The Light We Carry Book Summary

Book Summary

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Brief Summary

In the New York Times Bestseller, Michelle Obama shares wisdom about staying hopeful and balanced when the world is so out of control. She answers several questions in her book, such as “How do we build meaningful relationships with people?” “How can we stay strong and connected in a divided society?” How do we feel more hopeful? She draws on her experiences as mother, First Lady, friend, spouse, and daughter to share the habits and principles that has helped her adapt to change and overcome challenges. She talks about her practices of “starting kind”, “going high”, and building a trusted network of friends and mentors. She explores topics related to race, gender, and visibility to help readers work through fear, build meaningful connections, and live with boldness.

About the Author

Michelle Obama is an American lawyer, university administrator, and writer, who was the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2018. She is wife to Barack Obama, the 44th and first African American president of the United States. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Obama worked at the law office Sidley Austin, where she met her future husband. She was an active supporter and campaigner for her husband during the 2008 and 2012 elections. During the 2016 Democratic National Convention, she delivered a speech in support of Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton. As the first lady, Michelle Obama worked to alleviate poverty, improve the education system and physical activity of children.

Topics

The Light We Carry Book Summary Preview

In "The Light We Carry," Michelle Obama tries to answer the question: "How do we use our voice to tackle the issues that matter the most?" In a society that is filled with fear and that is so divided, how do we make meaningful connections? How do we go high when everyone is going low?

We are living in a scary world. The media heightens our fear with frightening news stories. It is hard to live with authenticity, boldness, and energy. However, there is a light inside us that is a light of hope, joy, and empathy. We should always try to shine brighter.

We all have a light inside us that consists of our talents, determination, and curiosity. Fear prevents us from letting the light shine brightly. How do we overcome fear? In her book, Obama talks about how she allows her light to shine and helps others shine. During her days in the White House, Michelle Obama met influential people like Nelson Mandela. To the world, they seemed fearless but were very fearful and nervous. Your fears will stay with you for some time. You need to learn how to live with them. Then, your light will be able to shine brighter.

When Michelle Obama was four years old, someone placed an animatronic turtle on the stage of a play Obama was to perform in. Obama told her aunt that she was fearful of the turtle and that she wouldn't perform. Her aunt told Obama that the turtle was staying and that she had to become a star onstage or sit in the audience. Obama weighed the consequences and decided to act.

According to Obama, we should live comfortably with fear and not let it overcome us. When we live in fear, we miss out on a lot. We don't challenge ourselves. When you feel scared, ask yourself if you are genuinely afraid or if it is an excuse not to explore an opportunity.

When Barack Obama wanted to run for president, he asked his wife whether he should. Michelle feared the toll a run would have on her life and family. When her fearful mind took over, she talked back. When it told her that she was not good enough, she asked, why not? When it told her she could not do something, she asked, then who could? She tries to tackle her fearful mind head-on.

Eventually, she realized what she was afraid of was change. Then, she reminded herself about the times when Barack and her changed for the better. Leaving their families, changing careers, and becoming parents were all positive changes.

She realized she wanted to avoid turning down a challenge because it was new or different. She told Barack that he could run for president, and they became the first black family to live in the White House.

Obama's advice is to listen to your fearful mind about why you should avoid change and challenge it by asking why. Why can't change be a good thing?