Pam Burn

Utterly compelling book about growing up a world away from anything I knew as an English girl in school in the UK in the 1950s and early 60s. Michelle writes beautifully and paints clear and present pictures of her life, first as a young child and then as a young woman and finally as a mother, breadwinner and, ultimately, as First Lady of the USA married to one of the most inspirational men of colour yet to be seen on the world stage. I bought the book when it first came out in 2018 and am now reading it again to as it is my chosen book for our Book Group next week when a group of somewhat elderly (70 years +) English women will sit down and try to discuss it meaningfully and respectfully. I just know we will all love it - how could we not? Its honesty and freshness reach into one's heart and we shall try, earnestly, to understand how a young woman from South Side Chicago (which we have no experience of) came to be beside the man who led the free world for eight years. And what's more when he stood down, she would have won his office in a heartbeat, had she stood. She tells us she wouldn't ever become a politician and I don't blame her. It is a dirty business and these days sadly attracts quite the worst sort of person as we have seen in her country and in my own. So we are the poorer for her decision I think but she will stand tall throughout her life I am sure. I look forward to reading more from her and perhaps one day hearing her speak, though when she came to England for her book launch, the tickets went for large sums and in no time at all so that may not be possible. I wish her well in whatever she chooses to do.