Becoming (MP3) + Digital Book Included!

Customer Reviews

I'm out of the majority here, but... Review by disudds

I liked the book, but I didn't love it. To really like a book, I need some more interesting writing or surprises that keep me riveted. To love a book, it has to change me as a person or change my way of thinking. Becoming is well-written, but not written like literature, and I enjoyed reading it, but it didn't change my life.

My book club will all disagree with me, much more likely to give the book five stars than four or three and the number of books sold suggest this is far more popular than I would have guessed. But is it popular because Michelle Obama is popular or will it stand the test of time? (Posted on 10/21/2019)

She's inspirational, but this book isn't Review by Elizabeth W

I'm a fan of the Obamas. However, this book has more information about entirely trivial issues than I wanted. For example: shopping for a hat for Sasha to wear, having to go to multiple stores, finally found a pink knitted hat that was too big but had to do. While there's plenty of detail that adds to her story, there are a lot of things like this that didn't. I think this is an editorial problem rather than an author problem. But by the time we got to the era of Obama's presidency, I was worn down. I couldn't finish it. Maybe it's just that the part of the book that focused on Michelle as her own person was more interesting than the part detailing how she became swallowed by her husband's career. I skipped to the end to read how she's now in a position to define her own life again. So maybe I will enjoy the sequel more.

(Posted on 8/3/2019)

Enlighting Review by Joy

Thoughtful. A little slow at first, but picked up and captivated my attention to the end.

(Posted on 7/9/2019)

Becoming Mrs. Obama Review by Jody Glasgow

I would never have chosen this book on my own but it was a book our book group picked. I thought it was overly long and packed with a lot of details I thought were unnecessary. I am not very interested in this woman. I thought the book underscored her perhaps misplaced pride, albeit conceit, in herself. I will never forget how she stood, wearing no flag pin, chest out, and declared, “This is the first day I have ever been proud to be an American.” Unsaid: My husband is President, I am First Lady. All of us, my entire family, will go down in history! Yea! I have been told that her speech did not contain those words, and I have listened to the speech and that is correct. However, those are the words I heard, that is what I took away from it, and therefore that is what I believe. I would recommend this book to the Obama ilk.

(Posted on 7/9/2019)

Great Story, Exceptional Women, A little too much Complaining Review by Milt

I thought this book was an insightful journey through Michelle Obama’s life. I really enjoyed learning about how accomplished and impressive she is. However, there were times in the book where I felt she was complaining non-stop, and it is difficult to listen to a person complain about how hard her life is when she is more wealthy, powerful, and successful than 99.999999999999 percent of the population. Other than that though this was a fantastic book.

(Posted on 7/2/2019)

First half is boring Review by Ulala

1. One can safely skip chapters 1-14. Michelle Obama has a childhood, just a normal childhood, although she is trying hard to find any traumatic experience of how she was disadvantaged based on her skin color. Spoiler alert: couldn’t find any in the book.
2. Be prepared to hear that every person appearing in the book is first sorted into a „white” or „black” box. Even if it is somebody’s secretary and is mentioned just briefly.

Chapters 15-24 are okay. It was interesting to hear how the family balanced their daily life with safety requirements.

(Posted on 6/24/2019)

great story, but wish it left out the politics Review by Carol A Carver

However, that was a part of the story she felt was important to her and she felt she had to tell it. For that reason I wont fault her for it, but it made me personally not love the book. I loved the beginning where I felt she was a relatable person with a real story to tell. That, in my opinion, is the heart of the book.

(Posted on 6/18/2019)

It’s OK but a little to preachy for my taste. Review by George

A good story but for all of the inclusiveness that it speaks of I did not feel very included and I voted for her husband.....twice!

(Posted on 6/12/2019)

Impersonal Review by BestBookSales Customer

Becoming Flotus would've been a better title. The book explains political decisions and gives only a glimpse into the actual person. Must have a political agenda. I enjoyed learning a little Chicago history since I've only been a resident for 3 years.

(Posted on 6/11/2019)

Exceptional but for the politics Review by Cheri

Outstanding biography, one I highly recommend. The only issue I have is the last few hours is so focused on politics.... and if you don’t agree with her husband, she doesn’t understand you. She seems like a great lady/wife/mother, and I appreciate what she has done.

(Posted on 6/9/2019)

The best books from the best first lady! Review by Daniel C Muchnok

Thank you Mrs Obama for your words of wisdom and for all you gave to us as first lady!

(Posted on 6/6/2019)

Good enough... Review by BestBookSales Customer

Enjoyed listening to the stories of her growing up and her family "threads". I admire the love and dedication she and Barrack have for each other and their girls. I also enjoyed learning about the voluminous duties of the First Lady.

