This might seem like overkill. But my silly ol’ gut wants to say something silly, and honestly you’ll see there’s no harm. Here it goes: She writes with the knowledge of a therapist, the thoughtfulness of a philosopher, the empathy of a longtime trusted bestie, and the wisdom of a sage shaman who has lived many lives. A dorky, weird review already, I know. I try to read two books a month, on average. And this might be the most impactful book out of the nonfiction and memoir type books I’ve read in years. I’ve read some classics, some fantastic books that brought me to tears, books that I couldn’t put down for 24 hours straight ‘til it was done (it was a long book, okay!). But this book is of a different breed. Reflective and utterly insightful, I felt like the aches of my mind and heart were being gently read, understood, and nursed — all my best qualities and values reinvigorated and reinforced. She talked about experiences I’ve been through with so much wisdom, clarity, and articulation. Sometimes it felt like she was passing on time-tested truths so I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel and struggle so hard finding the equilibrium she’s had practice balancing for years. What she had to say about operating in the margins when being confined to the margins themselves is a provocative was so reassuring, intelligent, interesting, and helpful. I am a white girl, but I have a history of severe prolonged trauma and abuse. I didn’t have the parenting Michelle had, nor did I face racism, though I was raised around racists. I wasn’t met with gladness growing up, except for a couple times growing up by someone who soon after died. But somehow some of our experiences are not oh, so different. Somehow she saw me through the pages. And empowered me to give myself what I couldn’t get growing up, at school as the only girl in a class of male physicists, in the workplace, or when I dealt with police trying to get justice that never came. Of course, I don’t accept advice uncritically or unchallenged — so let me assure you that this book is well-explained, well-thought out, and sound. Michelle since I was little (born in 2001, here) has appeared to me as a sort of supplement parent, seeing as mine were extremely deficient. I’d watch her and Barack’s speeches on the TV at home and feel attuned to somehow. Then my dad would regurgitate all the conspiracies about them — among other things. But Michelle’s light outshines these naysayers — even the one’s who were closest to me, the loudest, and the most dangerous to my safety. She speaks clearly about work ethic, integrity, empathy, reason, and courage. They all matter, and she has them all in droves. She is one classy, beautiful, kind lady. Her lil overachieving self exceeded the standard, setting a new record for all of us to admire and aspire to.