Becoming by Michelle Obama





Let me start by saying that I am a sucker for biographies, whether its books or movies. An autobiography is then on a higher pedestal. So that’s the reason why I picked up this book, and I expected it to make for a good read and it did.  

The book turned out to be a page-turner for me, esp. the part before Barack Obama became the President. The whole process of going through Michelle’s life is a story of highs. An African American girl from a blue collared family, making it to best public school, Princeton and then to Harvard. It’s the stuff of dreams.

From Michelle’s childhood, my favorite character was her mom. I felt both Michelle and her elder brother, drew a lot from her sense of grounding, calm and a clear sense of priority. That could be one of the biggest reasons why she wanted her mother to be there, in the white house with them. It would have definitely helped with providing the same sense of grounding for her kids, Malia and Saasha.

At Princeton, she talks about feeling slightly uncomfortable in a predominantly white school. Reading it, I was reminded of a quote, “We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope”. Post Princeton, she doesn’t talk much about her Harvard experience. But then, she back in Chicago, working in A big Law firm, living upstairs from her parents, meeting Barack. It made for a good story.  

Michelle’s and Barack’s is a love based on equality, respect and also, Michelle being in awe of Barack. The entire story about how Barack is so self-assured, whereas I am still thinking about what to do in life, seemed a bit defensive to me. I am not saying that wasn’t the case, but it's her Biography, she could have underplayed the “Barack is great card”.

I enjoyed reading about her career, the move from for private law firm to not for profit to the public sector. Small motherhood nuggets that came in the form of IVF, eating lunch in the car, selecting the right cap for her daughters for the victory night was very enjoyable for me.    

Overall, a very striking and uplifting story. I will say, must read.  

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