Michelle Obama writes, "I've never been a fan of politics, and my experience over the last ten years has done little to change that." Did you find her statement surprising?

In the epilogue, Michelle Obama writes, "I've never been a fan of politics, and my experience over the last ten years has done little to change that." Did you find her statement surprising?

Do you think politics is an effective way to make social change?

Not at all. In fact, I wonder about the self-selection for individuals who do enter politics these days. Who would purposely want the lack of privacy, fearing for your life, the incessant media pouncing on everything you say and do or even what you don't say and do, days and nights away from home. Ugh - what is appealing about any of that?

No, I wasn't surprised at her feelings--I actually share them. Also, she isn't the first wife of a politician not to share her spouse's enthusiasm. Here in Vt, Howard Dean's wife, when he was Governor, remained in Burlington and carried on her medical practice. I wouldn't know the woman if I tripped over her. I'm not sure that Melania Trump is very thrilled at her position either--the expectations of the public of a person who did not seek the position are outrageous. Mamie Eisenhower wasn't a fan, nor was Patricia Nixon. So, Michelle is and was in good company

I was surprised throughout the book how honest and transparent she was. I certainly agree with her point of view. I can imagine there was a lot of discussions about what she should and shouldn’t say. I imagine she stood up and said I’ve toed the line long enough. Now it’s my turn to speak out. Yay!!!

Katherine, good observations. Agree.

I was not surprised at that comment. I think she felt that way initially as an outsider and then saw her worst fears confirmed when she was at the epicenter of government.

No, I was not surprised by this comment, how could our current political climate do anything but disappoint? The fact that she has been able to continually "rise above the din" speaks to her character.

No - she was not a political person. She was married to one and had to enter into that life because her life became political. There was so much love in that union where they both achieved their dream while devoted to each other. I loved knowing more about President Obama's preferences - as having to have a "hole" in which to study quietly wherever he was. I felt the thread of love from the beginning to the end of the book. I wish she could have been a friend of mine. She has all the qualities.

After reading her memoir no, I didn't, but I must say I did find it disappointing. I admire her common sense so much that I was hopeful she'd reenter politics at some point.

I don’t think she has ever held back on expressing her dislike for politics from the beginning and who could blame her?

I can think of so many things that happened during her husband's presidency that confirmed her dislike. But she certainly was able to rise above those feelings and become an awesome First Lady.

Not at all. Our political arena is less about running our country and more about finding 'dirt' on the families of the politicians.

No, I do not find her statement surprising. A system that is slow moving, unbelievably negative and unfair is totally not what Michelle is about. While we could surely use her voice in todays political world, she has found other tools to make a difference. Unfortunately, it is a rare person who is drawn into politics and can stay true to their ideals.

Not after reading this book.

Absolutely not. However true to her nature she gave it the best she could hoping to make an impact.

I was not surprised at all. Like many First Ladies who were reluctant when faced with the responsibilities of the job, she embraced it and found the causes that were true to her heart.Living in a world where social media put even more of a spotlight on her and her family only made life more difficult. As she had in just about every other situation she faced in her life, she rose to the occasion. I truly admire her for rising above the negativity that often comes with politics; she will always be my favorite First Lady.

That she didn’t care for politics was evident years before she became First Lady. As a child she learned optimism early. After all, she just knew she could play the piano and well, too!
And yes, politics can always make social change. Effective? It depends on the goals of groups and governments. And therefore, social change can be positive or negative for those involved. And very controversial as well.

I was not surprised at all, she gave it her best, just like any other thing she did, but the level of trickery, half-statements and politics in general certainly was not something she liked. I admire her statement that she will never be in politics.

I wish that she felt differently, as I think she would be an outstanding President herself. But I wasn’t terribly surprised that she isn’t a fan of politics. She would rather have more freedom to work for change in the world without all the political trappings. Being First Lady gave her a platform to do that while keeping her a step away from the politics.

Not at all. Politics, in general, is cut throat. In some ways, Michelle is naive (not a negative thing) about how things work and she's idealistic about what good people will be able to accomplish for the country and others. Politics doesn't work that way and the book relayed the frustrations she felt about the lack of partisanship.

I did get that impression from interviews she had done in the past. Reading about how wary she was about entering the fray with her husband and then seeing how she jumped in and worked so hard made me respect her even more. I was surprised by how little guidance she was given, which made possible some of the issues she had with leaving openings for all the haters to jump all over. Her team was pretty young and may not have anticipated how nasty politics is!