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Becoming: The Sunday Times Number One Bestseller Hardcover – 14 November 2018
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Michelle Obama
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Michelle Obama
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Product details
- Publisher : Viking; 1st edition (14 November 2018)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 448 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0241334144
- ISBN-13 : 978-0241334140
- Dimensions : 16.2 x 4 x 24 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Product description
Review
An inspirational memoir that also rings true -- Gaby Wood ― Daily Telegraph, Five Stars
Obama's memoir is a genuine page-turner, full of intimacies and reflections. . . Allied to this candour is a steeliness of purpose. It is no exaggeration to say that every page of this book is, explicitly or otherwise, a reproach to Donald Trump, and a call-to-arms to those who would defeat the 45th President and all that he stands for -- Matt D'Ancona ― Evening Standard
This is a rich, entertaining and candid memoir. And overall she's a fun person to sit alongside as she tells you the story of her life, warts and all. . . it is as beautifully written as any piece of fiction, with a similar warm languid tone to Ann Patchett's novel Commonwealth -- Viv Groskop ― i, Five Stars
This revealing memoir offers new insights into her upbringing on the south side of Chicago and the highs and lows of life with Barack Obama. . . Becoming is a 400-page expansion of this essential doctrine ['when they go low, we go high'], without compromising a refreshing level of honesty about what politics really did to her. I have read Barack Obama's two books so far, and this is like inserting a missing piece of reality into the narrative of his dizzying journey -- Afua Hirsch ― Guardian
I found myself lifting my jaw from my chest at the end of every other chapter, not because of any seedy insight into stories I'd always wondered about, but because, armed as I was with knowledge about her career, her mannerisms, and even her elbow-heavy dancing, this was not the Obama I thought I knew. She was more -- Kuba Shand-Baptiste ― Independent
Inspiring. . . After 421 pages of Becoming, I closed the book hoping that one day she would use her formidable intelligence, humanity - and humour - to offer a more tangible vision for how America might fight the rising tides of polarisation and hate ― Financial Times
Open and engaging. . . Obama writes with candour about the good times and bad ― Daily Express
Of course, Becoming is Michelle Obama's story, of how she moved from a girl on the South Side of Chicago to becoming one of the most powerful women in the world. But in the final pages of the book, Obama writes, "It's all a process, steps along a path. Becoming requires equal parts patience and rigor." Here, Obama is pushing us to reckon with our own becomings - to realise our own story and to have the power to tell it ― The Pool
She's a woman we've all fallen in love with because she radiates joy and wisdom, and Becoming encapsulate this perfectly. It's also deeply honest - reading it makes you feel as though she's your close friend opening up to you ― Red Online
Obama writes with a refreshing candor ― The Atlantic
Obama's memoir is a genuine page-turner, full of intimacies and reflections. . . Allied to this candour is a steeliness of purpose. It is no exaggeration to say that every page of this book is, explicitly or otherwise, a reproach to Donald Trump, and a call-to-arms to those who would defeat the 45th President and all that he stands for -- Matt D'Ancona ― Evening Standard
This is a rich, entertaining and candid memoir. And overall she's a fun person to sit alongside as she tells you the story of her life, warts and all. . . it is as beautifully written as any piece of fiction, with a similar warm languid tone to Ann Patchett's novel Commonwealth -- Viv Groskop ― i, Five Stars
This revealing memoir offers new insights into her upbringing on the south side of Chicago and the highs and lows of life with Barack Obama. . . Becoming is a 400-page expansion of this essential doctrine ['when they go low, we go high'], without compromising a refreshing level of honesty about what politics really did to her. I have read Barack Obama's two books so far, and this is like inserting a missing piece of reality into the narrative of his dizzying journey -- Afua Hirsch ― Guardian
I found myself lifting my jaw from my chest at the end of every other chapter, not because of any seedy insight into stories I'd always wondered about, but because, armed as I was with knowledge about her career, her mannerisms, and even her elbow-heavy dancing, this was not the Obama I thought I knew. She was more -- Kuba Shand-Baptiste ― Independent
Inspiring. . . After 421 pages of Becoming, I closed the book hoping that one day she would use her formidable intelligence, humanity - and humour - to offer a more tangible vision for how America might fight the rising tides of polarisation and hate ― Financial Times
Open and engaging. . . Obama writes with candour about the good times and bad ― Daily Express
Of course, Becoming is Michelle Obama's story, of how she moved from a girl on the South Side of Chicago to becoming one of the most powerful women in the world. But in the final pages of the book, Obama writes, "It's all a process, steps along a path. Becoming requires equal parts patience and rigor." Here, Obama is pushing us to reckon with our own becomings - to realise our own story and to have the power to tell it ― The Pool
She's a woman we've all fallen in love with because she radiates joy and wisdom, and Becoming encapsulate this perfectly. It's also deeply honest - reading it makes you feel as though she's your close friend opening up to you ― Red Online
Obama writes with a refreshing candor ― The Atlantic
Book Description
An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir from the First Lady of the United States
About the Author
Michelle Robinson Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Mrs. Obama started her career as an attorney at the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin, where she met her future husband, Barack Obama. She later worked in the Chicago mayor's office, at the University of Chicago, and at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Mrs. Obama also founded the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an organization that prepares young people for careers in public service. The Obamas currently live in Washington, D.C., and have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.
