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I have to admit that I've never been a huge fan of autobiographies.
But ... that was then!
It's hard not to know who Michelle Obama is. But much do you know about her?
Personally, I didn't think I could love her more than I already did. She is the epitome of inner and outer beauty and intellect! And she's an amazing storyteller. I bought the hardbound book, but I definitely should have gotten the audiobook like my friends did.
This autobiography was very eloquent and strikingly honest. There are parts I cried happy tears, others not so happy. We learn of her many hardships and her resilience. I often question my own pride. When is pride just enough or too much? But Michelle Obama's words reminded me that no one knows yourself better than you.
We also discover her meeting President Barack Obama and their love story. On TV, they have always radiated this energy. It's them against the world. Something very similar to what my husband and I have. Two identities in 1 unit - never one without the other. We read about their rough patches too making one realize that even the greatest of love can go through difficult times.
I loved reading her stories, imagining she was directly speaking to me. But ultimately, the biggest lesson I learned from her was that "that's just the way it is". For years, I've struggled with equality between men and women. I've never wanted to accept the fact it couldn't exist. Why should we women put on hold our careers and our dreams? Why should we sacrifice, as little as it might be, to give way to our husband or children? Because that's just the way it is. We are women. And you know what? That's ok. We put on pause our career to have children, but we have the joy of carrying them in our womb. We feed and nurture our children for 9 months. Parallel to that, life will have gone on, and like a running train we'll have to wait to eventually get on it again knowing that we are late. But that's ok. It's ok.
I could go on and on about this, but I don't want to reveal too much here. If you hesitate because like me you're not a fan of autobiography, please don't turn your back on this one. And if you have read this and haven't checked out her Becoming documentary on Netflix and Podcasts, please do. š
Book Club Questions
How much did you know about Michelle Obama before reading her autobiography?
Does she remind you of anyone?
In one word, how would you describe Michelle Obama?
Which Becoming part did you enjoy best?,
Was there a part of the book that surprised you?
What's the significance of the title? Would you have given a different title?
How do you think Craig experienced being Michelle Obama's brother?
What do you think of Michelle Obama's father and mother?
Michelle Obama was obviously marked by her experience with her high school guidance counsellor. How does one avoid having one's dream dislodged by someone else's lower expectations?
At some point during Becoming One, did you think "why do I need so much details about this"?
Why do you think she didn't share much about her Harvard law school experience?
What do you think of Michelle Obama's first meeting with Barack Obama?
What do you think of their love story?
Michelle Obama opens up about having difficulties getting pregnant and then later seeing a couple's therapist with Barack Obama. Why was it important for her to share this?
Were you at all surprised by Michelle Obama's reaction to her husband running for President?
How do you think Michelle Obama felt leaving the White House and handing it over to Donald Trump?
Michelle Obama's opinion on politics is quite clear throughout the book. Were you surprised by this? Why do you think she feels this way?
Michelle Obama says that "Becoming is never giving up on the idea that there's more growing to be done." What does "Becoming" mean to you?
If you could ask Michelle Obama one question, what would it be?
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