Becoming

By: Michelle Obama

Narrated by: Michelle Obama

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WATCH THE EMMY-NOMINATED NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY • OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • NAACP IMAGE AWARD WINNER • ONE OF ESSENCE’S 50 MOST IMPACTFUL BLACK BOOKS OF THE PAST 50 YEARS

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.

Critic reviews

“A serious work of candid reflection by a singular figure of early-twenty-first-century America . . . Becoming is refined and forthright, gracefully written and at times laugh-out-loud funny.”—Isabel Wilkerson, The New York Times Book Review

“Becoming is inspirational without trying to be. From the first words, the very warmth that permeates its author emanates from the pages. . . . Becoming manages to be a coming-of-age tale, a love story and a family saga all in one. More importantly, this book is a reminder that America is still a work-in-progress, and that hope can be an action word if we allow it to be. Becoming is a balm that America needs, from a woman America does not yet deserve.”—Angie Thomas, Time

“Deeply personal and refreshingly honest . . . She’s thoughtful, humorous, bracingly revealing, and when it’s time, she does us all the favor of showing us the human side of a man worshipped by so many. . . . It’s human and genuine and welcoming to see the layers of humanity she holds open. . . . Michelle Obama’s story can maybe inspire you to find a path for your own story.”—Shonda Rhimes, Shondaland

“A complex, accomplished life recounted with confidence and candor . . . Every page sparkles with directness and grace.”—Douglas Brinkley, The Boston Globe

Are You Who You Appear To Be

I am into a few chapters and I keep feeling I am discovering a precious gem. The story telling is like fiction but this is fact. Michelle's voice works so well in her reading. I feel comforted by her steady telling. It's an historical book. This is not dry and un-telling. It is rich. You will be a better person for reading this. Whether that's your intention or not.

Beautifully written and narrated

Michelle Obama delivers a beautifully written, honest and well read narrative of her time in the white house. Her novel made me not only more aware of the trials of the first black presidency but also rendered me looking for opportunities to volunteer in some of the causes championed by her. ‘Becoming’ literally moved me to tears and taught me a lot about American history. Unveiled, honest and from the heart I would recommend it to anyone.

A comforting voice of reason.

This is an engrossing story of perseverance and humility. It satisfied my curiosity and provided a coherence to the “optics” presented by Michelle Obama during her husband’s presidency. Her voice is a soothing, strengthening reminder of the milestones reached during the Obama administration. Her overall optimism, during this frightening political time in our government, renews the sense that we all have a great deal of work ahead of us as a nation. When the daily news gives me despair, I will return to this book again and again to simply hear her voice of courage.

Nleon

This book really touched home. We had a similar childhood. I really loved this book. The added bonus was Michelle read it to me. I can’t wait to read, I mean listen to it again.

A book for the ages

This isn’t just a regular “post White House” book. It’s much more than that, and told in a way that only Michelle can tell it. Gripping, stunning, and amazing. A must read!