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 chance to understand Michelle’s story in a lot more detail.

I’ve really been getting into reading more books this year- and I found this a very 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.

Below, I’ve listed 3 reasons ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama could be your next read- and why I found it so inspirational!

Michelle Obama is just an ordinary person

This was the over-riding 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.

These imperfections were so brilliant to read about, as they showed that behind their public faces this couple are 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 of her emotions. Throughout the book she describes time 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.

I also loved how she discussed how she moved past this resentment, using her experiences and skills to make an ambitious voice for herself in a way that I found inspiring to read about. These are the emotions and challenges any ordinary person would experience as they grapple with the political limelight, and her story was real and honest.

Michelle’s work ethic is amazing

Michelle Obama has done a lot of work and jobs in her life as a working woman- and I think it was really interesting to read about her growth, understanding how she created a name for herself in many different avenues- including 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, such as contributing to the improvement of young women’s professional confidence and career opportunities.

I loved hearing about her experiences mentoring and aiding the progression of young women, encouraging the children of the country to make healthy choices, and promoting the idea that a woman (from any background) should never feel like an imposer in the workplace.

I loved that she eventually moved on to work that was fulfilling for her, and she is motivated and committed to whatever job she is working at- both before and after she became First Lady. I loved how she did not want to simply play an ornamental role as First Lady and instead wanted to promote initiatives important to her- without taking away from her husband’s role as President.

Michelle admits her faults

It is clear throughout this book that Michelle Obama admits the faults she has made- and I loved her discussion of her career anxieties and changes.

I particularly loved 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 the law, and I love how she discussed this feeling- ultimately looking for something more fulfilling that could 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 avenues she was more passionate about- while still having to find a profession that made enough to support herself and her family.

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