I got all College Shonda circa 1990 and pulled out my school supplies. “I wrote a new book maybe or something,” I would mumble and rush away. (Single mother of three, four shows, always writing, blah blah, you know my song and dance by now - the point is, I had my nose in the manuscript all the time.) I lied outright to anyone who asked me what I was reading. I read during every free moment I had - which, let me tell you, is not a lot of moments. I shoved it in my biggest handbag and carried it around with me like it was a live baby I was afraid to leave home alone. So when the super top-secret package with the manuscript for 'Becoming' inside is delivered to me, I get serious. I mean, to get all Lin Manuel Miranda about it, history literally has its eye on her. It means I had to zip my lips and put on my thinking cap and approach this like an assignment. It means I had to shut down the White House fan-girl who is thrilled at anything related to the 44th First Family. Which means, I decided, that I had to tamp down the friend who is proud for her accomplishment. She needs to hear what we all really and truly think. She likes truth, she’ll want to have a real talk about this book. She’s smart and she’s tough and she does not do platitudes.

Michelle Obama doesn’t need us to be a squad of cheerleaders who applaud and tell her how special she is.

And that’s likely who expects to see me at this book discussion - having intelligent thoughts, saying smart things, and speaking critically and honestly. But also, the former First Lady of the United States of America has written a book. Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Shonda Rhimes Lawrence JacksonĮxcept that no, she has not.

Books written by shonda rhimes