The Meaning of Michelle

October 31, 2016
This charming series of 15 essays about Michelle Obama, deftly assembled by editor Chambers (Mama’s Girl), finds inspiration in various facets of the 46th First Lady of the United States as her time in that role draws to a close. Chirlane McCray, First Lady of New York City, draws parallels between their respective positions in “Two Black First Ladies Walk into a Room.” Amherst professor Tanisha Ford ruminates on Obama’s evolving sense of style, from J. Crew to Jason Wu, in “She Slays.” Chef Marcus Samuelsson shares his excitement in preparing the Obamas’ first state dinner in “Cooking with a Narrative” (complete with mouthwatering menu). Rutgers professor Brittney Cooper examines the friendship of Michelle Obama and Beyoncé in “Lady O and King Bey.” Many of the contributors applaud the validation they feel the Obama administration has given them. In “Crushing on Michelle,” Damon Young, founder of the online magazine VSB, contrasts his own generation’s experience to that of his young niece and nephew, for whom an African-American president and first lady “is literally all they know.” That sense of gratitude resonates through each offering in this compilation, a warm tribute to an inspiring woman of color who has lived in the public eye for more than eight years.

October 15, 2016
A collection of essays that genuflect before a first lady like no other.Though many will miss President Barack Obama, this book suggests that Michelle Obama will be missed even more and that her popularity, accomplishments, and sheer presence have bolstered her husband's. "If he found a way to convince this amazing woman to accept his hand and have his children, he's exactly the type of man I want to be my president," explains Damon Young, a columnist and contributing editor for Ebony and one of the few male contributors to a collection dominated by African-American women. He's not the only one to comment on her "curvy behind," though he's the only one who uses that term. Wherever historians end up ranking the Obama presidency, early returns suggest that no first lady has been as beloved and influential since Jackie Kennedy. Michelle has served as "a game changer for Black women, and it turned out all women," writes editor Chambers, giving her a singular legacy that she is still plenty young enough to extend (as Roxane Gay suggests in her concluding essay). The variety of contributors allows for different perspectives on their common subject--as a fashion icon, a cultural arbiter, the self-proclaimed "mom-in-chief," partner in a mutual girl crush with Beyonce, fitness and food advocate, and a wife who supports but does not defer. "The irony is that Michelle Obama makes it look so easy because she is so complicated," writes Tiffany Dufu. "Simultaneously flawless and imperfect, she brilliantly navigates opposing forces. And in the tension we can all see ourselves." As Rebecca Carroll suggests, "she represents at least 60 percent of what America will miss most about the Obama presidency." While writing about the first lady, most of these perceptive essayists are also writing about themselves and their country, showing the shifts in perception and possibility that she has helped inspire.

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Starred review from December 1, 2016
When Michelle Obama stepped on the national stage as the First Lady, she challenged the view most Americans had about that largely ceremonial position. She had been criticized during the campaign as an angry black woman and scrutinized for everything from her bangs to her fist bumps. But all along, Obama has had admirers who applauded her sense of authenticity as well as her sense of style. Writer and editor Chambers gathered essays from a wide range of admirers who examine Obama's indelible impact on American culture as they explore what her First Ladyship has meant to them as artists, writers, social commentators, and journalists. The contributors recall Obama's Bring Back Our Girls campaign when 276 Nigerian girls were kidnapped by terrorists, and her role as mom-in-chief campaigning to fight childhood obesity. They also recall criticisms by some feminists for her traditional role and applause from black women delighted to see a traditional black family on national display. Many praise her accessibility, her combination of success and a home girl quality that has validated the ambitions of women, particularly black women. Among the 16 contributors are novelist Benilde Little; Tony-nominated actress Phillipa Soo; film director Ava Duvernay; and Charlene McCray, First Lady of New York City. This is a glorious tribute to an incredible woman.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

August 1, 2016

Contributions from Roxane Gay, Rebecca Walker, Marcus Samuelsson, and more celebrate Michelle Obama as she leave the White House.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2017

Editor Chambers (Mama's Girl) has assembled an engaging and delightful collection to help readers recognize that Michelle Obama is a distinct American icon, welcomed for her fresh approach to the role of First Lady. The essayists in this collection include women's studies and African American scholars, musicians, film industry leaders, and best-selling authors. For example, Hamilton star Phillipa Soo describes Obama's visit to her dressing room at the Public Theater, saying "this is the best piece of art I've ever seen." Many essays are lighthearted tributes to the ability of the author to relate to the experience of the First Lady as a black female professional, a "mom-in-chief," or a devoted popular culture and pop music fan. Several express their admiration for Obama's ease and refusing to give in to pressures and expectations to be someone she is not. Most express a belief that she is an example for African American girls and women to refuse limitations to dreams and goals. VERDICT Readers who wish to know more about the First Lady's influence and who want to understand her impact will enjoy the perceptions expressed in this unusual collection. [See Prepub Alert, 7/18/16.]--Jill Ortner, SUNY Buffalo Libs.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.