Michelle Obama cover art

Michelle Obama

A Life

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About this listen

An inspiring story of a modern American icon, here is the first comprehensive account of the life and times of Michelle Obama. With disciplined reporting and a storyteller's eye for revealing detail, Peter Slevin follows Michelle to the White House from her working-class childhood on Chicago's largely segregated South Side. He illuminates her tribulations at Princeton University and Harvard Law School during the racially charged 1980s and the dilemmas she faced in Chicago while building a high-powered career, raising a family, and helping a young community organizer named Barack Obama become president of the United States.

From the lessons she learned in Chicago to the messages she shares as one of the most recognizable women in the world, the story of this first lady is the story of America. Michelle Obama: A Life is a fresh and compelling view of a woman of unique achievement and purpose.

©2015 Peter Slevin (P)2015 Audible, Inc. Cultural & Regional Politicians Politics & Activism Women Inspiring Funny
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This book is not so much about Michelle Obama, more about people on the periphery of her life. I've found it so tedious, I've given up just as she leaves college. It might be more interesting as she takes up residence in the White House, but I haven't got the will to listen to any more. So many other books to listen to!

Could not carry on listening - very dull

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I admired Michelle Obama for her grace and abilities before listening to this book: admiration enhanced by learning of her humble origins, tenacity in getting a first-rate education and, then using her success to help those less fortunate.

One has to give credit to her parents, who, far from wealthy in monetary terms instilled in their two children a desire for education and a social conscience. Both Michelle and her brother went to top universities and achieved success in their chosen careers. Sadly, Michelle’s father died young, but her mother lived to have the extraordinary experience of living in the White House: a staggering contrast to her early life. A lovely thought!

This is not just a book about Michelle, but also charts Barack’s rise to power. I was surprised to learn that in their early years together Michelle had the more successful career. However, latterly his career took off in no small measure aided by Michelle’s invaluable help on the campaign trail.

The book gives an insight into the rigours of running for political office and how circumscribed the life of a prominent politician has to be. Never being able to go anywhere without secret service agents, even for their children going to school. Forever the fear of assassination, sadly, even more of a threat for a black president. I was disgusted by the venom posted on social media against the family.

The book also reminds one of how recently the Southern States of the USA exercised discrimination little different from apartheid in South Africa and the Klu Klux Klan literally got away with murder. So although things are not perfect it’s a an amazing change that an African American was elected president and his wife generally be so admired. It’s a pity that Michelle isn’t interested in a political career as I think she would be an inspirational president.

An inspiring story of a amazing woman

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Useful book for better understanding American history. Honest in revealing how it feels to be the first lady and the hard work necessary to achieve whilst not forgetting your roots.

American History

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Loved listening to the story and progress of the Obama family! The initial chapters of Family heritage were quite confusing, I felt like I needed a family tree to use as a reference. Once past this I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about their fantastic journey to the White House and beyond. Such an inspirational woman! A force to be reckoned with - any Flotus to follow would have big shoes to fill! A hard act to follow! ... here’s hoping she’ll run for president!

Insightful, interesting and inspiring

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An absolutely wonderful insight into the life of this modern icon of a woman. I can not wait to listen to her next book after her time in the White house.

An absolutely wonderful book

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