A LOT of partisan rambling and I wish she had not taken pot shots at the previous presidency. I have read several other First Lady's memoirs who did not make references like: "The mess Barrack had to clean up"

(Posted on 6/3/2019)

Great story - from a 54 yo white republican man Review by Richard Sullivan

I was not a fan of President Obama's policies and views, but I did think he and Michelle we really good people.

I just like good stories with good people; Michelle's life is very different from mine, and I appreciate her experiences and contributions to make us a better, more elevated society.

I only cringed a couple times when she got political and implied only the Republican party dig in their heals and are partisan. but it was infrequently enough for me to still consider this a great book.

For you democrats, since I read this, and since Michelle and W became good friends, 41 - A Portrait of My Father By: George W. Bush. I think you will be equally surprised - regardless of your political view. (Posted on 5/31/2019)

Didn't know what I was getting into Review by Kenneth Woodward

I highly recommend the audio format as it is read by the author.
I spent most of their eight years in office rebelling against anything the Obama's sought to accomplish. Sadly, I let the political pundits and partisan politics have too much influence on my thinking. I was excited that we had our first African-American president, but I couldn't fully embrace all of the policies, and therefore was unwilling to embrace this presidency. My last several years I have invested time and effort to connect with others. The greater the perceived difference, the better the conversation. I always learn more, appreciate others in new ways, and my life is richer as a result.

For those who are fans of the Obama's, this will be an enjoyable read to encounter the experience from Michelle's perspective. It is more important for those like me to read. I am amazed at how the political machine works to divide and demonize people. It is difficult to witness and does nothing to build up our country. I see how I have been complicit due to my silence or unwillingness to question what is being broadcast across the various media platforms. Politics and religion should be talked about at the dinner table, because that is where we meet the humanity of others, and it's harder to hate those up close.

(Posted on 5/29/2019)

Spectacular Review by Doug Anderson

As is she. Must read to understand so many things. Our children are her age and had a much easier road.

(Posted on 3/22/2019)

I couldn't stop listening. Brings back hope Review by Dreamerlin

Ethics, morality, passionate goodness are not dead. It felt like an open and honest baring of her life. I miss her; I miss them. An excellent listen.

(Posted on 3/22/2019)

First Class Review by deb

Michelle Obama is the classiest woman! Her story is so inspiring and real. The peek behind closed doors of the life of the first family and the challenges it brings is so incredible. Her compassion and dedication to the family and the country is deep in her being! I was sad to finish the book I wanted to keep listening! I feel like I have a new friend.

(Posted on 3/20/2019)

Born to Become Review by Juliet Wentworth

I listen to Audio books EVERY DAY. I mean every single day. I am just in Chapter 4 of this book. It is the most well written and absolutely the best read book I've ever encountered. What a pleasure!

(Posted on 3/20/2019)

Remarkable Review by Jean

I was expecting the usual first lady memoir narrated by the author. Boy was I surprised when I started listening to the audiobook. Michelle Obama is an absolutely fantastic narrator. No actress could have done better. It is as if she is sitting beside me telling me about her life and her feelings. Her narration includes a full range of emotions; it actually makes the book for me. I think the audiobook is the best way to read this book.

The book is well written and researched. The book is divided into three sections: Becoming Me, Becoming Us and Becoming More. Michelle tells about her childhood, her college years and her work. She tells about meeting Barach and the joy of her children. She talks about her personal beliefs and skills. She tells about what it was like growing up as a middle-class black from the South side of Chicago. About the lessons learned having a father with multiple sclerosis such as meticulous planning and showing up early. She tells of the importance friends were to her growing up, and I am impressed she has managed to maintain long term friendships. It appears that Michelle presents an honest memoir pointing out the mistakes as well as the successes.

My only disappointment was she failed to tell about her experiences as a law student at Harvard University. I would have liked to have learned about that experience. I must say I am very impressed with the memoir and with her. I would like to know more and wished she was my friend because of the value she places on friendship.

The book is a bit long at just over nineteen hours. Michelle Obama does an impressively splendid job narrating the book.

(Posted on 3/19/2019)

Amazing, Inspiring, Honest and, as always, Hopeful. Review by Tom

The book ends with Mrs. Obama imploring us to invite one another in. Her honest look at her life gives hope and inspiration. It is guided by a grounded realism but not restrained by it. I look forward to the day my daughter is old enough to read her words and find inspiration. This is a must read in a time or fear mongering. It’s a ray of light.

