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Posted on 10/20/2024, 8:13:09 PM
Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, is known not just for her leadership and advocacy but also for her thoughtful reading recommendations. Her selections reflect a deep commitment to education, personal growth, and fostering understanding among people from all walks of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the books that Michelle Obama has recommended over the years, diving into the themes and lessons they offer.
It’s only fitting to start with her own memoir, Becoming. In this deeply personal book, Obama reflects on her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House, offering a candid and inspiring perspective on navigating life’s challenges and embracing one's identity. If you haven’t yet picked it up, Becoming is a must-read, offering a glimpse into her experiences and the life lessons that have shaped her.
Why She Recommends It: In interviews, Michelle Obama has said that Becoming is her way of sharing her story, not just for people to understand her better but also to inspire others to tell their own stories and embrace their unique journeys.
Another of her books, The Light We Carry, continues the conversation from Becoming, but with a focus on practical tools and wisdom to navigate uncertain times. In it, Obama delves into strategies to handle fear, isolation, and self-doubt. This book feels especially timely as people search for ways to stay resilient in a rapidly changing world.
Why She Recommends It: Michelle Obama wrote The Light We Carry to share how she maintains her sense of stability and joy in the face of adversity, offering a comforting guide to anyone feeling overwhelmed.
Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is a powerful exploration of race, beauty, and identity through the eyes of a young Black girl growing up in America. Michelle Obama has frequently spoken about how Morrison’s work has impacted her, and this particular novel remains close to her heart.
Why She Recommends It: Obama has praised Morrison’s ability to give voice to the complexity of Black life and womanhood in America. She often highlights the importance of reading literature that challenges your perspective and broadens your understanding of history, race, and identity.
Michelle Obama has also shared her admiration for Morrison’s Sula, which centers on two childhood friends navigating the challenges of growing up as Black women in a small community. The novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships.
Why She Recommends It: Morrison’s work, according to Obama, teaches essential lessons about love, loyalty, and the choices we make. She encourages readers to engage with these themes and reflect on their own friendships and life paths.
Educated is a memoir by Tara Westover, recounting her journey from growing up in a strict and isolated family in rural Idaho to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. Westover’s story of self-discovery and the transformative power of education resonates strongly with Michelle Obama’s own advocacy for the importance of learning.
Why She Recommends It: Obama has recommended Educated because it underscores the life-changing impact of education, and how knowledge can serve as a path to freedom and independence. It aligns with her focus on the importance of education, particularly for young girls and marginalized communities.
This novel, which blends mystery, romance, and nature writing, was another recommendation from Michelle Obama. Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of a young girl named Kya, who grows up isolated in the marshlands of North Carolina, and later becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.
Why She Recommends It: Obama has praised the novel for its beautiful storytelling and emotional depth, noting how it captures the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in solitude.
Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns is an epic narrative that chronicles the Great Migration, during which millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to cities in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. The book weaves together the personal stories of three individuals to highlight the broader social and economic shifts of the era.
Why She Recommends It: Michelle Obama has emphasized the importance of understanding American history from multiple perspectives, and The Warmth of Other Suns offers an insightful and empathetic look at one of the most significant yet often overlooked movements in American history.
Though primarily known as a book for young adults, The Giver by Lois Lowry is a thought-provoking novel about a dystopian world where freedom, choice, and individuality are suppressed. Michelle Obama has recommended this book for its exploration of the importance of choice and the ways society defines values like happiness and success.
Why She Recommends It: Obama believes that The Giver provides young readers with valuable lessons about the importance of questioning societal norms and the necessity of personal freedom. It’s a book she’s encouraged parents and children alike to read and discuss together.
Americanah follows the story of Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who emigrates to the United States and becomes a successful blogger, writing about her experiences as a Black woman in America. Through this novel, Adichie explores themes of immigration, identity, race, and the immigrant experience.
Why She Recommends It: Obama has praised Adichie’s storytelling and the novel’s portrayal of cultural displacement, identity, and race relations in the modern world. She often recommends Americanah as a powerful read for anyone trying to better understand the complexities of race and belonging in today’s society.
Michelle Obama’s book recommendations are more than just a list of good reads—they reflect her values of empowerment, empathy, and lifelong learning. Whether through memoirs, novels, or historical accounts, these books offer profound insights into the human condition and inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. Each one carries a message of resilience, hope, and the power of education, making them perfect for anyone looking to grow and find inspiration through reading.
By exploring these books, you not only get a glimpse into the kinds of stories and ideas that resonate with Michelle Obama but also the opportunity to engage with themes that are deeply relevant to today’s world. Happy reading!
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