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  • The Light We Carry

  • Overcoming in Uncertain Times
  • Written by: Michelle Obama
  • Narrated by: Michelle Obama
  • Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (417 ratings)

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The Light We Carry

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

#1 NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER • In an inspiring follow-up to her acclaimed memoir Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world.

There may be no tidy solutions or pithy answers to life’s big challenges, but Michelle Obama believes that we can all locate and lean on a set of tools to help us better navigate change and remain steady within flux. In The Light We Carry, she opens a frank and honest dialogue with readers, considering the questions many of us wrestle with: How do we build enduring and honest relationships? How can we discover strength and community inside our differences? What tools do we use to address feelings of self-doubt or helplessness? What do we do when it all starts to feel like too much?

Michelle Obama offers listeners a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles—the earned wisdom that helps her continue to “become.” She details her most valuable practices, like “starting kind,” “going high,” and assembling a “kitchen table” of trusted friends and mentors. With trademark humor, candor, and compassion, she also explores issues connected to race, gender, and visibility, encouraging listeners to work through fear, find strength in community, and live with boldness.

“When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it,” writes Michelle Obama. A rewarding blend of powerful stories and profound advice that will ignite conversation, The Light We Carry inspires listeners to examine their own lives, identify their sources of gladness, and connect meaningfully in a turbulent world.

©2022 Random House Group (P)2022 Random House Audio

What the critics say

“A deeply personal and hugely inspirational exploration of ‘what keeps us upright in the face of uncertainty . . .’ In other words, perfect for now.”O Quarterly

“Reaffirming . . . What makes the book special is that it builds on parts of Becoming, and [Michelle] Obama serves as mentor and guide.”The Washington Post

“Though Obama makes it clear she still struggles with plenty of self-doubt and doesn’t have all the answers, she provides a pretty thorough road map to living a fuller, kinder, better life.”USA Today

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 The Light We Carry

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When Michelle talks, we need to listen

I enjoyed this audiobook so much, especially Part 2. Michelle offers many gems - a must read!

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Uplifting as well as grounding. Solid messages delivered in a heartfelt way.

Uplifting as well as grounding. Solid messages delivered in a heartfelt way. Enjoyed listening and pondering.

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Enlightening & uplifting

Even better than her first book! These are the kinds of books they should be reading in high school / college. She addresses so many of the issues we carry around on a daily basis

I will definitely be listening again

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An unexpected gem

Picked this up on a whim, I think it’s a must read/listen. Powerful communication of big issues in a poetic way

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Authenticity

I enjoyed learning about the mantras Michelle lives by!
I can relate to being different but using the differences as an advantage.

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A must listen

Michelle Obama delivers another inspiring book that tells us more about ourselves while hearing her story in a context unlike any other. We all have our cross to bear, but, Michelle Obama tells us how to do it with hope, dignity and inspiration. As a single father of three I can assure you I will recommend that each of them listen to this book. I loved it and I am grateful for the time and effort that must have gone into this beautiful piece of wisdom that articulated so clearly and thoughtfully. Thank you Mrs. Michelle Obama for this book.

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Great book! Highly recommend!

Great job weaving in life stories with life mottos, derived from personal lived experiences! Loved the narration by the author herself.

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The light we carry

This was so very uplifting , inspiring , encouraging ….& so suiting for such a time as this . Thanks Michelle Obama. May You always find the Strength to keep on ‼️❤️

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Very inspiring

Have learned a lot and can truly relate to many of her insights on this book.

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Thought provoking

I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this book, and the thoughtfulness and experience that it embodies.

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