THE LIGHT WE CARRY
By Michelle Obama
Publisher: Crown
The former first lady shares personal stories and the tools she uses to deal with difficult situations.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
In "The Light We Carry," Michelle Obama endeavors to offer readers a beacon of hope and guidance amidst the tumultuous landscape of contemporary society. Drawing from her personal experiences, she presents a series of life lessons aimed at fostering resilience and self-assurance. While the intent is commendable, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The book is structured around a collection of maxims, each accompanied by anecdotes from Obama's life. However, these narratives often tread familiar ground, revisiting themes extensively covered in her previous memoir, "Becoming." This repetition raises the question: does "The Light We Carry" offer new insights, or is it merely a rehashing of well-worn stories? The Harvard Crimson aptly notes that the book "revisits nearly every theme explored in her 2018 best-seller, 'Becoming': her childhood, parents, career, marriage, and experience in the White House, all from a very similar perspective and with a very similar tone." ([thecrimson.com](https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2022/12/13/the-light-we-carry-review-michelle-obama/?utm_source=openai))
Furthermore, the advice dispensed often veers into the realm of the banal. Platitudes such as "see your obstacles as building blocks and your vulnerabilities as strengths" lack the depth and originality one might expect from a figure of Obama's stature. The New Statesman critiques this aspect, stating that the book "codifies, with considerably greater banality, the sorts of 'life lessons' that were perfectly easy to infer from 'Becoming.'" ([newstatesman.com](https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/2022/11/the-light-we-carry-michelle-obama-review?utm_source=openai))
That said, Obama's genuine warmth and sincerity do permeate the text. Her reflections on friendship, particularly the concept of her "Kitchen Table" group, offer relatable insights into the importance of supportive relationships. These moments provide a glimpse into the author's authentic self, making the reader feel seen and understood. As one reviewer observes, "Her insights about friendships was my personal favorite part." ([goodreads.com](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/61355265-the-light-we-carry?utm_source=openai))
In conclusion, while "The Light We Carry" is imbued with good intentions and moments of genuine connection, it ultimately falls short of delivering profound or novel insights. For readers seeking a deeper exploration of Michelle Obama's life and philosophies, "Becoming" remains the superior choice. Approach this book with tempered expectations.
Recommendation: Read with caution.
written on: 5/1/2025