By Jueseppi B.
In her new book “What Would Michelle Do?” Allison Samuels explores the character traits that have helped Michelle Obama on her journey from Ivy League grad to first lady. Samuels talked with The Root DC about how reality TV played a part in her writing the book, why it’s important to remember the endgame in one’s journey to success, and why every woman — no matter how successful she is — needs friends.
Michelle Obama represents a lot to black women in America and Senior Newsweek Journalist Allison Samuels wants to see to it that the First Lady comes to represent more for our youth against the backdrop of reality TV drama with a new book, What Would Michelle Do?
The new literary release follows Michelle Obama’s journey from Ivy League graduate to First Lady of the United States and really serves as a blueprint for living a life of substance and style. In an interview with Bronze Magazine, Allison explained her inspiration for writing the book:
“I teach at the boys and girls club in Los Angeles and I saw that a lot of our young girls look at reality shows and I am tired of the way we as black women are depicted today. On Television and in the media we are made to look so mean and have tempers, they show us fighting all the time and we can’t seem to get along with our girlfriends. I know some of the young girls get confused because they would see these women on TV fighting and being mean and they think this is how they are supposed to act. A lot of them look to these type of women as their role models and I thought this is not what they need to learn from.
“I know a lot of these young girls that didn’t have good role models to learn from and I thought, here we have this beautiful role model in the White house that has everything, a great husband, beautiful children and she has girlfriends, why not look at her and learn from her? I had to write this book that focused on Michelle (A positive African American Women) for women and young girls that don’t see themselves in a positive way; to show them that there are plenty opportunities out there and they can have anything they want, but they just have to know what they want.”
Going further into the depictions of black women as constantly angry and without any positivity in their lives, Samuels stresses how this book shows the FLOTUS is the exact opposite of those stereotypes:
“This book talks about how First Lady Michelle Obama stopped what she was doing to support her husband and take care of her children and how she did it without being upset. How she handles every situation with style and grace (even if it is hard). I thought I need to do something to change what we are seeing on television.
“First Lady Michelle Obama is Strong, Beautiful, and Intelligent and has the opportunity to change the way people see Black women and how Black women see ourselves and our future. We have to learn how to embrace our beauty. Michelle has rules she lives by and she had her ‘End Game.’ This book teaches women and young girls that we all need to have an end game in order to have a fairy tale life.”
What Would Michelle Do?: A Modern-Day Guide to Living with Substance and Style
Written by: Allison Samuels
Inspiring insights, advice, and style for every woman who admires the popular and poised First Lady Michelle Obama
Embodying style, class, and intelligence, Michelle Obama has quickly become an American icon. Rising from modest beginnings, she went on to earn an Ivy League education, a position at a top law firm, and a pivotal role beside President Barack Obama. Yet Michelle still faces the same issues as most women today. As they watch her juggle kids, marriage, and a seemingly nonstop calendar without breaking a sweat, American women are asking, What Would Michelle Do?
Award-winning Newsweek journalist Allison Samuels, who has interviewed the First Lady numerous times, follows the trajectory of Michelle’s life to illustrate the determination, intellect, and charm that drove her success-and reveals how women can incorporate those same attributes to get everything Michelle has, from her toned arms to her grace under pressure to her happy marriage. With the 2012 elections looming, Michelle continues to be in the public’s eye. Covering a range of lifestyle topics-from creating a distinctive style to conquering obstacles to managing a household-What Would Michelle Do? combines solid advice with a fun package that will appeal to style mavens, soccer moms, and career women alike.
My take: One doesn’t have to share the same political beliefs as Michelle Obama or even get into politics (I don’t) at all to read What Would Michelle Do?: A Modern-Day Guide to Living with Substance and Style. This book features a myriad of inspiring and helpful tips on different subjects. One of my top favorite chapters is the first chapter. It talks about improving your self-esteem and your outlooks on life. It also goes on to talk about moving forward in life, and not letting people and or/things affect you – whether it is current or in the past.
Michelle is known for her unwavering confidence and down-to-earth personality, but she also has an impeccable sense of style that the media outlets can’t help but notice! I put her in the ranks with people such as Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly when it comes to style and grace. As a fashion lover myself, the Fashion Forward chapter is another top favorite. I find Michelle Obama to be one the most inspirational fashionistas. I love that even though she can easily afford to buy top notch brands, she doesn’t have any shame when it comes to shopping at stores such as Target, J.Crew, White House | Black Market, H&M, and Gap. This makes her style attainable and affordable for those who don’t have the budget to dole out hundreds, or even thousands for couture brands.
This is only just a couple things about the book. The author managed to include a myriad of interesting topics. Her writing style will lure in people who don’t like to read or hardly have any time to do so at all. I’m the latter. Needless to say, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Read this book. Hey Lush Rimbaugh,….you do know how to read don’t cha? Just put your lips together and move them as you read.
Filed under: Black History, Book Reviews, Books, Causes, Celebs & Fame, History, Michelle Obama, News, Politics, The White House, Women's Causes Tagged: | allison samuels, best sellers list, Michelle Obama, new york book review, what would michelle do?
Jueseppi B.
I hadn’t seen this! Glad you posted about it. I’ll be picking up a copy ASAP.
This is the place to get knowledge…Anything “Obama” I try to keep informed and pass it on.
Good evening, Jueseppi & Eeveryone. This book is next on my list to read, right after I’m finished reading “do Not Ask What Good We Do.”
Good morning Ms. Ametia. So good to see you. I hope you are enjoying your weekend.
An interesting concept for a book. I hope it helps the young. IMHO reality TV is just a passing phase, but Michelle Obama’s leadership and style will be permanent.
Lets hope & pray (if you pray) that reality TV is a passing phase that has run it’s course. Enjoy your weekend.