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Becoming

Written by: Michelle Obama
Narrated by: Michelle Obama
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Publisher's Summary

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former first lady of the United States.

Number one New York Times best seller

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 US 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 listeners 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.

©2018 Michelle Obama (P)2018 Random House Audio

What the critics say

“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)

Featured Article: Great Podcast Moments with Michelle Obama


With the launch of Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast, we're shining a light on the former First Lady’s special appearances as a guest on other podcasts. Unsurprisingly, the podcast world suits Mrs. Obama—she’s easy to talk to and a good listener. We’ve dug up some of her best podcast conversations, where she opens up about her childhood, life at the White House, parenting, and so much more. Needless to say, we’re definitely listening.

What listeners say about Becoming

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Amazing read

I could not stop listening! Michelle’s voice, amazing story of resilience, drive and confidence are truly admirable. This is one of my favourite all-time reads (made WAY better by listening to her tell her own story).

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7 people found this helpful

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Became

I have to admit I found the beginning of this book "unrelateable". The further I listened the more absorbed I became in the story and reflecting on the beginning of the book, I just thought I couldn't relate and I didn't give her a chance....I did relate to things like going to a certain school to appease others, taking jobs to make others proud of me etc.... Thank you so much for a sneak peak into the life of Michelle Obama...one of the most statuesque women in history.

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So good!

It’s like having 22 hours with someone you want to know. Takes courage to reveal all that she did. She gives us her own history, insight into her relationship with her husband and daughters and behind the scenes at the Whitehouse. And in doing so, she will make us all stronger. I think that’s her plan—especially to those of us who have ever felt marginalized or oppressed. You will feel good at the end of your time with Michelle Obama and who doesn’t need that?

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1 person found this helpful

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  • Pau
  • 2019-02-21

Eloquent

A must read. A great story and a great performance by Michelle! Very inspiring. She and Barack did not grow up with many advantages and yet their own hard work, along with the kindness of other people they’ve surrounded with has brought them to where they are. They deserve all the success they’ve accomplished. “Am I good enough? Yes I am.”

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very interesting and amazing woman

this was an eye opener to what an incredible person she is an what a great impact she has been and continues to be .

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Inspired and reflective.

I am grateful for Michelle Obama's taking us on this journey with her. Her touching delivery made me feel like she was sitting in the room with me taking me into her confidence.

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loved this story

I enjoyed immensely hearing Michelle Obama talk about her life as a kid and in the White House. she's inspiring and articulate.

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A Fantastic Performance

Very interesting and heartfelt. I enjoyed the narration. Not a typical rags to riches story.

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Recommended Highly: Great!!

I love listening to the story Michelle Obama tells about herself and her family; she reaches across a generation, and speaks of being rich in the midst of poverty because of the values of her family and friends, while not having a dime for some of the needed things in life - such as adequate medical care. Her father's struggle with a terminal illness tells me of a tragedy of lost quality of life because of rules our generation didn't make, but somehow clings to in spite of our common will.

I have not even finished the book at chapter 11, and with several hours left to read, I'm glad to say this is a very well presented narrative of thoughtful ideas and goals missed by a generation given hope just half a century before us. I would say, that if there were any families Martin Luther King himself would be proud of, I'd say it was the Obama family.

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Perspective

Loved this. Gave me insight to elements I haven't thought of before. Motivates me to continue growing.

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