Summary

The epilogue concludes the book with a brief recounting of the last day of Barack’s presidency and the inauguration of Donald Trump. Obama notes that the transition was marked with “grace and dignity” (417), even while she struggled to “contain [her] emotions” and “stopped even trying to smile” (418).

Obama reminds the reader that leaving the White House means entering a “new phase of life” (418), and one which Obama definitively states will not involve running for office. She reiterates her general dislike of politics, an “arena [that] is just not for [her]” (419), even if it can be “a means for positive change” (419).

She briefly reminds the reader of her journey to the White House, beginning with her youth on the South Side of Chicago. In her words, “I’m an ordinary person who found herself on an extraordinary journey” (420-21).

Finally, she concludes by invoking...