M&M

I read Melania Trump’s memoir. Then I read Michelle Obama’s memoir. Before I dove into either of them, I made a list of activities and based on my preconceived notions, decided which woman would most likely be best in each. After reading, I went back and updated my answers based on what I’d learned about each woman. These ladies surprise.

Who’d win arm wrestling: Pre- Michelle. Post- yes absolutely Michelle. She punched a girl that was a bully when they were kids.

Who’d win a beauty contest: Duh. Maybe that one shouldn’t have been on my list. How would either of their memoirs change my mind on this? Melania. Hands down.

Most Charitable: Hmmm… this was a toughie. Most money given? Pre- Melania. Most volunteer hours? Pre- Michelle. Post- Melania on both accounts.

Most Educated: Pre- Michelle. Post- yep, Michelle. Very educated.

Most Patriotic: Pre- Michelle. Post- WOW… MELANIA impressed in this department. Her pride and care for our country and the honor she holds for being a citizen is impressive.

Who would survive if stranded in the wilderness? Pre: Melania (she was born in Slovenia for Pete’s sake!). Post- I have no idea. Michelle could probably wrestle a bear better than Melania, but I think Melania is more clever. Let’s go with neither.

Best Wife: Pre- Michelle. Post- both. Tied. These women are very different, but both are fiercely independent and are also extremely supportive of their husbands (and both are willing to call their husbands out and be honest about issues. Love it)

Most Successful, apart from husband: Pre- No clue because I had no idea who they were apart from their husbands. Post- tied again! Michelle had a lot of success in the public sector and Melania is a successful entrepreneur.

Most Difficult Childhood: Pre- Melania (Communism, cold war, Slovenia!!). Post- Michelle. Definitely.

Who swears more: Pre- Melania. Post- thinking most likely Michelle. Melania and Donald don’t smoke or drink or do drugs… I’m guessing they don’t drop the f bomb much either.

Best with Foreign Relations: Pre- Melania. Post- Melania.

Who did more while in the White House? Pre- Michelle. Post- Tied. They both did so much good while they were there. The media just seemed to turn a blind eye while one of them did her good works. 😦

More Easily Offended: Pre- Michelle. Post- sticking with Michelle on this one.

Better writing: Pre- Melania. Post- Michelle all the way. Excellent writing.

Who would I want to meet? Pre- both. Post- both and neither. I think Melania would be the most genuine and kind, but she would still be intimidating. I think Michelle would consider our time a waste of hers.

Would I recommend these memoirs? Yes. I would recommend Melania’s to get a glimpse into how she represented our country as first lady. Very impressive and very surprising. I had no idea all that she did. I would recommend Michelle’s because it is a great story, start to finish, about a girl boldly facing the challenges of life, going from the southside of Chicago to Washington DC. I frequently forgot that I was reading about a First Lady.

What surprised me most? How misunderstood they both are and how similar they are when they became FLOTUS. Same concerns and worries.

Well that was fun. I was definitely challenged to set aside my uneducated opinions and when I did, I learned a lot and was pleasantly entertained by both of these women’s stories.

What’s next… Maybe I’ll read Nancy Kerrigan’s and Tonya Harding’s memoirs :). I’m definitely Team Nancy on that one!