THE LIGHT WE CARRY

by Michelle Obama

I thought Michelle Obama’s first book Becoming was absolutely wonderful.  (Read review here.) So, I am quite sure that when I realized she’d written another book, I would have bought it pretty quickly.  I’m baffled as to why it took me until now to read it. If you haven’t yet read The Light We Carry, treat yourself and read it sometime soon.

Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and the many changes it brought to all of our lives, Obama believes we all have qualities within us that can help us cope in a world in flux.  She contends that once we are able to identify those qualities, which are like a light within us, we can better connect with other people and find stability and joy in our lives.  I will always remember her advice about the most important thing we can do for our children as we raise them: make them feel like you are thrilled to see them every time they come into a room.  Obama’s writing style is straightforward and uplifting.  She manages to use her life, which has taken some extraordinary twists and turns, and in a very practical way create meaningful parallels to everyone else’s lives.  From learning how to knit to calm her anxiety, to identifying her fears and working to understand and overcome them, Obama comes off as deeply human.  Her compassion shines through every story.

If you’re looking for a positive, inspiring book, find a quiet corner, pour yourself a glass of wine and spend a few hours with Michelle and The Light We Carry. (Liz)