Book Review — Becoming by Michelle Obama
Who doesn’t know Michelle Obama? The former First Lady of the United States. An intelligent, strong and inspirational woman, an activist, a wonderful mother, a role model of nation who posses a great sense of humor?
Michelle wrote a book entitled “Becoming” and published in 2018. It is the memoir of her life which the content tells about her personal experience. The journey starts from when she was a child until becoming the First Lady of the United States. From her story, we can learn many things about the journey of hardships and success. Every chapter as Michelle’s getting older there are always new phases, obstacles which make her grew stronger, wiser, and find her true voice as a person.
The book is divided into 3 sections and each of them portraying a different phases of Michelle’s life including; Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More. Becoming Me tells about Michelle’s childhood and root of her background. I enjoy reading her journey to grow up, even as a child she has shown the perfectionism in each of every decision and determination she has made.
The second section entitled “Becoming Us” explores the next chapter of Michelle’s life in the University and the story of meeting Barack Obama. In this phase, she found a problem that she feels like an outsider for becoming a few black students in the University as well as in the Office. But, fortunately she is able to make good relationships and friendships, including with Barack.
Last but not least, Becoming More is talking about Michelle’s life in politics and the journey of becoming the First Lady of the United States. In this extraordinary phase, Michelle tells all the struggles of being in the spotlight and having her voice heard by millions of people. The long intricate story of how the Obama’s finally moved to The White House has made me intrigued and I grew more obsessed with the Obama’s. Since I was getting to know better how big the family has sacrificed for time, energy, money, togetherness, and many more for serving the whole country.
Personally, I obtained a lot of life lessons from Michelle. There are many experiences in Michelle’s life including where she felt different from others as the minority (black) student in the University (which most of the students were white), becoming the spotlight in society, and accepting many criticisms from society; such as how she talks, how she dressed, how she behaves in public, etc. From thus experiences, Michelle could give advice about dealing with criticisms and how to be confident.
Additionally, Michelle has taught me the most important thing in life regarding knowing my value that :
“If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you will be quickly and inaccurately defined by others” (Obama, 2018: 248).
From this statement I dare to say that, we have to know ourselves and define our own value. Therefore, even if anyone criticize you and try to define your worth. You know that they are wrong. None knows better than ourselves. If someone has suceeded in knowing herself, she can speak up, find her own voice, determine her own future and goals. Then, without doubt she’ll achieve those goals no matter what the obstacles are and what other people think.
In my view point, growing up Michelle never took everything as granted. She always asks question for herself, what is her purpose of doing this? Why such things happened? What should she do when she encounter a certain situation? Why should she choose this path? And in the end she has to figure out her own answer.
Moreover, I find it interesting that Michelle’s parents were giving the opportunity to their children to deliver their opinions and having some discussion regarding (politics issue/books/movies/small talks) while having dinner together. Although the answer might sounds ridiculous (Its okay though :D). I think such tradition is needed to be done within every family to plant the strong bond between the children and parents. So, the children will trust the parents and likely to open up and talk about their stories in future. Furthermore, children who grew up in such environment will be able to posses the ability to think critically, which later very useful to solve many of problems in their life.
Life is all about a journey to a destination and in every stage of life we grew become certain person. Experiences, people that we have met along the journey, books that we have read, and many more have been shaping us as who we are now. Therefore, life is about becoming. According to Michelle 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” (Obama, 2018: 333).
Personally, I also believe that life is an unending process. Every day we grow up, do things, make mistakes, repeat, find other purposes and make it happen until the last breath of our lives. The journey of becoming won’t be end unless we have die.
This book has also taught me that to become a successful person, there is a long journey and process. There will be dozens of obstacles, hardships, sacrifice for things we love. In addition, we also have to push our limits and prove ourselves that we can do things beyond what we can imagine. In the end of the day we will be very proud of ourselves.
Talking about the writing style, Michelle has written each word and phrase incredibly enjoyable for the readers. I find it quite easy to understood the content written in each pages. Nonetheless, the personal experience own by the First Lady might be greatly enjoyed by other people. Regardless everyone has different experiences, there must be at least some similiarities. Michelle attempts to embrace the simmilarities within diversity. By sharing her personal story, anyone can feel her roller coaster but also able to decide their own path. Taking Michelle’s journey as inspiration, role model, and life lesson.
In conclusion, I would recommend this book for everyone with a 101% satisfaction guarantee! By the way, thank you so much for thus who have read this long review. I hope you guys will be encouraged to read this book and I am looking forward about what you think!
