Back To Her Roots

This New York Times Notable Book of the Year, available now in paperback, "is not only the remarkable story of our first lady's family, providing insight into some of the wonderful traits that have been passed down to her, but also a microcosm of our country's story as well...The real-life saga of struggle, survival, triumph, & tragedy serves as an uplifting companion to Alex Haley's Roots", according to USA Today. The book is "American Tapestry:The Story of the Black, White, & Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama. As the 1st African-American First Lady, Michelle Obama is one of the most popular figures in Washington, a woman who has fascinated the world since Barack Obama was 1st elected in 2008. She's the President's closest confidante, yet we know far less about HER family's story than about his. When New York Times Washington corespondent Rachel L. Swarns co-authored a front-page story about Michelle Obama's ancestry, people across the country were captivated by the details of the First Lady's genealogy. Mrs. Obama was so fascinated by the article's findings that she shared them with family & friends during her 1st Thanksgiving in the White House. Now, in "American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White, & Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama" (Publication date: April 9th from Trade Paperback), Ms Swarns presents a compelling & comprehensive history of Michelle Obama's family that is both multi-layered & accessible. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Steve Hahn says that Ms Swarn "with great insight & beautiful prose, has revealed the complex, eye-opening & disconcerting experiences that are America". Author Swarns has been a reporter for the New York Times since 1995 & has written about domestic policy & national politics & has reported on immigration, the presidential campaigns of 2004 & 2008, & First Lady Michelle Obama. I was fascinated to learn the identity of Mrs. Obama's white great-great -great grandfather, a man whose identity remained unknown for more than a century in her family tree. I don't even know half the people in Shelby, much less my great-great-great uncle! Check it out at major bookstores nationwide.