Becoming

Happy Holidays

from

Nubian Circle Book Club

NCBC ended the Literary Year with a WINNER! Becoming by Michelle Obama was our December Book of the Month choice. Thanks to Tamara for moderating an in-depth discussion using the publisher's discussion questions as a guide. Thanks to Chanell for coordinating and guiding us through a White Elephant gift exchange. I think everyone loved their gifts! Guerdie and Davita also swapped books!

Our exchange was rich and informative. The group covered the details and nuances of Michelle's life. We appreciated her honesty and found her to be relatable and sincere. I think each member resonated with different aspects of her story: from humble, grass-root beginnings in a working-class family, to academic excellence/valuing education to elevate one's station, family values and their influence, being the "only person of color" in any given situation, societal pressures to conform, and commitment to public/community service.

Although several members had not completed the memoir at the time of the meeting, they committed to finishing the book and submitting their final thoughts and ratings at a later date.

Bottom Line...

We love Michelle!

She is modest, kind, relatable, talented, inspirational, smart, and beautiful.

She is Us.

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Our Thoughts

NCBC Rating: 4.8

Natalie - 5 Good book; believes there's so much more that she could have done (and can do), but she stepped back because of him/the Presidency. Natalie is looking forward to see what she’s going to do next.

Tamara - 5 In Progress - 50% complete; enjoying the read, finding it very relatable . Like Michelle, she likes to defy her doubters and prove people wrong. Tamara also noted and related to the point that "we" burden of assimilation compared to other groups. She really likes Michelle's story as she seems "human."

Chanell - 5 Loved the transparency of the topics; found it relatable, appreciated thein-depth look inside of her personal life. On so many levels, this story represented us. Appreciated that the book focused on her individual life, not the story of not a political wife. She was pulled into her story from page one and stayed engaged the entire time. Listened via audio, but purchased a hard copy for her shelves.

Dossi - In Progress; Interesting story so far - appreciating the details; but it's not a "quick" read, as she thought it would be.

Guerdie - In Progress, 15 pages. Got the book late; but plans to read it.

Guerdie’s Friend, Sandra - Plans to read the book.

Nikki - In Progress. Likes what she read so far; appreciates the "folksy" aspects

Phyllis - 5 Appreciated the carefully chosen and rendered stories that focused on her life as a living example of possibilities. The later half of the book evidenced that she practiced what she preached(es) - the "seeds" of hope, support/ encouragement and optimism (along with the spirit of inclusion and recognition of strength in diversity) will yield rich fruits for generations. I loved the positive vibe that flowed in the novel.

Richelle - In Progress; too early to comment; will provide thoughts at a later date.

Davita - 5 She appreciates strong auto-/biographies and this was one of the better ones she's read. Some parts were slow. Liked trips down memory lane; likes that she was candid about the details, strong biographies.

Syretta - 4 Loved the book - It humanized Michelle. She saw her as a black woman who's done great things and really appreciated that she likes being wife/mom. This is reflects the simple human parts of her; normal everyday black woman experiences. One negative point: Chapter 17 – She didn't like the criticism of Rev. Jeremy Wright; felt it was a bit disrespectful toward the man and those of his generation (including Michelle's own grandfathers) who have felt the lash of bigotry, the socio-economic effects of systemic racism, and institutionalized discrimination up close and personal. She seemingly dismissed a lifetime of disenfranchisement and dreams deferred. She didn't like how Michelle characterized these men as “cranky and mistrustful," and would have preferred she omitted that section.

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