3 Reasons ‘Becoming’ Could Be Your Next Inspirational Read

Welcome back for another book review 🙂

‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama is a fantastic read- and also a fantastic watch if you have access to Netflix.

I first watched the documentary with my Mum, and when she bought me the book I got a chance to understand Michelle’s story in a lot more detail.

‘Becoming’ is an inspirational, interesting and honest read. Michelle discusses her search to find out what she wants to do in life, the kind of person she wants to be, and how she will find her voice alongside her husband’s political fame.

In this blog post, I’ve put together 3 reasons ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama could be your next inspirational read

Michelle Obama is just an ordinary person

This is the overriding factor I took from the book. Michelle Obama’s life is not perfect, and her relationship with Barack has experienced ups and downs over the years- just like any other couple.

It was brilliant to read about these imperfections, as they showed that behind their public faces, this couple is just the same as other couples- with the same worries, insecurities and inequalities as millions of other couples across the world.

Michelle also speaks honestly about her emotions. Throughout the book, she describes times she has felt anger, resentment, loss, love and hate.

I thought it was very honest how she discussed the fact that responsibility over having children rested with her- and the resentment she felt about Barack’s life in the political limelight.

She discussed how she moved past this resentment, using her experiences and skills to make an ambitious voice for herself. These are the emotions and challenges any ordinary person would experience as they grapple with the political limelight, and her story was so real.

Michelle’s work ethic is amazing

Michelle Obama has done a lot of jobs in her life as a working woman- and I think it’s really interesting to read about how she made a name for herself. This includes working for a hospital board, a local government organisation and a corporate law firm.

Michelle also played a large role in her husband’s campaign, making many speeches to the American people and also finding her own voice once her husband was elected as President.

She has contributed to the improvement of young women’s professional confidence and career opportunities, becoming a valuable role model for women everyone.

I loved hearing about her experiences mentoring and aiding the progression of young women, encouraging the children of the country to make healthy choices. She promotes the idea that women from any background should never feel like an imposter in the workplace.

I love that she eventually moved on to work that was fulfilling for her, and she is motivated and committed to her many projects. Michelle didn’t want to play an ornamental role as First Lady- instead, she wanted to promote important initiatives- without taking away from her husband’s role.

Michelle admits her faults

Throughout the book, Michelle Obama admits her faults- and I love her discussion of her career anxieties and changes.

I particularly love how she moved on to a career that was more fulfilling to her.

Michelle was on a trajectory to be a corporate lawyer, and she was very successful at what she did. But after a while, she fell out of love with law- ultimately looking for something more fulfilling to balance her family’s hopes with what she wanted for herself.

I’m not sure a lot of people would be brave enough to admit they no longer enjoyed something as high-paying and well-respected as the law, and it was really inspiring to read how Michelle followed more passionate avenues.

Do you think ‘Becoming’ could be your next inspirational read? Have you watched Michelle Obama’s documentary on Netflix? What is your next read?

Let me know all your thoughts 🙂

Happy reading x