Becoming by Michelle Obama Review
4.7 / 5
Overall Rating
NEW-Becoming
Michelle Obama's Becoming is the bestselling memoir of recent years. The book delivers genuine craft beyond the political celebrity of its author.
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TL;DR
Michelle Obama's Becoming is the bestselling memoir that genuinely earns its sales. Beyond the political celebrity of being a former First Lady, Obama delivers craft prose that documents her childhood on Chicago's South Side, her path through Princeton and Harvard Law, her marriage to Barack, and her years in the White House. The audiobook (which she narrates herself) is exceptional — her warm, measured voice transforms the reading experience. For readers wanting a genuinely well-crafted memoir vs. a political celebrity's ghost-written one, this delivers.
Why It Matters
Becoming (2018) sold over 17 million copies — making it one of the best-selling memoirs in publishing history. The book transcended political audiences to become a cultural touchstone. Whether you supported the Obamas politically or not, the memoir's craft and Michelle's prose voice are genuinely impressive. For readers of memoir as a literary form, this is among the best examples of recent years.
Key Specs
- Author: Michelle Obama
- First published: 2018
- Genre: memoir, political memoir
- Pages: ~448
- Format: hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audiobook
- Audiobook narrator: Michelle Obama herself
- Awards: Goodreads Choice Award
- Adaptations: Netflix documentary (2020) based on the book tour
Pros
- Genuinely well-crafted memoir vs. political celebrity book
- Audiobook narrated by Obama herself is exceptional
- Universally readable — engages political and apolitical audiences
- Strong childhood and education chapters that work beyond political fame
- Inspiring without being sentimental
- Right gift for memoir readers, students of education or political history
Cons
- Some readers find the White House years more interesting than childhood/education
- Political content is unavoidable for some — divisive for partisan readers
- 448 pages is real commitment
- Some chapters feel like processed-for-public-consumption editing
- Doesn't replace deeper political analysis books for readers wanting history
Who It's For
Memoir readers. Anyone interested in Black American achievement narratives. Readers of similar memoirs (Educated, Born a Crime, The Glass Castle). Skip it if you're highly politically opposed to the Obamas (you may find the book frustrating), if you only read short-form, or if you specifically want political theory or policy analysis.
How to Use It
The audiobook is the best format — Obama's narration adds significant value. Read in 2-3 sittings or listen in commute time. The early childhood and education chapters reward attention. Discuss with others if you read with a book club. Pair with the Netflix documentary for visual content.
How It Compares
Vs. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah: Noah is comparable memoir; different subject matter and humor profile. Vs. Educated by Tara Westover: Westover is comparable memoir; different family and education context. Vs. The Promised Land by Barack Obama: Barack's memoir is more political; Michelle's is more personal. Vs. Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama: Dreams is younger and more literary.
Bottom Line
The right craft memoir of a public figure. Buy it for genuine prose quality and inspiring narrative. Skip it for political opposition or short-form preferences.
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