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Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
96,931 global ratings
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Reviewed in Australia on 18 November 2018
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I bought the book on the first day it was published.I never expected it would be Ubputdownloadable as it is. I finished it in 3 days. It is refreshing, honest, well written and wise.
14 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 1 April 2019
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This was the first autobiography I’ve ever read, so I don’t know how to compare it to others, but I LOVED it. Every single word, on every single page. And that from someone who tends to skim through the boring bits in many books.
Living in Australia I saw the Obama’s in the news, of course, but I hadn’t followed them all that closely. I hadn’t felt a need to—after all, they were doing a great job. They were a highly respected first family, doing America proud. I saw the important bits, the bits that Australian media felt worthy of a spot on the evening news, but not a lot more. And although I listened to Barack’s 3 hour speech at the Nelson Mandela centenary celebration, I didn’t know all that much about Michelle even at that stage.
But in reading her book, I feel like I’ve come to know her. I learned so much about what a wonderful human being she is ... the hard work and perseverance that got her into Princeton, the long hours she spent as a lawyer trying to prove and better herself, and then, when she’d made it to the top, her constant efforts to make the world a better place ... for her own daughters as well as everyone else’s.
There was even one point, towards the end of the book, when I read about how she’d done Carpool Karaoke, and why. So of course I went to YouTube and watched it right away, and it made the whole experience so much more personal... almost like I was right there in the car with her.
Anyway, I loved the book, and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read about her life, her background, small snippets of what it was like living in the White House, and her hopes for the future. She’s an inspiring woman, and she makes me feel both proud and hopeful.
Living in Australia I saw the Obama’s in the news, of course, but I hadn’t followed them all that closely. I hadn’t felt a need to—after all, they were doing a great job. They were a highly respected first family, doing America proud. I saw the important bits, the bits that Australian media felt worthy of a spot on the evening news, but not a lot more. And although I listened to Barack’s 3 hour speech at the Nelson Mandela centenary celebration, I didn’t know all that much about Michelle even at that stage.
But in reading her book, I feel like I’ve come to know her. I learned so much about what a wonderful human being she is ... the hard work and perseverance that got her into Princeton, the long hours she spent as a lawyer trying to prove and better herself, and then, when she’d made it to the top, her constant efforts to make the world a better place ... for her own daughters as well as everyone else’s.
There was even one point, towards the end of the book, when I read about how she’d done Carpool Karaoke, and why. So of course I went to YouTube and watched it right away, and it made the whole experience so much more personal... almost like I was right there in the car with her.
Anyway, I loved the book, and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read about her life, her background, small snippets of what it was like living in the White House, and her hopes for the future. She’s an inspiring woman, and she makes me feel both proud and hopeful.
7 people found this helpful
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I am left stunned, excited and shocked by the many revelations this book has given me. Most of all though I cherish the obvious truth of the writing and appreciated the thoughts of Michelle behind some of the momentous events of her eight years in the White House. Her writings though start with her early life and the inspirations she sought from her piers and family. Her story is an amazing example of courage and determination to loosen the shackles of her heritage, engage it and drive herself forward to become America’s First Lady. It was interesting as well to learn about her efforts during the Obama years to be a First Lady that used the position to champion causes that to this day resonate with so many. As an international reader outside of the US, I learned a great deal about the nature of politics in the US from the standpoint of someone who lived inside that bubble and was able to extricate herself and her family with dignity and positive future resolve. As a portrait photographer I could but dream of having her as a subject before my camera. I can but dream.
8 people found this helpful
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Well written, genuine and insightful. An insight into the American pyche and hopes. Interesting to note, what from the outside seems the usual American self absorption, imagining the US President to be leader of the free world, by this otherwise insightful woman. I wonder if she feels Trump is the leader of the free world? Forgivable given her devotion to her husband though.
Also noted, the usual American sense of outrage at the gun deaths in the US but the apparent inability to note how aberrant this is relative to other so-called developed countries, and to use this in argument. US public figures shy from comparing their country unfavorably to others, even when logical.
Good luck to good people like her and her husband who hold hope for change in what seems from the outside to be a irredemiably failed social experiment.
Also noted, the usual American sense of outrage at the gun deaths in the US but the apparent inability to note how aberrant this is relative to other so-called developed countries, and to use this in argument. US public figures shy from comparing their country unfavorably to others, even when logical.
