Michelle Obama’s memoir sells more than 725,000 copies

By: Katrina Hallare - 6 years ago

In this Oct. 11, 2018, file photo, Michelle Obama participates in the International Day of the Girl on NBC’s “Today” show in New York. Michelle Obama blasts President Donald Trump in her new book, recalling how she reacted in shock the night she learned he would replace her husband in the Oval Office and tried to “block it all out.” In her book “Becoming,” set to come out on Tuesday, Nov. 13, she denounces the president for bragging to a TV host in 2005 about sexually assaulting women. Image: Invision/Charles Sykes via AP

NEW YORK — First-day sales for Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” topped 725,000 copies, making it one of the year’s biggest debuts.

Crown Publishing told The Associated Press on Friday that the figures include sales and pre-orders for the former first lady’s memoir include hardcover, audio and e-books editions for the United States and Canada.

“Becoming” was released on Tuesday, the same day Mrs. Obama launched a national book tour. Crown also announced that it had raised the book’s print run from 1.8 million copies to 2.6 million.

Reviews of the book, which traces Obama’s journey from Chicago’s South Side to the White House, have been positive, with The Washington Post praising its “impressive balance in telling the truth of her challenges while repeatedly acknowledging her lucky life.”

“Becoming” had the biggest opening of any books in 2018 by Crown’s parent company, Penguin Random House. But at least one other book this year, from Simon & Schuster, did start higher: Bob Woodward’s “Fear: Trump in the White House” sold around 900,000 copies after one day.

“Becoming” is well exceeding the pace of previous memoirs by first ladies. In 2003, Hillary Clinton’s “Living History” had first week sales of around 600,000 copies, at a time when audio sales were tiny and e-book sales non-existent. MKH

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