Read in 2023 - 12: The Light We Carry

The Light We Carry

Michelle Obama

Back in 2019, I read Mrs. Obama's first book, "Becoming". You can find my review of it here. Much of what I said back then is also true for this book.

I enjoyed each and every page, and it won't do any harm to pick it up again in a few years or so, to see how much I remember and how much (still) applies to me then.

If you are looking for a self-help book with check lists to work through, or "I know it all" type solutions to any of life's challenges, don't read this book. 

But if you are looking for some practical wisdom and strategies that have helped Mrs. Obama (and her family and friends) and may be helpful for you, too, in staying balanced and hopeful in a world that seems to become more and more uncertain every day, read it.

Or, if you simply like what she has written so far (like I do) and admire her as someone with a very good head on her shoulders, someone who can put her thoughts into words in a manner that makes for a great read, you won't be disappointed, either.

The book's jacket reads: "Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles - the earned wisdom that helps her continue to 'become' [...] encouraging others to work through fear, find strength in community, and live with boldness."

Something else I like about this book is the fact that you can very easily fit in reading just a page or two during a busy day, say, in your lunch break, and return to it later without losing track of the line of thought or wider idea explored in each chapter.

Until reading the jacket (I am one of those people who always read all the information before starting on the book itself), I had not known that Michelle Obama has written a third book, "American Grown". It is most likely going to find its way on my wish list for next Christmas.