(Posted on 3/19/2019)

Inspiring Review by Lee Shell Lewis

This is an introspective view into a woman who has and will continue (without a doubt) continue to lead our current and future women! I am proud to call her one of our First Ladies of America. This book has inspired me to be ok with who I am as a black woman in America. As often as I could I encouraged my children to listen to this book with me. Recently, my daughter has a project in school to write on an inspirational person in America. My daughter has chosen Michelle Obama and nothing makes me happier. Thank you Obama family for all you have sacrificed and gifts you have given to our generation and future generations!!

(Posted on 3/19/2019)

An "ordinary" person on an extraordinary path. Review by Louise Dijksterhuis

Michelle articulated her experience and thoughts in a way that will remain with me forever.

(Posted on 3/19/2019)

Inspiring and authentic! Review by Jackie C.

What a great journey Michelle. Thanks for sharing your story with me. We will persevere with upward and forward momentum to a society where women and minority people can live in a more equitable and acceptable environment.

(Posted on 3/17/2019)

Fantastic and authentic! Review by Cheryl

I absolutely loved the authenticity in which she tells of her ice and experiences. She gives a whole new insight into political life and how they have raised a down to earth family in the light of the world. Just amazing!

(Posted on 3/17/2019)

Inspirational as expected! Review by Lola Renee

Michele Obama’s journey from Chicago’s South side to the South lawn of the White House is a story anyone can connect with. Her family’s story, especially her parents , will make you want to be a better person....her description of life in the White House makes you want to hug, high-five and salute her all at once. A very simple human story from a very extraordinary woman!

(Posted on 3/16/2019)

A beautifully written book Review by Jameka

Michelle is a true role model! I listened to this book in less than one week. She captured my attention in the very beginning and I experienced every emotion until the very end! This empowering and unifying rhetoric couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you, Michelle!

(Posted on 3/16/2019)

Inspiring Review by Dawn Elliott

She’s an incredibly well spoken intelligent woman. I loved learning about her life story. Her hope is uplifting. Overall a good human being with strong values.

(Posted on 3/16/2019)

Exceptional Review by Sara Adcock

I loved getting to hear Michelle's story from her heart and voice. She is so inspirational and encouraging! Beautiful American story.

(Posted on 3/15/2019)

Amazing and inspiring Book Review by La'Shea English

This is one of the most inspiring books I've read to date. I love how she showed us all sides of her life and not just the glamorous stuff. She shows us who she is and where she come from, her story can inspire others to just keep pushing themselves to go the extra mile and anything is possible.

(Posted on 3/15/2019)

A comforting voice of reason. Review by Lori

This is an engrossing story of perseverance and humility. It satisfied my curiosity and provided a coherence to the “optics” presented by Michelle Obama during her husband’s presidency. Her voice is a soothing, strengthening reminder of the milestones reached during the Obama administration. Her overall optimism, during this frightening political time in our government, renews the sense that we all have a great deal of work ahead of us as a nation. When the daily news gives me despair, I will return to this book again and again to simply hear her voice of courage.

(Posted on 2/18/2019)

Awesome!!! Inspiring!!! Review by Sammymayfl

Everyone should read this book!!! Young and old women and men. Becoming was Eloquently written

(Posted on 2/16/2019)

Inspirational and Profoundly Authentic Review by Kay

I started listening to the book as soon as it was released. It is a story of becoming an educated, inspiring, elegant, real, accomplished and authentic women standing in her truth. It is a story of family, fear, and failures as well as soaring success. I will pass this book to my daughters once I finish. Michelle is the real deal. She should know that she served her country well and we are so proud of her.

(Posted on 2/16/2019)

Positive and Uplifting Review by KP

This book was one of the most uplifting, positive, hopeful books I’ve ever read. I loved it for that. According to Michelle Obama, life is not a destination but instead a never-ending journey of Becoming. What you become is totally open-ended but is definitely influenced by all those around you who support and love you and help you grow throughout your whole life. Michelle Obama did have support and love and achieved so much in her life that when she reached the White House, she wanted to “pay it forward” and took up many worthwhile projects to help others on their journey to “become.”

Many of these projects focused on young women and girls. Also, she worked on reducing childhood obesity. She became devoted to working with military families.

One of her favorite, ongoing projects that most symbolized her message was her White House garden. This was a project that grew in scope and size during her tenure. By the end of the book, I thought of the garden as being symbolic of the cycle of life that is always being renewed. Even though Michelle was dismayed at the “misogynist Trump” being elected, the mention of her garden again at the end of the book signals how the seeds of hope and caring can live on after the negativity of the Trump era or despite the divisiveness of political life.

Michelle’s message is that she is not so special and that anyone could have made it like she did with the right support and love from others. It is a message that her mom instilled in her and still tells others when people ask about her “special” children. “They’re not special at all, “ says her mom. “The South Side is filled with kids like that.”

