Wow okay I am finally out of my fiction phase!! As much as I like to immerse myself in imagined lives and faraway stories, non-fiction is where I truly belong. There is something cathartic, grounding, and inspiring about living vicariously through the experiences of real people.

Reading Becoming felt less like flipping through the pages of a traditional memoir and more like sitting across from the former First Lady herself. I was surprised at how down-to-earth the book was, making it easy to read without reservation.

The theme of hope is woven in every chapter, especially through the lens of a supportive family. Her parents, her brother, her partnership with Barack, and the way she raised her daughters under the most extraordinary spotlight. The Obamas did not just move into the White House; they brought with them a spirit of humility, love, and determination. It reminded me that dignity and service is possible despite the temptations of authority and power.

Michelle also narrates what it means to carry the weight of history for eight years. I really felt the pressure she was under. To be perfect. To exhibit grace. To remain unshakably poised while navigating constant criticism, racism, and the immense responsibility that came with being the first Black First Lady of the United States. But through it all, she remained authentically herself.

And that stirred something unpleasant in me: guilt. I find myself surrounded by the stories of people doing their best, every day, for something they believe in, whether it is community, justice, or service. And then I look at my own life, filled with free time, flexibility, and at times, a sense of frivolity. I could not help but doubt: Am I doing enough?

Maybe that is the magic (and discomfort) of memoirs like this. They reflect back more than just someone else’s life. They make you sit with your own. I suppose guilt is not a bad place to start, since it means that I am paying attention. I am awake and I care. In some ways.

Would I recommend Becoming? I doubt I even need to. Michelle Obama’s influence speaks for itself. The book has already found its way into the hands of millions for a reason. But if you are someone who is feeling a little lost or just curious about what it looks like to live with integrity in the public eye, this book will meet you where you are.