The Meaning of Michelle: 16 Writers on the Iconic First Lady and How Her Journey Inspires Our Own

by Veronica Chambers Editor Narrated by January LaVoy, Prentice Onayemi

Overview

“Whenever I think about Michelle Obama, I think, `When I grow up, I want to be just like her. I want to be that intelligent, confident, and comfortable in my own skin'.” -Roxane Gay

“Even after eight years of watching them daily in the press, the fact that the most powerful man in the world is a Black man is still breathtaking to me. The fact that he goes home to a tight-knit, loving family headed by a Black woman is soul-stirring. That woman is Michelle. Michelle. That name now carries a whole world of meaning...” -From the Preface by Ava DuVernay

Michelle Obama is unlike any other First Lady in American History. From her first moments on the public stage, she has challenged traditional American notions about what it means to be beautiful, to be strong, to be fashion-conscious, to be healthy, to be First Mom, to be a caretaker and hostess, and to be partner to the most powerful man in the world. What is remarkable is that, at 52, she is just getting started.

While many books have looked at Michelle Obama from a fashion perspective, no book has fully explored what she means to our culture.*The Meaning of Michelle*does just that, while offering a parting gift to a landmark moment in American history. In addition to a tribute to Michelle Obama, this book is also a rollicking, lively dinner party conversation about race, class, marriage, creativity, womanhood and what it means to be American today.

Contributors include: Ava DuVernay, Veronica Chambers, Benilde Little, Damon Young, Alicia Hall Moran and Jason Moran, Brittney Cooper, Ylonda Gault Caviness, Chirlane McCray, Cathi Hanauer, Tiffany Dufu, Tanisha Ford, Marcus Samuelsson, Sarah Lewis, Karen Hill Anton, Rebecca Carroll, Phillipa Soo, and Roxane Gay

Editorial Reviews

FEBRUARY 2017 - AudioFile

January LaVoy and Prentice Onayemi narrate 16 personal reflections on Michelle Obama’s positive effect on women, race relations, motherhood, fashion, and, as partner and staunch supporter of her husband, President Barack Obama. In many essays, refreshing humor adds a lighthearted touch while others consider Michelle’s more serious legacy to the country. LaVoy and Onayemi offer terrific performances of each essay—from the tempting menu for the Obamas’ first State dinner, described in Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s “Cooking With a Narrative,” to more personal reflections such as Damon Young’s “Crushing on Michelle” and Tanisha Ford’s “She Slays.” As they deliver this inspiring, diverse look at the well-loved, much admired former first lady, the two gifted narrators make this fascinating collection a must-listen. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

FEBRUARY 2017 - AudioFile

January LaVoy and Prentice Onayemi narrate 16 personal reflections on Michelle Obama’s positive effect on women, race relations, motherhood, fashion, and, as partner and staunch supporter of her husband, President Barack Obama. In many essays, refreshing humor adds a lighthearted touch while others consider Michelle’s more serious legacy to the country. LaVoy and Onayemi offer terrific performances of each essay—from the tempting menu for the Obamas’ first State dinner, described in Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s “Cooking With a Narrative,” to more personal reflections such as Damon Young’s “Crushing on Michelle” and Tanisha Ford’s “She Slays.” As they deliver this inspiring, diverse look at the well-loved, much admired former first lady, the two gifted narrators make this fascinating collection a must-listen. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172051883
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	01/10/2017
Edition description:	Unabridged

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