Becoming Book Summary

Book Summary

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Brief Summary

Becoming by Michelle Obama is an intimate memoir chronicling her life journey from childhood on the South Side of Chicago to becoming the first African American First Lady of the United States. The book explores her personal growth, struggles, achievements, and the balance of her public and private life. It highlights themes of identity, perseverance, family, and finding one's voice amidst societal expectations.

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

Biography & Memoir

Becoming Book Summary Preview

What Will You Learn

Detailed chronology of Michelle Obama's life from childhood to First Lady
Insights into navigating educational and professional environments
Comprehensive documentation of White House initiatives
Exploration of family dynamics in public life
Record of contemporary social and political developments

Who is This For

Individuals seeking comprehensive biographical information
Students of contemporary American social history
Readers interested in detailed political narratives
Researchers examining leadership and public service
Those studying social mobility and institutional navigation

Overview/Background

"Becoming" is a memoir published on November 13, 2018, detailing Michelle Robinson Obama's life from childhood through her years as First Lady of the United States. The book is structured in three sections: "Becoming Me," "Becoming Us," and "Becoming More," which trace her life's progression from early childhood to national prominence.

Born on January 17, 1964, Michelle Robinson grew up in a small bungalow at 7436 South Euclid Avenue in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood. Her father, Fraser Robinson, worked as a city water plant employee, and her mother, Marian Robinson, was initially a homemaker who later worked as a secretary. The family resided in a working-class African American community during a period of significant social change in Chicago.

The memoir provides a detailed account of Michelle's educational journey, beginning with her early schooling in Chicago public schools, followed by her undergraduate studies at Princeton University, where she graduated cum laude in 1985. She subsequently attended Harvard Law School, earning her law degree in 1988.

The book documents her professional trajectory, including her work at the law firm Sidley Austin, where she would meet her future husband, Barack Obama. It covers her professional roles in Chicago, including positions in city government and at the University of Chicago, before transitioning into her role as a national political figure.

"Becoming" offers a comprehensive narrative of Michelle Obama's life, detailing her experiences navigating educational institutions, professional environments, and the unprecedented role of First Lady of the United States.

Early Years

Michelle Obama (née Robinson) spent her formative years in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood during the late 1960s, residing in a modest bungalow that belonged to her great-aunt Robbie and uncle Terry. While Michelle’s parents, Fraser and Marian Robinson, rented the upstairs apartment, Robbie and Terry lived on the ground floor. Terry, a retired railway porter, maintained an air of quiet reserve and impeccable style, rarely speaking unless necessary. Meanwhile, Robbie taught piano in her home, employing a demanding, disciplined approach that set the tone for young learners—an environment Michelle would soon experience firsthand.

Michelle’s older brother, Craig, was already taking piano lessons from Robbie. Not wanting to be left out, four-year-old Michelle developed a keen interest in the piano and joined the lessons as well. Music was a central part of family life, particularly on Marian’s side. Michelle’s grandfather, known as “Southside,” was an avid music enthusiast who installed an elaborate stereo system in his home, filling every room with the sounds of jazz and soul. He would eventually gift Michelle her very first album, Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book—a gesture that illustrated the Robinson family’s shared affection...