This book accounting the journey of Michelle Obama from South Side Chicago to Washington DC along with being a wife, mother and daughter is insightful and endearing in many ways. Her grace and dignity comes through as we progress with the book. It is a story of a woman with strength, grit and good sense who values what she has and advocates what she thinks. It is an account of how a few people who support you can elevate you and how, in turn, elevates others.
The downside of being a first lady's memoir is that you cannot but expect the appearance of Barack Obama. His guest appearances in the chapters give the book a rush of energy keeping the reader going. But, in highlighting Mr. Obama is an almost superhero-like light, the book seems to lose some authenticity.
Due credit goes to the photo library that paints the picture of Mrs. Obama's journey effortlessly. I found myself referring back to the pictures tying together the text I was reading. This was particularly engaging for a visual thinker like me.
There are instances where the narrative feels a bit like a pat on the back that Mrs. Obama gives herself but they are far and few. Odds are you will end the book thinking she is like anyone, with her set of struggles and victories. Michelle Obama is no doubt a role model to many but her book fails to achieve that status.
In conclusion, it's a good read for anyone who adores or is interested in knowing the life of Michelle Obama. The book won't necessarily change the impression you have of her and in that, the book does a good job of being a memoir and not an advertisement.
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