Allison Samuels - What Would Michelle Do?: A Modern-Day Guide to Living with Substance and Style

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Published by Gotham Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

First printing, April 2012

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Copyright 2012 by Allison Samuels

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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Samuels, Allison.

What would Michelle do? : a modern-day guide to living with substance and style / Allison Samuels.

p. cm.

ISBN: 978-1-101-57246-7

1. WomenConduct of life. 2. Self-realization in women. 3. Obama, Michelle, 1964 Influence. I. Title.

BJ1610.S345 2012

646.70082dc23 2011048768

All illustrations courtesy of Megan Hess

Printed in the United States of America

Set in Bell MT Std

Designed by Spring Hoteling

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers and Internet addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors, or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.

ALWAYS LEARNING

PEARSON

To my mother, Classie West, for her unconditional love and
support, and for passing on a love of style, culture, and all things
Jackie, Audrey, and Michelle

H owever does she do it?

How does First Lady Michelle Obama juggle the many hats she must don daily without ever breaking the proverbial sweat that would surely dismantle her perfectly coiffed bob?

Whether hula hooping in the front yard of the White House alongside schoolkids or wowing foreign dignitaries at an official state dinner, Michelle Obama approaches whatever situation shes in with a steely calm and humble grace remarkably reminiscent of many of the iconic women whove come before her. This has ushered her into an elite club of women who need only be referenced by their first name to garner instant recognition and unyielding reverence. As vivid images of Michelle surface on television, on popular Web sites, and in fashion magazines, names like Grace, Audrey, and Jackie spring to mind. Michelle has joined the ranks of these fabulous women who all used their signature kitten-heel pumps to walk right into our hearts, leaving an indelible mark.

Much has been and certainly will continue to be written about the First African-American FLOTUS (First Lady of the United States). In a valiant effort to dictate history, many will attempt to explain the complicated inner workings of this classy, cultured, yet incredibly approachable woman. With her perfectly poised posture, gracious charm, and infectious vitality, Michelle has mesmerized the world since her arrival in the public spotlight back in 2006. Not since Jackie O nearly a quarter of a century ago has a First Lady held our attention so intently, her every move analyzed and her every word remembered.

What exactly is so special about Michelle?

Maybe its her rise from a working-class background to the hallowed halls of the Ivy League and on to the White House that resonates so soundly with the masses. Maybe its the easy way she seems to connect with virtually everyone around her, appearing never to lose touch or her down-home charm. Maybe its the loving way she supports her husband without appearing the least bit subservient or surrendered. Or maybe its all of the above.

In this book, youll discover a myriad of ways to channel your own inner Michelle using many of her everyday, lifelong rules of thumb. Ready, willing, and able to lovingly lead you over and around lifes many twists and turns, shes the ber-stylish and ultra-hip role model so unflappable that shes able to converse as effortlessly with Beyonc, the queen of pop, as she does with Kate Middleton, the future queen of England.

Culled from her personal experience, these are the best ways to develop and maintain Michelles cool self-assurance in all facets of your life. Following Michelles guidelines for personal growth and satisfaction, youll be able to determine and develop your own true passions. Michelles own storied journey will offer clues on how to find and obtain a rich destiny for yourself that doesnt depend on snagging Dwyane Wade or George Clooney. Tidbits large and small from the First Ladys well-organized and thoughtfully planned life will offer innovative ways to create a fun and loving bond with your children and do the very same with your own parents. In an age where temper tantrums and physical confrontations with foes and friends alike are rewarded with television contracts, the First Ladys very modern yet very thoughtful and courteous way of life can be just the reminder you need to understand what truly being a lady entails. So, whether youre seeking a more thorough understanding of your lifes true passions or want assistance in choosing a well-rounded, supportive inner circle, Michelles well-trodden path will lead the way.

Michelles life also offers insight into obtaining those perfectly toned but feminine arms, that sinewy frame, and a partner who will still give us love-struck gazes after many years of marriage, just like Barack. Details of the Obamas long love affair will provide commonsense pointers on how to secure a love of your own that will last a lifetime.

Finally, this book will pull no punches because, quite frankly, when all is said and done, Michelle wouldnt have it any other way. Shed be the first to acknowledge how her strong family ties and top-notch education coupled with the hand of fate have changed and enhanced her life in ways most women cant imagine for their own.

But in true Michelle style, after admitting the extraordinary existence shes been privileged to lead, shed no doubt offer you the same advice she gives recent college graduates and women from all walks of life:

Something amazing is out there waiting for you, but you wont ever find it if you dont ever look.