Not only was the message a wonderful one, but also the writing and the narration, by Michelle herself, were excellent. I loved hearing details about her personality vs. Barack’s. The story of how they met and how their relationship grew was fascinating to me. Details of life in the White House abound. It was great to hear about a woman from her background who made it all the way to the White House! Overall it was a great read.

(Posted on 2/11/2019)

One of the Best Biographies I have "read Review by Amy Daniel

I loved this book! Michelle Obama is so honest with her story. I love learning about her childhood, her college years, meeting Barack Obama, and living in the White House. I related so much to Michelle Obama's need to please others, to be the best in school, and to check boxes in her life. I related to her deciding to pick a job that everybody says is great like ' oh you're going to be a doctor' or 'you're going to be a lawyer' and then to become a lawyer and realize it is not the job for you. I also love the story of how she fell in love with a guy who who she thought would do one kind of job and then ended up a politician. So in the end, she became a politician's wife, not something she ever wanted to be. I also love her strive to improve her community and in the end to improve our country, as well.

(Posted on 2/11/2019)

The best audiobook by our QUEEN herself! Review by Rena Moretti

It was pure joy listening to Mrs. Obama speaking her story. I laughed, cried, cheered and sighed. So heartfelt and as humble as can be. My only disappointment is that I finished it. I have been tooting on fb that there’s nothing like Michelle’s voice speaking her truth. Loved loved LOVED it. And the Obama’s.

(Posted on 1/27/2019)

Authentic, moving and hopeful. Review by Sarah

Eloquently written & read. Genuine & authentic.

This book left me feeling hopeful even while facing reality that doesn't always appear so. In so many small ways, she has changed the world. It was interesting to follow her book along her life path from childhood to today. It felt like peaking into a very foreign world as she spoke of her journey through her education, marriage, and politics with her husband. So very different from my own life, yet much the same in terms of her "becoming".

(Posted on 1/3/2019)

Smart & thought provoking Review by Jo S

Michelle Obama’s narration only adds to this interesting & thought provoking bio. Her smart yet relatable story telling made me admire her & her family even more! If only we all thought & acted for a better world!

(Posted on 1/3/2019)

I thought I knew her, but I was sorely mistaken Review by Shantaviae

In my mind, Michelle Obama has always been a porcelain figure held up by the black community as someone to admire and aspire to be like. I think that I was afraid to dig-in because I didn't want to learn whether or not my superwoman had a kryptonite. In the end, I came to the breathtaking realization that she and I had more in common than not. We share the same fears and doubts, and with our grit and the support of our loved ones we have been empowered to overcome them. I take the blame for holding her so far away from me all this time. Now I can truly embrace her as not only our FLOTUS, but as another little brown girl from the South side. Thank you Michelle for sharing your story with such grace and I'm looking forward to cheering you on from the sideline along the rest of your journey!

(Posted on 1/3/2019)

Are You Who You Appear To Be Review by H. Franke

I am into a few chapters and I keep feeling I am discovering a precious gem. The story telling is like fiction but this is fact. Michelle's voice works so well in her reading. I feel comforted by her steady telling. It's an historical book. This is not dry and un-telling. It is rich. You will be a better person for reading this. Whether that's your intention or not.

(Posted on 12/17/2018)

Wonderful Review by Elaine Teague

Poignant and honest. An inside look at the Obamas and their path to the White House. This is a must read!

(Posted on 12/17/2018)

You have to read it to understand. Review by Monique B

I can only imagine what it's like to be the black family living in the white house. The Obamas have to work twice as hard, just to get half the acceptance. Some people will never know what it means to have dark skin. She handled herself with poise and grace. This book was beautifully written and narrated.

(Posted on 12/17/2018)

Becoming Is Amazing Review by malaika

As a black woman growing up in a small town in The South, I found myself easily in this book (without the Ivy League education and President husband). I laughed and cried in the book. I saw people and around me. This is a really great read and one I will probably read again.

(Posted on 12/9/2018)

Great! Review by BestBookSales Customer

Interesting perspective from Michelle’s point of view. Positive and uplifting. A life lived to the full.

(Posted on 12/9/2018)

Can't stop listening! Review by lkm

As I started Becoming, I was absolutely drawn in. I was blown away by her writing and her narrative style. I had so much to do, yet could not stop listening! She has the kind of style that reaches down into your soul, like you are friends. I knew some about her early life, but it was nice to hear more. Mrs. Obama's descriptive style is really amazing; when she was talking about her life after and the freedom, I felt like I was there with there.

I absolutely loved this one - this is a don't miss!

(Posted on 12/9/2018)