Becoming
Summary
Becoming by Michelle Obama is a powerful and inspiring memoir that offers an intimate look into the life of the former First Lady of the United States. Published in 2018, this #1 New York Times bestseller chronicles Obama's journey from her childhood in Chicago to her years in the White House, sharing personal triumphs and challenges along the way. The book has received numerous accolades, including an NAACP Image Award, and sold more than 14 million copies worldwide. A Netflix documentary based on the memoir was released in 2020, further expanding the reach of Obama's compelling story and message of hope and perseverance.
Plot
In Becoming, Michelle Obama chronicles her journey from childhood on Chicago's South Side to her role as First Lady of the United States. She begins with her early years, describing her upbringing in a close-knit family and her educational experiences at Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She then details her early career as a lawyer, where she met her future husband, Barack Obama.
The narrative shifts to focus on the Obamas' relationship and Barack's entry into politics. Michelle candidly discusses the challenges of balancing her career with supporting her husband's political ambitions and raising their two daughters. She provides insights into the grueling nature of political campaigns and the adjustments required as her family moved into the national spotlight.
In the final section of her memoir, Michelle Obama recounts her time in the White House. She shares her experiences as the first African American First Lady, including her efforts to create a more inclusive environment and her advocacy for health and education initiatives. Obama also reflects on the pressures of public scrutiny and the unique challenges of parenting while in office. Becoming concludes with the end of the Obama presidency and Michelle's thoughts on her legacy and future.
Themes
• Personal growth and self-discovery
• Racial identity and overcoming barriers
• Family values and relationships
• Education and career development
• Public service and social responsibility
• Balancing motherhood and professional life
• Leadership and empowerment of women and girls
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 Obama
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.