The Light We Carry

December 15, 2022
A heartening pep talk from the former first lady. Obama's previous book, Becoming, was the bestselling book of 2018, translated into 24 languages and embraced around the world--not only because the author was already beloved and admired, but because the memoir shared the details of a unique, impressive life story. This follow-up is the kind of book that gets published because everyone wants more, whether or not there actually is any more to say. Inspired by roundtable discussions with young women and college students--and by questions asked on her arena book tour--Obama recapitulates and expands her guiding beliefs, giving us "a glimpse inside my personal toolbox...what I use professionally and personally to help me stay balanced and confident, what keeps me moving forward even during times of high anxiety and stress." We've heard before about the author's experiences as a Black woman at Princeton; the inspiring example of her father; the importance of friendship in her life; the early days of her relationship with her husband; and the decision to move her down-to-earth mother to the White House. She returns to those topics here, this time focusing less on storytelling than on crystallizing advice for those dealing with experiences of otherness, prejudice, "not-mattering" and loneliness (12% of Americans say they have no friends at all!). The author strongly believes our weaknesses can fuel our strengths, offering the example of inaugural poet Amanda Gorman's overcoming her speech impediment. Toward the end of the book, Obama addresses the idea she's become most famous for "going high," first articulated at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. "But have you seen the world lately?" people ask her, after all the miseries and outrages of the last several years. "Are we stillsupposed to be going high?" Read the book to find out. No surprises or reveals but plenty of warmth and encouragement, particularly for young people. A good holiday gift.

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November 30, 2022
Michelle Obama follows her best-selling Becoming (2018) with a self-help memoir full of inspiring stories and insightful reflections on her public and personal lives and how she has overcome challenges as a spouse, mother, and friend. Obama encourages readers facing tough times to recognize that self-worth comes wrapped in vulnerability, and if you know the light you carry, you know yourself. She discusses her difficult times and how she handled depression, anxiety, and uncertainty during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current rise in bigotry in America with special ""tools"" to keep her grounded. She provides excellent examples of how she and other leaders use these tools and asks readers to ask themselves, ""During times of chaos, what tools do I use to keep myself grounded?"" Obama encourages readers to ""work through fear, find strength within and live with boldness."" She also explore issues about race, gender, diversity, and relationships with family, sharing touching stories about her mother, the family's matriarch, and beloved father, who courageously battled multiple sclerosis. Wayfinding through adulthood is challenging. The Light We Carry is highly recommended for all, but especially women and young adults who are starting new journeys and experiences in life.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from December 16, 2022

Obama needs no introduction, but that doesn't mean her second book, after The Light We Carry, won't surprise readers. From her reflections on pain in the introduction all the way through the final answers readers will be delighted to discover on the last page, she has crafted a powerful narrative as much about her insecurities and struggles as it is about the strength she's found through people in her life. She writes of intersectionality, hope, and fear--at an individual and systemic level--and the supportive relationships that have served her well through everything, from her time in the White House through the isolation and trauma of the COVID pandemic. She also shares glimpses of what parenting looks like in her family, how relationships evolve, and the strategies that have helped her become "armored yet agile," a trait more necessary now, perhaps, than ever before. Not a word is wasted; not a sentiment feels out of place or inauthentic. VERDICT This is wisdom, pure and simple, for everyone in search of the strength necessary to live expansive lives in a world that too often relegates people to the margins.--Emily Bowles

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