The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

Probably more of a 3.5.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book because it felt like a self help book and that's one genre I stay away from. But I also couldn't resist listening to Michelle Obama's narration. Turns out it's a bit of self help and some of those parts really went over my head but there were other parts where she talks about her own experiences and friendships and relationships, and that felt more like Becoming which I really enjoyed. So overall, I don't think I would have finished this if it wasn't for the audio because the former First Lady is an excellent narrator. And ofcourse I'll be checking out whatever she writes next.

I loved Michelle Obama's memoir “Becoming” by Michelle Obama (inside joke) so I was naturally worried about this one's sequel-y vibe. How do you follow perfection? But Michelle is so eloquent and her life advice HITS. Perfect balance of wisdom and realness. Straight fire and I think all ages will be able to take something away from this one. To quote Michelle herself, “Hey, Queen! Girl, you have done it again, constantly raising the bar for us all and doing it flawlessly. I'd say I'm surprised, but I know who you are. I've seen it up close and personal. Girl, you make me so proud and I love you.”

I really enjoyed Michelle's first book and I liked this one just as much. I listened to the audiobook and I was glad I did because Michelle narrates it and I love getting to hear a memoir author's voice read their own words the way they meant for them to be heard / read.

The book is filled with insight, inspiring thoughts and memories from Michelle's life and is a thoroughly enjoyable, well-written read.

AUDIOBOOK

She's incredible like always!! I love how she reads her audiobooks. It feels like I'm sitting across the kitchen table enjoying an afternoon coffee and hearing about her experiences. Very good. Motivational for being hopeful when it seems like the odds are against you. When you are the minority in the room. Encouragement to rise up for the causes that matter to you.

Dare to be Brave!



In Becoming, we got a chance to learn Michelle Obama's backstory and the life of times of a First Lady during her husband Barack's presidency. But in The Light, We Carry, Michelle takes us one step further into her personal journey through the years since the COVID-19 pandemic began and shares with the reader the contents of her toolkit. What you won't be fixing is the leaking sink what you will find a fix for is your soul. I had a very hard time during the first year of the pandemic and after reading this it was nice to know that I am not alone. Given how much time has passed I have learned my only limit is me. That is very freeing to realize.

The book has a hybrid genre, seeming to be both a self-help guide and a memoir. Michelle shares her experiences and emotions during various crucial times, such as after the presidential election following Obama's term and at the start of the pandemic, along with delightful stories from her childhood and moments spent with her insightful and marvelous mother. Additionally, the author offers essential techniques that helped her alleviate her own anxiety.

Despite Michelle's unwavering strength, intelligence, and composure, the vulnerabilities she exposes in her book may surprise you. Nevertheless, Michelle's gift as a public speaker and an individual is her ability to offer reassurance and hope while acknowledging the significant challenges that still exist. Her personal techniques involve pursuing new hobbies like knitting, forming genuine friendships with her trusted Kitchen Table companions, and finding fulfillment in being a mother and a wife. She also credits her mother for instilling in her the qualities of confidence, resilience, and grace in the face of adversity and hatred.

Self-help books can occasionally appear as though they merely rehash existing advice. Yet, I firmly believe that the most effective counsel is often recycled because it has proven successful. The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama, however, accomplishes something exceptional by emphasizing that, despite living in a world that may lack stability or certainty, we are the ones who provide that sense of security. Our innate humanity, compassion, optimism, and especially our light, serves as the foundation of our lives. Michelle's writing expertly reinforces this point.This has truly lifted my spirits and given me hope that positive change is possible if people want to try and change. Do not ever let anyone dim your light.

Found some practical tools in there, good take-aways for sure along with a few smiles at her openness and challenges she faced. Some might struggle with her views on equality of all people no matter their beliefs, her take on abortion and such. While I don't agree with some of those things, I also don't read books whose authors my heart agrees with 100%. Gives me opportunities to be stretched and that is a good thing.

I LOVED her first book – filled with her life history and American history too. And listening to it was special. This book is a bit slower, and maybe especially ideal for younger readers who are learning how to do life. Not young myself, I appreciated the reminders sprinkled throughout – to value my friendships, let my children take risks, and be kind to myself every day. It wasn't as dense or efficient as a regular “self-help” or “self-development” book, but she slowly doled out healthy tips and interesting stories from her own life. This would be an especially nice book for a high school or college graduate.