halirose's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
loverofgoodbooks's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this. I learned a lot I didn't know about Mrs. Obama. The flow from adolescent to adulthood was nice. Learning about her relationship with family and friendship were told well. The relationship between her and Barack was delightful to read. It's a long book but very well written and engaging.
27chickpeas's review
4.0
(audiobook) I listened to the audiobook version and I loved that it was narrated by the author. The book is split into 3 parts: Michelle’s early life, early life with Barack, and time as First Lady.
I was initially surprised how much was spent on her early life, but it made sense as it molded so many of her beliefs and came into play in later stories.
I started off 2021 reading Barack Obama’s latest book and unintentionally ended with Michelle. If you’re interested in the Obamas it is definitely worth a read. As far as memoirs go it was a bit wordy and self aggrandizing but overall pretty good.
I was initially surprised how much was spent on her early life, but it made sense as it molded so many of her beliefs and came into play in later stories.
I started off 2021 reading Barack Obama’s latest book and unintentionally ended with Michelle. If you’re interested in the Obamas it is definitely worth a read. As far as memoirs go it was a bit wordy and self aggrandizing but overall pretty good.
gsroney's review
4.0
“This is what a control freak learned inside the compressed world of college, maybe above all else: There are simply other ways of being.”
“Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child—What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.”
“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.”
“Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child—What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.”
“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.”
lindaann83's review
5.0
I’m not usually one to write a review but I felt this book deserved one. I found Michelle’s writing and storytelling to be both warm and poignant. She was honest about her experiences-the good, the bad, and the ugly. Her book conveys her personality-a hard-working and genuine person. She admits her flaws and shares her truths with readers. After living under the magnifying glass of the very public life of any FLOTUS, she still shared her vulnerability and humanity with us.
She’s also a lovely narrator and an excellent public speaker. I’ve cried several times listening to her and Barrack speak in the past- this book often reduced me to outright bawling. She’s touching and honest. I was a fan before but I’m a super-fan now.
She’s also a lovely narrator and an excellent public speaker. I’ve cried several times listening to her and Barrack speak in the past- this book often reduced me to outright bawling. She’s touching and honest. I was a fan before but I’m a super-fan now.
leasummer's review against another edition
5.0
I had started this audio several times and it wasn’t the right moment so returned it. Now was the right time and it was a balm on my soul. What an incredible woman! The glimpse into her life from childhood through leaving FLOTUS and moving out of the White House was truly delightful, inspiring and enjoyable. She’s an amazing storyteller. What a blessing full of hope this story is.
jeannamarie's review
5.0
Wow. Took my time and savored every morsel of this book. Every human should read this book at least once in their lifetime. EVERY. SINGLE. HUMAN.
I don’t care what your political views are, Michelle Obama is the realest and classiest lady ever. This is not a book about a First Lady, but a woman navigating her way through the world. If you love Michelle as much as I do (which is a lot), then you will love her even more after you read this book.
Coolest person ever. I’m an adult, but I want to be Michelle Obama when I grow up. Speaking your truth, being kind and humble and doing the work required to increase the lives of your bubble, your community and future generations.
Oh okay, gushing review over.
I don’t care what your political views are, Michelle Obama is the realest and classiest lady ever. This is not a book about a First Lady, but a woman navigating her way through the world. If you love Michelle as much as I do (which is a lot), then you will love her even more after you read this book.
Coolest person ever. I’m an adult, but I want to be Michelle Obama when I grow up. Speaking your truth, being kind and humble and doing the work required to increase the lives of your bubble, your community and future generations.
Oh okay, gushing review over.