A review by readtheroomjess
Becoming by Michelle Obama

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

So much about this book was unexpected. It was inspiring, but not in ways I saw coming, surprisingly emotional, and sometimes infuriating. I found the parts about parenting to be most inspiring, both in how Michelle (we’re buds now, first name basis) was raised by her parents and how she and Barack (again, buds) raised Malia and Sasha. I was also frustrated and disappointed by the fat shaming and misinformation about obesity and BMI, especially as it relates to kids. I was further disappointed that she never acknowledged or addressed any of the valid criticism of Let’s Move and painted it as a universally loved and successful program. Nobody’s perfect, I suppose, so I guess she and I (and loads of doctors, dieticians, and experts) will just have to agree to disagree. Overall, I continue to love Michelle and was moved by her personal stories of tragedy and reflections on national ones, and the difficulties of public life. All in all, this was a great and unforgettable read.
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