American History

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.

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2 people found this helpful

Captivating inspiring and well read

This is a really good book detailing Michelle‘s early years up until the marriage of the first black American president of the United States well read did not lose interest and if I didn’t lose interest that must deserve five stars all round

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Michelle Obama

Please note, the mediocre rating is not for Michelle but for the book itself. I did find her story fascinating. I confess, I have never really looked that closely at her. Every time I've seen her speak or read her tweets, I've always felt nothing but pride and often find my throat tightening a bit from pride. MO is just amazing and the more I hear about her or see her the more I am humbled. The more I am inspired. I've always felt that the Obamas have always had the best interests of everyone in their minds regardless of any mistakes they might have or might not have made.

It seems there are so few genuine people in the public spotlight these days. I've always felt that MO was one of those genuine people...this book just reinforced that belief for me.

I am just a bit disappointed in how this novel, as it speaks of MO telling disadvantaged youths that they should not listen to those that say you can't do something. That they should continue to aim higher....that as quotes from speeches are used about the limits that women reach and hit glass ceilings, that as she gives examples of this time and time again, that the author himself, somewhat puts MO on the back burner to speak of all that BO has accomplished. As if somehow MO was an after thought. At times he almost made some of the problems faced by BO as problems created by MO...That her lack of faith in politics was in someway a lack of support for her husband. That her speaking the truth as she knew it was a disservice to her husband. That she sometimes took the light from him and dimmed it...or that any accomplishment she had was just a reflection of his bright light.

Now don't get me wrong. I love BO. Maybe not for all of his political beliefs, but for the type of person I believe him to be. However, where I think he had to be included in this book, I don't think he should have been pushed into the focus as he was for a great deal of the book.

If I've gained one thing from this book it is that MO has been the moral compass that has not changed. She has been the one that has always stood firm in her convictions. BO has always had his strong beliefs as well, but I think MO has shaped them in some ways. Has perhaps shown him, though her own example, that sometimes it doesn't matter what is going to get you the most votes or keep the public the most happy...well that sometimes you need to put all that aside and do what is in your heart you know to do. I do believe he got that from MO and her family.

There are other things I didn't really care for as well...it almost felt like some blogger wrote this at times, just pulling quotes from wherever they could find them and meshed them all together for a book. It just wasn't as smooth as BO's dance moves I guess (hahahahaha...that's a joke guys!)

I think MO will continue to do wonderful things and inspire people...and I don't think she will necessarily expect the spotlight to be on her as she does...nor do I think she will want it...

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Compelling

I always looked forward to the times I could catch up with the story. I enjoyed the style of performance which was professional and yet calming and informative. I loved the fact that adversity was overcome and that intellect and intelligence could be used to inspire.

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1 person found this helpful

Insightful, interesting and inspiring

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!

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1 person found this helpful

Could not carry on listening - very dull

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!

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25 people found this helpful

An absolutely wonderful book

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.

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Not what I expected

This was not the tome I was expecting. Too much repetitive rhetoric. Too much Obama. I wanted to hear about Michelle and more of life in the White House. She almost painted being First Lady as something she got through and might as well make the most of to use as a platform for her causes. Large partsof the book my ears glazed over.

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An inspiring story of a amazing woman

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.

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27 people found this helpful

An eye opener

So interesting to hear how she triumphed over racial abuse and torment
throughout her childhood and her life in the Whitehouse. Cannot believe the amount of hatred and insults directed at her whilst trying to help the repressed.

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