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 Obama smiles for the camera in what looks like a half-candid shot.
Picture credits here

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.

The inspirational book 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama is on sale in a bookshop.
Picture credits here

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

Unknown's avatar

Author: Not-So-Modern Girl

I’m Eleanor, welcome to my little corner of the internet! I’m a freelance content writer and book lover from Yorkshire. On my blog, I write about life as a 20-something, including posts about freelance life, blogging, book reviews and more. I also write resources for bloggers and writers on my Gumroad account, including my ebook 'The Art of Blog Writing'.

94 thoughts

  1. I read this in January and it was absolutely incredible!! The way in which Michelle Obama is just so human and relateable – working while raising children, battling mum guilt, exhausting herself raising a family while also trying to help every single person she can. Both her and Barack have incredible work ethics, morals and ideas and they are so determined and accomplish all they set out to. A completely groundbreaking couple and absolute inspirations for young people of colour, or everyone in general. I loved the book, it was chatty, informal and easy to read. Definitely recommend to anyone and everyone!!

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    1. She is sooo relatable I agree- and she doesn’t shy away from conversations about her negative feelings, like you say 🙂 I agree- their work ethics are inspiring and yet they seem so human and “normal”, and I loved the tone of the book too. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts x

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  3. I’ve only recently subscribed to Netflix and I hadn’t realised she’d done a documentary – I’ll definitely look this out as autobiographies aren’t really my genre. That said, I do think I could make an exception for Michelle! x

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  4. Even just reading this makes me feel very inspired. She has definitely been one of the most inspiring and empowering women in history. I’m looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for sharing such a lovely post and putting in words and bringing out the best of the book.

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  5. This makes me so happy because Michelle Obama’s Netflix documentary is next on my watch list. She is so inspirational and I love her story and the woman she is! Her book is one of my favourite reads of all time.

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  9. Great review! I’ve watched the Netflix documentary and loved it. She is just a phenomenal woman. I’ve been wanting to pick this up and read for like, ever. But just never got around to it but I’m going to make a point to read it this year! x

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  10. I tried watching the documentary but I just couldn’t get into it. I’m notorious for not being able to sit still though when I’m in the middle of house renovations though so I should try it again. The book sounds great too.

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  14. I have read the book when it came out and watched the documentary not long ago and loved both of them! She is such an inspiration and absolutely love her commitment and bravery! Thanks for sharing x

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  21. I’m not a big political person, but I love memoirs, and I loved Becoming. In no point did it drag, and she has such a great storytelling ability that it kept me engaged throughout. I didnt know there was a companion documentary. I’m definitely going to check it out now though. Thanks!

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    1. I’m not a political person either, but I agree it didn’t feel too “heavy” or like she was trying to push an agenda- it was an honest insight into a very ambitious, interesting woman 🙂 I hope you enjoy it, let me know x

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  28. I’ve always wanted to give this a read but I’ve never got round to buying it! Thanks so much for sharing – hopefully I’ll get round to reading it soon!

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  31. Watched her documentary on Netflix. She is a very strong woman and at the same time, her heart also reflects what many women feel. I also love the way how she instill values to her daughters. Michelle, really rocks!

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  38. I still haven’t got around to watching the Netflix show. I also want to read the book. She is such an interesting woman and so relatable! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

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  42. I’ve heard so many things about both the book and the TV series that I think I need to get round to reading and watching them! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it sounds like such a fascinating read.

    Tash – A Girl with a View

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  43. I’ve heard about this book before but I haven’t read it yet. Reading your review makes me feel that I need to get myself a copy of this book and read it. It’s very inspirational. Thank you for sharing your review.

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  44. I’m not really updated as to her life and works.. but the way you described her seems wonderful. I guess there always something behind the curtains of famous people even to the political ones. It’s nice that she made this book and expose her life. It makes her more human in a way that she is open to the public about her ups and downs 🙂

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