"When they go low, we go high."

At first, this book was difficult to get into, but once I switched to the audiobook (read by her), I became addicted. I enjoyed her narrative of growing up on south side Chicago and her struggles as a black woman. She eventually went on to law school at Harvard, which is quite an inspiring leap. I enjoyed hearing about how she met Barack and their struggles as a dating/married couple. Throughout the book it is obvious that Michelle has a caring heart for her family, children, and America. Towards the end, it gets very political. I do understand that as a memoir from the FOTUS, political topics would inevitable -- I just didn't expect so much of it. She made her viewpoints on issues very clear and her dislike of Trump. While, I too, dislike Trump, I wish she would not have talked about his as much (he doesn't deserve space in her book imo). Overall, great work.

((4.5))

Three main takeaways:
1. Real pianos have chipped keys
2. Big cats are what dreams are made of, and can not be reliably sedated
3. It took Michelle Obama to convince me but I am finally resolved to experience Hamilton

Giving this one 4 stars just because the Audiobook was over 16 hours long and I just can’t listen to anyone (even Michelle) for that long. I do love Her even more now knowing the ins & outs of her story, but I could have listened for about 6 hours less....

audiobook

I didn't think I could possibly love Michelle Obama more than I did and then I read her book.

I’ve been listening to this one for a while, and I can honestly say this is one of the best memoirs I’ve read or listened to. Seriously I never wanted it to end; both because listening to her soothing narration is absolutely the ideal way to experience this book, and because it’s just so good. Her real life tale of hope and perseverance had me in thrall. Her intelligence and innate goodness shines through in every single word.

She is delightfully candid, about her personal and professional life as well as her time as FLOTUS, and she speaks without drama or sensationalism, as befits her position. The way she speaks of her husband and family had my heart floating and the way she spoke of her goals and dreams had it soaring. Her story is romantic and inspiring and powerful and basically, goals. My love and respect for her quadrupled after this book, and I hope she writes more in future.

What an uplifting, feel good book! Michelle Obama’s unfailing optimism, class, compassion, intelligence, and beauty shine through her writing. Highly recommended for anyone wanting even a glimpse of what it’s like to be on the campaign trail, live in the White House, and be under the microscope 24/7, written by a woman who handled every day with grace.

The sacrifices she made in support of Barack as president, and the sanity she insisted upon for her family in a world that could easily have torn her family apart, are admirable. Whether she is describing facing treatments for infertility, what is was like both entering and exiting the White House, or why she will forever hold Trump accountable for putting her family in danger, she tells her story with grace and courage.

Her honesty is refreshing. Reading her words feels like a conversation with an old friend. Her insistence on staying out of politics is frustrating yet totally understandable. She is an intelligent, compassionate, courageous woman. Highly readable, her story is surprisingly relatable and does not disappoint.

Michelle is a queen. That is all.

Extraordinary. Hopeful. Encouraging. Inspiring. I inhaled every word and sat in Michelle's words. Definitely not just a one time read.