Becoming, by Michelle Obama: on Principles & Values

Met Michele when both worked as interns at law firm

Obama had already created a stir at the firm. He'd just finished his first year of law school, and normally we had only hired 2nd-year students for summer positions. But rumor had it he was exceptional. One of his professors at Harvard--the daughter of a managing partner--claimed he was the most gifted law student she'd ever encountered. Some of the secretaries who'd seen the guy come in for his interview were saying that on top of this apparent brilliance he was also cute. [When he arrived], he was quiet and deferential, listening attentively.

As Barack's adviser, I was meant to act as a social conduit more than anything. My assignment was to make sure he was happy in the job, that he had someone to come to if he needed advice, and that he felt connected to the larger team.

Goal of transition to Trump: grace and dignity

That morning, Barack had made a last visit to the Oval Office, leaving a handwritten note for his successor. [The White House's permanent staff] presented us with a parting gift of two United States flags--the one that had flown on the first day of Barack's presidency and the one that had flown on his last day in office, symbolic bookends to our family's experience.

Michelle Obama has no intention of running for office, ever

That isn't to say I don't care deeply about the future of our country. Since Barack left office, I've read news stories that turn my stomach. I sometimes wonder where the bottom might be.

What I won't allow myself to do, though, is to become cynical.