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    1. Celebrity
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    Michelle Obama Got the Best News About Her Book 'Becoming' On Her Birthday

    Michelle Obama turns 55 today, which in and of itself is major news because she looks amazing, all the time. She's been out promoting her memoir, Becoming, giving women much-needed advice. And now, Becoming is now officially the most popular best-selling book on Amazon since Fifty Shades of Grey. 

    Katherine J. Igoe's avatar
    By Katherine J. Igoe
    Published 17 January 2019 In News

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    Michelle Obama "Becoming" book tour stop in San Jose
    (Image credit: MediaNews Group/The Mercury News)
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    Michelle Obama turns 55 today, which in and of itself is major news because she looks amazing, all the time. Luckily for all of us, she's been gracing us with her presence more often lately. She's been out promoting her memoir, Becoming, giving us much-needed insight and, in one case, major fashion inspo in glittery thigh-high Balenciaga boots. Although she hasn't told us how she's celebrating her special day yet, the First Lady-author-speaker-public figure's already gotten the best present that she could ask for. That's right: Becoming is now officially the most popular best-selling book on Amazon since Fifty Shades of Grey. 

    According to CNN Business, not since the sexy Twilight-inspired book has a book had such staying power in the #1 "most sold on Amazon across all formats" list. Becoming has been #1 since it was released in November, which means that's it's been the top book for over two months. Since 1995, only seven books have held the top spot for longer, and four of them were from the super-popular Harry Potter series.

    Obama has been making waves for her insights on marriage and living in the White House, and the realness with which she addresses subjects like infertility and therapy. Responses to the book have been overwhelmingly positive. (Go here to listen to an excerpt, if you're still on the fence.)

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    So Obama has much to celebrate for her special day. Of course, she'll probably spend it in a low-key way as she has with birthdays in the past, and she might even get a special shoutout from her husband, President Barack Obama.

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    Michelle Obama: On top of everything, even her birthdays are better than mine.

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    For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

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    Katherine J. Igoe
    Katherine J. Igoe
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    Contributing Editor

    Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award. 

    Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.

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