This image released by Random House shows “The Light We Carry” by former first lady and author Michelle Obama.
NEW YORK (AP) — Michelle Obama will have a book out this fall, “The Light We Carry,” in which she reflects upon her experiences and shares insights on navigating an increasingly stressful world.
It’s the former first lady’s first entirely new work since the 2018 release of her acclaimed blockbuster “Becoming,” which has sold more than 17 million copies worldwide, surpassing the sales of any memoir by a previous first lady or modern president, including her husband, former President Barack Obama.
“I’ve learned it’s okay to recognize that self-worth comes wrapped in vulnerability, and that what we share as humans on this earth is the impulse to strive for better, always and no matter what,” Michelle Obama writes in the book’s introduction, included in Thursday’s announcement by the Random House Publishing Group and its imprint Crown.
“We become bolder in brightness. If you know your light, you know yourself. You know your own story in an honest way. In my experience, this type of self-knowledge builds confidence, which in turn breeds calmness and an ability to maintain perspective, which leads, finally, to being able to connect meaningfully with others — and this to me is the bedrock of all things.”
The new book is not part of the reported eight-figure deal the Obamas reached in 2017, shortly after he left office, with parent company Penguin Random House for their respective memoirs. A spokesperson declined to discuss financial terms for “The Light We Carry.”
Crown will publish the 336-page book Nov. 15, almost exactly four years after the release of “Becoming,” and has announced a first printing of 2.75 million copies for the U.S. and Canada. “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times” will come out simultaneously in 14 languages and 27 countries, with additional rights deals expected.
“In ‘The Light We Carry,’ Mrs. Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress,” the publisher’s announcement reads in part.
“Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles — the earned wisdom that helps her continue to ‘become.'”
On Thursday, Penguin Random House announced it was renaming an annual writing prize in her honor, the $10,000 Michelle Obama Award for Memoir, part of an awards program for public high school students the company launched in 1993.
Since completing “Becoming,” Michelle Obama has written an edition for younger readers and launched a podcast. With Barack Obama and their production company Higher Ground she has worked on such projects as the Oscar-winning documentary “American Factory” and a documentary about her tour for “Becoming,” when she appeared at arenas nationwide with such guest interviewers as Oprah Winfrey and Sarah Jessica Parker. Promotional plans for “The Light We Carry” will be announced later.
Crown is also the longtime publisher of Barack Obama, himself a million-selling author. “A Promised Land,” the first of two planned memoirs about his presidency, came out in 2020. A spokesperson declined to comment on when the next book will be released.
Photos: The Obamas through the years
Barack Obama, 1976
Barack “Barry” Obama is seen in this 1976 class photo from the Punahoe School Yearbook in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Punahoe Schools, File)
Barack Obama, 1978
Barack “Barry” Obama, center, is seen in his 1978 senior yearbook photo from the Punahoe School Yearbook in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Punahoe Schools, File)
Barack Obama, 1978
Barack “Barry” Obama, second row right, is seen in this 1978 senior yearbook photo from the Punahoe School Yearbook in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Punahoe Schools, File)
The Obamas, 2000
Barack Obama, District One Democratic candidate for Congress, delivers his concession speech to supporters while his wife Michelle tends to their daughter Malia during a post-primary function Tuesday, March 21, 2000, in Chicago. Incumbent Congressman Bobby Rush won the Democratic nomination. (AP Photo/Frank Polich)
Barack Obama, 2003
In this Nov. 6, 2003, file photo then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama argues during a debate on legislation about immigrant driver’s licenses on the Senate floor at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)
The Obamas, 2004
Illinois State Senator Barack Obama, D-Chicago, talks with his daughter Malia, 5, as his wife Michelle holds their other daughter Sasha, 2, in their hotel suite on the evening of the US Senate Democratic primary Tuesday, March 16, 2004 in Chicago. Obama is in a seven-way race in the Democratic state wide primary. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Michelle and Barack Obama, 2004
U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama and his wife Michelle wave to delegates after he delivered his keynote address to the Democratic National Convention in Boston, Tuesday, July 27, 2004. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
Michelle Obama, 2004
Michelle Obama speaks to students in an economics class Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, at York High School in Elmhurst, Ill. Obama has joined her husband, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama, on the campaign trail playing a high-profile role in his bid for election. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Obamas, 2004
Illinois Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama checks with his wife Michelle, daughters Malia, left, and Sasha in with poll workers, as he gets in line to cast his vote at Catholic Theological union polling place Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004, in Chicago.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Obamas, 2004
Then-Illinois Democratic Senate candidate Barack Obama leaves with his wife Michelle, daughters Sasha, front left, and Malia after voting at Catholic Theological union polling place in Chicago in this Nov. 2, 2004. As the first black president of the Harvard Law Review, Obama had his pick of top law firms. He chose Justin Miner’s Chicago civil rights firm, where he represented community organizers, discrimination victims and black voters trying to force a redrawing of city ward boundaries.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)
