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[Caption:] I think most everyone knows the Obamas (above) are a wonderful family!
Dear Cafetalk Community and Friends,
How are you doing? It seems it has been raining heavily in Japan (and a lot of Asia) for an extended period of time. I'm so sorry to hear about the flooding, landslides, and other natural disasters in certain areas. I hope you are all doing fine.
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[Today's Topic]
Have you heard about Michelle Obama's book titled, "Becoming?" It came out a while ago, but I didn't get around to reading it until now. I am very impressed with her not only as a person but also as an author. Before I read the book, I assumed the book was on the Best-Seller list for a very long time because of her celebrity status and fame alone. After I started listening to the audiobook, I realized she's quite an accomplished and engaging author in her own right!
The book includes her childhood days, as well as the time she was growing up in Chicago. Of course, she mentions her attendance at the law school and meeting Barak Obama. Overall, it is a poignant memoir about her life's journey from being a little girl in Chicago to being the First Lady in the White House. I highly recommend this book.
Not only was it on the best-seller list, but many people have also called it one of the best memoirs in its genre. Please take a look at some articles that illustrates the popularity of this special book!
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[Articles]~ If you're so inclined, please take a look
"Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ now has the longest No. 1 best-seller streak on Amazon since ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’" ~ CNBC: Make it
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/16/obamas-becoming-longest-amazon-best-seller-since-fifty-shades.html
"Michelle Obama's book is set to become the best-selling memoir in history" ~ CNBC News
https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/michelle-obama-s-book-set-become-best-selling-memoir-history-n987801
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[Audiotapes & Listening Skills]
I know many English tutors mostly recommend podcasts and listening to American TV Shows or the news. I agree that podcasts and other English audio materials are great! I highly recommend them as well!
However, I believe one listening device has not had the credit where credit is due. Audiobooks are great because it keeps your hands free while you listen to your favorite story. Also, the entertainment value makes the household chores more tolerable and pleasant.
In America and Canada, the library system is highly advanced technologically, carries an abundant collection of the latest books, and DVDs for watching movies, and CDs for listening to audiobooks. As long as you have a library membership card, you can even access magazines for free!
"Michelle Obama's book is set to become the best-selling memoir in history" ~ CNBC News
https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/michelle-obama-s-book-set-become-best-selling-memoir-history-n987801
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[Audiotapes & Listening Skills]
I know many English tutors mostly recommend podcasts and listening to American TV Shows or the news. I agree that podcasts and other English audio materials are great! I highly recommend them as well!
However, I believe one listening device has not had the credit where credit is due. Audiobooks are great because it keeps your hands free while you listen to your favorite story. Also, the entertainment value makes the household chores more tolerable and pleasant.
In America and Canada, the library system is highly advanced technologically, carries an abundant collection of the latest books, and DVDs for watching movies, and CDs for listening to audiobooks. As long as you have a library membership card, you can even access magazines for free!
Unfortunately, if the Asian library system doesn't have the same quality or quantity of services, I recommend an online company called "Audible." I'm sure you have to pay a subscription fee, but I'm sure it's worth it. I think you will get hooked on English audiobooks once you get started.
As another benefit, it takes me forever to read each page in a book, but the audiobook forces you to keep your mind focused on the audio recording because you'll miss the story. In addition, talented and sometimes famous actors narrate the audiobook all the way through. The way they change their voices for each character makes the audio performance even more astonishing!
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[Back to Michelle Obama:]
There is no doubt in my mind that Michelle Obama is an amazing, positive, and authentic person with a kind heart. She can stand up for herself or support others if necessary. Based on her example, the book will inspire and motivate you to work hard and do what is right in your heart!
I hope you like it! I hope to see you soon in one of my lessons!
Have a wonderful day!
Warmest regards,
Lady Ayame
(Patricia Ayame Thomson)
