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Becoming by Michelle Obama
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I forgot to write about this fabulous book when I finished reading it as the Corona Virus Pandemic struck our country and all normal thoughts and actions went to pot! So 12 weeks later when calm and
a new normality has settled in (#stayinghomestayingsafe) I can now recommend that you will be
heart-warmed by this openly written and an inspiring book.
Michelle had humble beginnings and learnt to play the piano by the sound of a stream of students visiting her aunt for lessons in the apartment where her family all lived together. In early years she experienced racism and fearmongering but her mother taught her to rise above it. From early life and teenage years the reader will find a really nice girl who is full of ambition, good morals, decency and fun. An independent girl and proud of her parents and brother.
When I read that her school had taught her in a class of like-minded students, regardless of age, so that they could set their own goals and work speeds, I was thrilled. This hooked into my own 'beef' about our education system - one size does NOT fit all. Working independently rather than corporately is SURELY better for students. (Perhaps this time of LOCKDOWN has confirmed that and the Education system will change!) It was school lunchtimes that Michelle formed a solid girl-friends group taking them home for mum-made sandwiches. Again I identified with the need to be part of a small group rather than the whole school playground of peers where trouble brewed, gossip and teasing occurred with boys and girls of all ages mixed - the older ones racing around being inconsiderate of young frightened kids who were new to the whole regeme of 'school'.
This book proves that no matter who you are, where you are from, what colour your skin, or how different your name - if you are clean living, hard working, goal focussed, have faith in your own ability, love justice and your family - you can achieve anything you want from a low paid or voluntary job to a high powered position; from being single to married and family life. 'Making a difference' is both singularly and as a couple, what Michelle and Barak's lives are about. They mastered the art of living separate lives together, maintaining their individuality whilst remaining married.
I felt very close to this wonderful (now former) first lady of the USA when she described having had a miscarriage and in attempt to raise a family used the drug Clomid unsuccessfully, which I did too. The heartache and confusion ones own body can give you when a much wanted child is not conceived is hard to put into words. I also identify with her saying, "Being with children.... was balm for my spirit." She of course went on to have two lovely daughters and I have one for which I am truly grateful for.
When I read that she and Barak disliked Les Miserables, the way I did, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought everyone but me liked that play or film. They left the theatre half way through and found relief from the gloom. Yes!
Her visit to England and meeting the Queen was worded with such realism that you can imagine the scene - either from your own recall of the news or on the pages it is described.
My favourite of all her quotes, one I will never forget, is "When they go low, we go high." I have huge admiration for this lovely lady. Do add this book to your wish list, to be read list, Christmas or Birthday present list, you will not be disappointed.
You can follow Michelle on Twitter @MichelleObama and see her on YouTube with Oprah Winfrey, Instagram etc.
5 star review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