The Obamas, 2004
Illinois U.S. Senator-elect Barack Obama, holding his daughter Malia, 6, and his wife Michelle, holding their daughter Sasha, 3, are covered in confetti after Obama delivered his acceptance speech in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004. Obama, only the fifth black U.S. Senator to be elected in history, defeated Republican Alan Keyes in the nation’s first Senate race with two black major-party candidates. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
The Obamas and Dick Cheney, 2005
Then-Vice President Dick Cheney, right, shakes hands with Malia Obama, daughter of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., right, after administering the Senate oath during a mock swearing in on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005. Obama’s wife Michelle and other daughter Shasha look on. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
Bernie Sanders and Barack Obama, 2006
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, right, speaks at a Democratic rally in Burlington, Vt., Friday, March 10, 2006, to support Congressman Bernie Sanders, left, in his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Obama appeared at a raucous University of Vermont rally where he endorsed Sanders’ bid and the Democratic campaign of Peter Welch, running for the U.S. House. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, 2006
In this July 19, 2006, photo, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., speaks with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., right, during the annual convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Washington, prior to their race for the Democratic presidential nomination. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File )
The Obamas, 2006
Sen. Barack Obama, right, the only African-American in the U.S. Senate, his wife Michelle Obama, left, and their two daughters lay a wreath at the August 7 Memorial Park in Nairobi, Kenya, Friday, Aug. 25 2006, where 248 people died during a terrorist attack Aug.7, 1998. During his six-day tour which he hoped to use to highlight the importance of Africa, the senator is expected to visit Nyangoma-Kogelo, a village of several hundred in western Kenya where his father grew up and where his grandmother still lives. (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)
Joseph Biden and Barack Obama, 2007
Then-Democratic presidential hopefuls, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., left, and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., talk on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007 during the committee’s hearing on Iraq. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Barack and Michelle Obama, 2007
In this Feb. 10, 2007, photo, Barack and Michelle Obama wave to the crowd after he announced his candidacy for president of the United States at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Hilary Rodham Clinton, 2007
Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., left, talks with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Sen. Hilary Rodham Clinton, D-NY prior to the start of the Democratic presidential primary debate of the 2008 election hosted by the South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC., Thursday, April 26, 2007. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The Obamas, 2007
Then-Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen., Barack Obama and his wife Michelle and daughters Malia, 8, left, and Sasha, 5, leave the Brick Store general store under watchful eyes in Bath, N.H., Monday, May 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
The Obamas, 2008
Then-Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., waves to supporters at an after caucus rally at the Hy Vee Center after winning the Iowa democratic presidential caucus Thursday Jan. 3, 2008 in Des Moines, Iowa.(AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Michelle, Sasha, and Malia Obama, 2008
Sasha Obama, 7, daughter of Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., blows a kiss to her dad, while he addresses the gathering via- satellite at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. Looking on are Michelle Obama, left, wife of the Democratic presidential candidate and daughter Malia, 10. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Obamas, 2008
Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia, 10, second from right, and Sasha, 7, take the stage after his acceptance speechat the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
The Obamas, 2008
President-elect Barack Obama, left, his wife Michelle Obama, right, and two daughters, Malia, and Sasha, center left, wave to the crowd at the election night rally in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Barack and Michelle Obama, 2009
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance at the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball at the National Building Museum in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Barack Obama and Joe Biden, 2009
President Barack Obama caps his pen after he signed an executive order closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Vice President Joe Biden, second from left, and retired military officers applaud. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
The Obamas and dog, Bo, 2009
Malia Obama walks with new dog Bo, followed by President Barack Obama, Sasha Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Barack, Sasha, and Malia Obama, 2010
President Barack Obama pets “Apple,” the National Thanksgiving turkey during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010. National Turkey Federation Chairman Yubert Envia, left, and first daughters, Sasha, second from right, and Malia, right, watch. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Michelle, Sasha and Malia Obama, 2011