Good luck to good people like her and her husband who hold hope for change in what seems from the outside to be a irredemiably failed social experiment.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 31 December 2018
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Thank you Michelle for being you. Becoming, progressing and learning with an open loving , generous and kind heart. You have affected the lives of millions and are a quite wonderful role model. May you and all your family continue to lead a happy, adventurous and fulfilling life. Marian Caldwell in Melbourne, Australia.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 22 November 2018
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I loved learning about Michelles childhood and the path she took. Im Australian and therefore not part of the political process of the USA. We had great respect for the Obamas in my country and I will always remember the dignity of the Obama administration.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 30 December 2018
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As a keen follower of US politics, I have always held Michelle Obama in the highest regard. An inspired, earnest and approachable person, she is arguably the brightest as well as the most charismatic and influential amongst her peer First Ladies. I was very eager to dive into her memoir so I set undivided time to read it through over a couple of days. Whilst reading the first two parts I thought the story would lend itself beautifully to a film script, the third part - the part that revolves around her tenure as First Lady - felt just like a more impersonal account that read like a chronicle and left me wanting more. This latter section felt at times superficial and did not deliver the same emotional impact as the preceding parts did. I guess that this gear shift may have been a conscious editorial choice driven by the current political context, as she appeared to have tried to keep it as neutral as possible. Besides a few heart-warming anecdotes and a number of tragedies such as the shoot out at Sandy Hook (whose accounts by the point of view of the personal impact felt cut short), there wasn’t much insight of what thoughts kept evolving in the years of the presidency and becoming who she is today. Instead, the choice was to have a legacy-laden detailed account of the remarkable accomplishments of all the policies that both President Obama and she championed replacing what could have been some more private reflections to follow on those laid out in the first two parts of the book. I could not give it 4 1/2 stars due to Amazon’s rating system but despite my thoughts on the third part, I do recommend this book highly.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Mountain-man
1.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed
Reviewed in the United States on 14 December 2018Verified Purchase
Slow and boring and self boasting.
4,674 people found this helpful
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Brenda Nelson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read!!
Reviewed in the United States on 14 November 2018Verified Purchase
I read a lot of negative reviews, but I don’t understand why. I enjoyed reading her story from her perspective. Some parts made me sad; however, I’ll always view Michelle Obama as a role model.
2,024 people found this helpful
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Slipknot
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 November 2018Verified Purchase
I thought I couldn't love this family more, but after reading this beautiful, moving story, I know that I and millions of others were so right to have faith in these genuinely good people. I am glad that Michelle gets to have her Barack back again, but oh, how very much they are missed - especially in contrast to what came after...
176 people found this helpful
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LiamKincaid
1.0 out of 5 stars
The Case for the Defense - Part 1
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 February 2019Verified Purchase
Michelle and her husband accomplished and overcame a lot, even before they became the First Family. I think Obama's 2008 candidacy had a lot of energy and purpose. However, after he was in office, a lot of that energy dissipated and he failed to sufficiently differentiate himself from policies left down by his predecessors in many areas. What is good about Michelle's book is most of it does not focus on each and every cranny of every year in the Presidency. Most of it is her earlier life and events. The big events in the Presidency occupy very little space. I give this book one star because of the ending. Michelle clearly is very devoted and defensive of her husband and his achievements.
As much as we may not like it or agree with it, political office holders normally pave the way for their successors (whether they intend to or not). Obama's choices paved the way for Trump to campaign and to win the Presidency, much like G W Bush's choices paved the way for Obama. Michelle is content to not interpret the results, but bash some of the electorate for not voting for a woman and for voting for someone she describes in insults. For a family that is normally revered for deep analysis of complicated issues, Michelle's writing style and choice of words on this was very disappointing and in my opinion, narrow-minded. Michelle comes across as believing America was best and meaningful when her husband was it's President. She has a hard time seeming to come to terms with the fact that people might make different choices or that she and her husband will have to leave behind the mantle of being responsible for the nation, in their respective areas.
It was a disappointing and short handed book in my mind. Fans of the Obama's will find much to enjoy, I am sure. But those who enjoy deep analysis of history, will be disappointed. I hope that Barrack's book will be more insightful and deeper (The Case for the Defense - Part 2).
As much as we may not like it or agree with it, political office holders normally pave the way for their successors (whether they intend to or not). Obama's choices paved the way for Trump to campaign and to win the Presidency, much like G W Bush's choices paved the way for Obama. Michelle is content to not interpret the results, but bash some of the electorate for not voting for a woman and for voting for someone she describes in insults. For a family that is normally revered for deep analysis of complicated issues, Michelle's writing style and choice of words on this was very disappointing and in my opinion, narrow-minded. Michelle comes across as believing America was best and meaningful when her husband was it's President. She has a hard time seeming to come to terms with the fact that people might make different choices or that she and her husband will have to leave behind the mantle of being responsible for the nation, in their respective areas.
It was a disappointing and short handed book in my mind. Fans of the Obama's will find much to enjoy, I am sure. But those who enjoy deep analysis of history, will be disappointed. I hope that Barrack's book will be more insightful and deeper (The Case for the Defense - Part 2).
154 people found this helpful
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absg
3.0 out of 5 stars
Tedious to read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 May 2020Verified Purchase
Of course, many people want to know about Michelle Obama. However, I was disappointed by this book. She writes so much about her ambition, she really got on my nerves with that. All the details where and with whom she worked on what, it was really tedious, I must say. There are many interesting bits about her private life, too. I loved reading about her childhood.
But it's not my favourite book. When I had finished it I was glad to get rid of it and pass it on to a friend.
But it's not my favourite book. When I had finished it I was glad to get rid of it and pass it on to a friend.
85 people found this helpful
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