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Mocha Girls Read

We are a group of Black women who love to read, want to read more and meet like-minded women.

in Books

What Did You Think of … Becoming by Michelle Obama?

Today we are going to talk about February’s book of the month, Becoming by Michelle Obama. But first, let’s check out this book and see what it is all about.

SYNOPSIS

Becoming

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former first lady of the United States

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As first lady of the United States of America – the first African American to serve in that role – she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the United States and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT AND/OR ANSWER:

  1. How does the preface of Becoming help set the stage for the telling of Michelle Obama’s story? Is it engaging, boring, or does it draw you in immediately?
  2. How does Michelle Obama’s mom’s care-free attitude, when it came to raising Michelle and Craig, helped mold Michelle to the woman she is today?
  3. Why do you think Michelle Obama decided to support Barack Obama’s run for the U.S. presidency? Would you have made the same choice? How would you balance your competing worlds?
  4. How did Michelle Obama balance the need to protect her daughters’ safety with a desire to allow them to also become independent?
  5. What surprised you the most about Michelle Obama’s life? What impressed you?

(Questions from our excellent Facebook group leader – Mocha Girl Classy)

PRESS REVIEWS

“Becoming is refined and forthright, gracefully written and at times laugh-out-loud funny, with a humbler tone and less name-dropping than might be expected of one who is on chatting terms with the queen of England.”
-Isabel Wilkerson, The New York Times, 12/6/2018

Mocha Girl Rachel Rae

Mocha Girl “You Better F’n Read”

Mocha Girl Haley Alexandria Dansby

Mocha Girl Melyssa

Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this read, especially the audio version. It was nice hearing Mrs. Obama’s inflection and tone as she recounted some interesting and funny stories. It also evoked emotion when she demonstrated her vulnerabilities, making her more relatable to African Americans, women, and, most importantly, Americans. I’m told the hard copy book has a nice inset of photos. So, maybe buy a hard copy and get the audio companion also! –A Page Before Bedtime

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Melyssa

Melyssa is an avid reader, a marketing communicator, a professional aunt, a fierce friend, and a dog mom. She enjoys a good story and encourages reading on all platforms - traditional, digital, and audio. Reading is FUNdamental. Melyssa writes about what she reads at A Page Before Bedtime. She lives in Texas with her Pomeranian mix, Jasper. Connect with her on social media @melyssa57.
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