Few books captured the world’s attention in 2018 like Michelle Obama’s Becoming. It sold more than two million copies in all formats in North America in its first 15 days since publication. The autobiographical memoir outlines various themes from her roots, how she found her voice, her time in the White House, her public health campaign, and her role as a mother.
The first sections of the book deal with Michelle’s childhood struggles such as dashed dreams and her father’s ill health while living in Chicago’s South Side.
Becoming lets us into parts of Michelle’s life that until now remained shielded from the public. She reveals her battle with infertility which drove her and her husband to IVF. Another revelation is the rocky patches of their marriage which they navigated successfully by involving a counsellor. Michelle shows women that it’s okay to not be okay. Many women bear the burden of having to maintain a ‘perfect’ image yet they’re struggling within.
The book also offers a glimpse into the Obamas’ love story- how they met, connected and maintaining the spark during the hectic 2008 Presidential Election campaigns. Michelle describes themselves as a “yin-and-yang duo”. She likes to look at the big picture while Barak works in the moment in an almost zig-zag manner. She takes time seriously while her husband operates on island time true to his Hawaiian roots.
Looking for a book to start off your 2019 on the right note? Becoming will have you glued with every page. It will also inspire you to live your best life in every season as you’re becoming the person you were meant to be. Grab a copy from Amazon or your nearest bookshop.
