Setting

Michelle Obama's memoir Becoming spans several decades, from her childhood in the 1960s and 70s through her years as First Lady from 2009 to 2017. The book provides an intimate look at Obama's life experiences while offering insight into how American society and politics evolved during this time period.

Much of the story is set in Chicago, particularly the South Side where Obama grew up. She vividly describes her working-class upbringing in a small apartment there. The narrative later shifts to elite academic settings as Obama attends Princeton University and Harvard Law School in the 1980s. Her professional life in Chicago, including her work at a law firm and various nonprofit organizations, forms another key backdrop.

Of course, a significant portion of the memoir takes place in Washington, DC, chronicling Obama's perspective as First Lady living in the White House. She reflects on her family's transition to life in the spotlight and her initiatives focused on issues like childhood obesity. Through these changing settings, Michelle Obama paints a compelling picture of her personal journey set against the broader canvas of America in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Key figures

• Michelle Obama: The author and main character, former First Lady of the United States. She chronicles her life from childhood through her time in the White House.
• Barack Obama: Michelle's husband and former President of the United States. Their relationship and his political career feature prominently in the book.
• Marian Robinson: Michelle's mother, who played a significant role in her upbringing and later lived in the White House to help with Michelle’s children.
• Fraser Robinson III: Michelle's father, who worked for the city water plant despite having multiple sclerosis.
• Craig Robinson: Michelle's older brother, who was a constant source of support throughout her life.
• Malia Obama: Michelle and Barack's older daughter, born in 1998.
• Sasha Obama: Michelle and Barack's younger daughter, born in 2001.
• Suzanne Alele: Michelle's college roommate at Princeton University, who helped broaden her perspectives.
• David Upchurch: Michelle's high school boyfriend, briefly mentioned in the book.

Quick facts

• Becoming sold more than 725,000 copies on its first day of release in the US and Canada.
• The book was published in 24 different languages.
• The book's 24 chapters are divided into three sections: Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More.
• One million copies of Becoming were donated to First Book, a nonprofit providing books to children.
• Becoming became the bestselling book in the US for 2018 after just 15 days.
• By March 2019, Becoming had sold 10 million copies worldwide.
• The audiobook version won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2020.
• Musician Questlove curated a soundtrack for the book called “The Michelle Obama Musiaqualogy."
• Obama's book tour included sold-out arena shows in multiple countries.
• A Netflix documentary based on the book and tour was released in May 2020.

About the author

Michelle Robinson Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Mrs. Obama started her career as an attorney at the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin, where she met her future husband, Barack Obama. She later worked in the Chicago mayor's office, at the University of Chicago, and at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Mrs. Obama also founded the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an organization that prepares young people for careers in public service. The Obamas currently live in Washington, DC, and have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.