From Leslie's list on to make you love being a woman.

What is not to like about Michelle Obama? She is honest and forthright about her joys and struggles. This girl from the South Side of Chicago navigated a world that wasn’t always easy and went on to achieve some of the highest honors and opportunities. She is an inspiration.

In this intimate memoir of a future first lady of the United States, we learn how the author’s father modeled hard work while her mother taught her to stand up for herself. From her older brother, with whom she shared a bedroom, divided by a hanging bedsheet, Obama learned to exhibit poise and grace when faced with the dizzying contradictions of success.

From Vivian's list on Black family life in America.

If you love Becoming...

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Book cover of Children of Change: A Memoir

Children of Change by Carole Kelly,

This is a personal story of Carole and her rise from the ashes of tragedy as a fourteen year old, to success in many areas of her life. Carole graphically depicts the story of how success is the result of a passion and determination that comes from deep inside

While…

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