First lady Michelle Obama, with daughters Sasha, center, and Malia, take turns reading to children from “The Cat in the Hat,” by Dr. Seuss, during their visit to the Emthonjeni Community Center in Zandspruit Township, Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday, June 21, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, Pool)
The Obamas and Marian Robinson, 2011
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, obscured, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson, far left, arrive for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse across from the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec., 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Obamas and elves, 2011
The first family, Sasha Obama, back left, first lady Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, and Malia Obama, pose with children dressed like elves at the annual Christmas in Washington taping at the National Building Museum in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Barack and Michelle Obama, 2012
President Barack Obama kisses the head of first lady Michelle Obama, left, after kissing her for “Kiss Cam” in the second half while attending the Olympic men’s exhibition basketball game between Team USA and Brazil, Monday, July 16, 2012, in Washington. Team USA won 80-69. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Barack Obama and Chris Christie, 2012
President Barack Obama is greeted by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie upon his arrival at Atlantic City International Airport, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, in Atlantic City, NJ. Obama traveled to region to take an aerial tour of the Atlantic Coast in New Jersey in areas damaged by superstorm Sandy, (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Obamas, 2012
President Barack Obama waves as he walks on stage with first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Sasha, Michelle and Malia Obama, 2013
First lady Michelle Obama, center, and daughters Sasha, left, and Malia, right, react during the Kids’ Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future.” event in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Obamas and John Roberts, 2013
President Barack Obama is officially sworn-in by Chief Justice John Roberts in the Blue Room of the White House during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Sunday Jan. 20, 2013. Next to Obama are first lady Michelle Obama, holding the Robinson Family Bible, and daughters Malia and Sasha. (AP Photo/Pool, Charles Dharapak)
Barack and Michelle Obama, 2013
President Barack Obama blows a kiss as he and first lady Michelle Obama walk on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House in the Inauguration Parade during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Barack and Michelle Obama, 2013
President Barack Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama during their dance at the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center during the 57th Presidential Inauguration on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The Obamas, 2013
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk from the White House with their daughters Sasha Obama, second from left, and Malia Obama, right, on their way through Lafayette Park to St. John’s Episcopal Church for Easter services, Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Barack and Michelle Obama and Joe and Jill Biden, 2013
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Jill Biden put their hands to their hearts during the playing of “Taps” on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013, to mark the 12th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Barack, Malia and Sasha Obama, 2014
In this Nov. 26, 2014 file photo, President Barack Obama, joined by his daughters Malia, right, and Sasha, center, speaks at the White House, in Washington during the presidential turkey pardon ceremony, an annual Thanksgiving tradition. An aide to a Republican congressman has resigned after her critical comments about President Barack Obama’s daughters touched off a backlash. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
The Obamas and Marian Robinson, 2015
From right, President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Michelle’s mother Marian Robinson, daughters Sasha, and Malia, look to the stage during the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Ellipse in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Michelle, Sasha and Malia Obama, 2016
U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, left, is accompanied by her daughters Sasha, center, and Malia, as she arrives to dedicate a gift of two magnolia trees and a bench, at a small park beside Ruben Martinez Villena public library in Plaza de las Armas, Old Havana, Cuba, Tuesday, March 22, 2016. The bench bears the inscription in English and Spanish “A gift to the people of Cuba from Mrs. Michelle Obama, first lady of the U.S., March 2016.” (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
The Obamas, 2016
President Barack Obama, and family, daughters Sasha and Malia Obama, and first lady Michelle Obama, depart Roswell, N.M., Friday, June 17, 2016, after touring Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The President is touring several of the nation’s national parks to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the creation of America’s national park system. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche)
Barack and Michelle Obama, 2016
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama acknowledge the applauds as they attend the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 46th Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Joe Biden and Barack Obama, 2016
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, with their arms on each other, walk back to the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, after the president spoke about the election in the Rose Garden. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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