This fall, Michelle Obama will release a book called “The Light We Carry” in which she reflects on her experiences and offers advice for surviving in a world that is getting more and more stressful.
It’s the former first lady’s first completely original work since the publication of her critically acclaimed blockbuster “Becoming” in 2018.
That book has sold more than 17 million copies globally, outpacing the sales of any memoir by a previous first lady or modern president, including her husband, former President Barack Obama.
The introduction to the book, which was included in Thursday’s announcement by Random House Publishing Group and its imprint Crown, is written by Michelle Obama.
“I’ve learned it’s okay to recognize that self-worth comes wrapped in vulnerability, and that what we share as humans on this earth is the impulse to strive for better, always and no matter what,” she writes.
“Our boldness and brilliance increase. Knowing your light means understanding who you are.
In an honest sense, you are aware of your own story.
In my opinion, the ability to connect meaningfully with others is the foundation of everything.
This type of self-knowledge, in my experience, creates confidence, which in turn breeds calmness and the capacity to retain perspective.”
The new book is not a part of the reportedly eight-figure memoir agreement the Obamas had with parent company Penguin Random House in 2017, shortly after he left office.
A spokesman declined to comment on “The Light We Carry’s” financial details.
Almost exactly four years after the publication of “Becoming,” Crown will issue the 336-page book on November 15 and has announced a first printing of 2.75 million copies for the U.S. and Canada.
With more rights agreements anticipated, “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times” will be released concurrently in 14 languages and 27 countries.
A portion of the publisher’s announcement reads, “In ‘The Light We Carry,’ Mrs. Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress.
She explains the habits and principles she has formed to successfully adapt to change and overcome numerous difficulties, drawing on her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady.
This earned wisdom aids her in continuing to “becoming.”
The $10,000 Michelle Obama Award for Memoir, part of an awards program for public high school students that Penguin Random House started in 1993, was renamed in her honor on Thursday, according to an announcement made by the publisher.
Michelle Obama has created a version of “Becoming” for younger readers and started a podcast since finishing it.
She has collaborated with Barack Obama and their production company Higher Ground on a number of endeavors, including the Academy Award-winning documentary “American Factory” and a documentary about her “Becoming” tour, during which she made appearances at venues across the country while being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Plans for “The Light We Carrypromotion “‘s will be revealed later.
Barack Obama, a million-selling author himself, has been published by Crown for a very long period.
The first of his two projected presidential autobiographies, “A Promised Land,” was published in 2020.
Concerning the publication date of the subsequent book, a spokesman declined to say.