Today's Read Contributor Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming, is a profound and transformative reflection on the life of the former First Lady of the United States. Since its release in 2018, Becoming has resonated deeply with readers worldwide, selling millions of copies and sparking conversations on topics ranging from race and identity to ambition and resilience. Through this candid, empowering account, Obama opens up about her personal journey from growing up in Chicago’s South Side to becoming one of the most influential women in the world.
As a public figure, Michelle Obama’s every move has been scrutinized, and in Becoming, she offers an intimate and vulnerable portrayal of her life that few could have anticipated. This memoir is not only an exploration of her time in the White House but also a reflection on her early years, her challenges as an African American woman in predominantly white spaces, and her journey to find her voice in both her personal and professional life.
A Deep Dive Into Michelle Obama’s Early Life
At the heart of Becoming lies Michelle Obama’s personal history, which is a tale of resilience, perseverance, and determination. Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Obama reflects on the challenges of growing up in a working-class family in an environment that often felt limiting. Yet, she learned early on the importance of striving for excellence. She writes movingly about the sacrifices her parents made and the values they instilled in her — values that would propel her toward academic achievement and success, despite the numerous barriers that stood in her way.
In Becoming, Obama speaks frankly about her experiences navigating educational systems and social spaces that were often not designed for people like her. As a young African American woman attending Princeton University and later Harvard Law School, Obama writes about the isolation and the struggle of constantly feeling like she had to prove herself. But instead of letting these challenges deter her, she used them as fuel, embracing her ambition and carving out space in environments where she was often one of the few people of color.
This early part of her life is critical to understanding the woman Obama would later become. Her reflection on growing up in a working-class, Black family — a background that may not have fit into the narratives of elite institutions — serves as a poignant reminder of the barriers that continue to exist for underrepresented communities in education and the workplace. But through grit, determination, and the support of her family, she was able to break down those barriers, pushing herself toward success.
The Journey to Public Life and the White House
While Michelle Obama’s memoir details her childhood and early adulthood, it is her time in the White House that forms the crux of the narrative. Becoming paints a vivid picture of what it was like to be First Lady of the United States, a role that Obama neither sought nor expected, but one that she embraced with grace and purpose. Her account of entering the White House, navigating her new role, and balancing her public duties with the realities of her personal life is one of the most powerful aspects of her memoir.
She is refreshingly candid about the difficulties of being thrust into the spotlight. Living under constant public scrutiny — from her fashion choices to her every public appearance — was a challenging experience. Obama writes about how she had to find a way to maintain her identity while also being constantly mindful of the expectations placed on her as the First Lady of a nation. The pressure to conform to public perceptions was immense, and yet she managed to remain true to herself while advocating for causes close to her heart.
One of the key aspects of her time in the White House that Obama emphasizes is her commitment to advocacy, particularly in the areas of education and military family support. She launched the Let’s Move! initiative to combat childhood obesity and worked tirelessly on efforts to improve nutrition in schools. Additionally, her Reach Higher initiative focused on inspiring young people to pursue higher education, emphasizing the importance of attending college and vocational schools. Throughout her memoir, it is evident that Obama used her platform not just to support her husband’s administration but to actively work toward creating lasting change, especially for young people and underserved communities.
A Look at Family Life and the Role of a Mother
Another integral part of Becoming is the way Obama shares the nuances of family life while in the White House. Being a mother to daughters Malia and Sasha in such a high-profile environment came with its own set of challenges. Michelle opens up about her struggle to balance being a mom with her public life. The stress of trying to provide a semblance of normalcy for her children while living in an extraordinary and often tumultuous public arena was significant. She reflects on the challenges of keeping her children grounded, even while they lived in the center of political power.
Her portrayal of Barack Obama is equally intimate and revealing. Obama shares the highs and lows of their relationship, from their early days of dating to their life together in the White House. Her reflections on their partnership — as equal collaborators, as parents, and as political figures — offer a nuanced view of their bond. Through her narrative, Michelle Obama gives readers a glimpse into their shared commitment to public service, the importance of communication in their relationship, and the sacrifices they made as a family to navigate their extraordinary lives.
The Struggles of Being the First Lady
While Michelle Obama’s memoir is full of inspiring anecdotes, it also offers a sobering look at the harsh realities of being the First Lady. Living in the public eye came with intense scrutiny and often disproportionate criticism, especially regarding her appearance, her initiatives, and her very identity. Obama candidly discusses the racial undertones of much of the criticism she faced, such as the “angry Black woman” stereotype, which was often unfairly applied to her. The memoir brings attention to the ways in which race, gender, and public perception intersect, and how she had to contend with societal expectations placed on her not just as a woman, but as a Black woman in the White House.
Obama’s reflections on these struggles are important not only for understanding her personal journey but also for understanding the broader societal issues that persist in American politics and culture. Becoming serves as a powerful reminder of the double standards often placed on women and people of color, especially those in the public eye.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Inspiration
Above all, Becoming is a story of empowerment. Michelle Obama’s memoir is a beacon for anyone who has ever faced doubt, adversity, or barriers based on their race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Her journey proves that with perseverance, a belief in oneself, and a supportive community, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Whether recounting her childhood dreams, her academic challenges, or her political career, Obama’s story is ultimately one of hope and self-discovery.
In writing Becoming, Michelle Obama not only shares the remarkable details of her life but also creates a platform for others to reflect on their own potential. The memoir serves as a source of inspiration for individuals, especially young people, around the world who are navigating their own struggles and striving to make a difference in their communities.
Through Becoming, Michelle Obama has given readers a rare and unfiltered look at her life — not as a First Lady or a political figure, but as a woman who is still evolving, still becoming. This honest and empowering memoir stands as a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and determination, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to find their voice and make an impact in the world.
