Structure

Obama divides her autobiography into three main sections: “Becoming Me,” comprised of Chapters 1-8; “Becoming Us,” comprised of Chapters 9-18; and “Becoming More,” comprised of chapters 19-24 There is also a Preface and Epilogue. The autobiography is largely chronological in telling, though some individual examples may be inserted out of order.

The Preface is dated March 2017. It is a rich, anecdote-filled introduction.

The first section, “Becoming Me,” covers Obama’s years growing up on the South Side of Chicago, attending Princeton University and Harvard Law School, and starting work at a Chicago law firm. In this section, she focuses on her family and the ways in which her parents ensured she got the best education possible. She also reflects on her own character, including her drive to impress.

The second section, “Becoming Us,” focuses on Obama’s life after meeting Barack Obama. The section begins with the...