I read Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend and Becoming at the same time

TL;DR

Michelle Obama's memoir, "Becoming," and the novel "Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend" by Alan Cumyn may seem completely different, but they share common themes of personal growth, challenging societal norms, and advocating for marginalized communities.

Transcript

Michelle realizes that she wants to impact her country in a positive way where other people who look like her and struggle like her can have the same opportunities as other Americans in this country. And she just wants to smell the balls of a pterodactyl [intro music] If you clicked on this video, you're probably thinking "What the fuck is this?" a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤪 The protagonist in "Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend" goes through a sexual awakening, paralleling Michelle Obama's journey of self-discovery.
• 👪 Both Michelle and Shiels face conflicts with their families, as their desires and values differ from those of their parents.
• 🥰 The male love interests in both books represent societal outsiders and face backlash due to their differences.
• 😒 Michelle and Shiels use education and privilege as platforms to make a positive impact.
• 🥶 Both books explore the challenges women face when breaking free from societal expectations and pursuing their passions.
• 🥺 The protagonists' transformation leads to a strengthened sense of self and a greater understanding of their values.
• 🤞 The stories acknowledge the harsh realities of the world while maintaining a sense of hope for the future.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are Michelle Obama and Shiels, the protagonist in "Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend," similar in terms of their initial rigidity and workaholic nature?

Both Michelle and Shiels start their respective stories with a rigid mindset and plan for their lives, refusing to deviate from their predetermined paths. They are both workaholics, driven by the desire to succeed and follow societal expectations.

Q: How do Michelle Obama and Shiels navigate the challenges of discrimination and being seen as "other"?

Michelle faced racial and economic disparity in college and became involved in advocating for minority students. Shiels, on the other hand, confronts discrimination when her school is introduced to a pterodactyl student. Both characters actively work towards inclusivity and fight for the rights of marginalized groups.

Q: What sacrifices do Michelle and Shiels make when pursuing their passions?

Michelle gives up a high-paying job as a lawyer to work in a non-profit, taking a significant pay cut but aligning her work with her values. Shiels steals her parents' credit card to pay for her pterodactyl boyfriend's bail, risking her relationship with her family and her own future.

Q: How do Michelle Obama and Shiels use their platform to bring about change?

Michelle focuses on issues such as poverty, education, and nutrition, implementing programs that promote physical activity and healthy eating. Shiels advocates against specieism and fights for the integration of pterodactyls in her high school, challenging discrimination and prejudice.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Becoming" is a memoir by Michelle Obama, detailing her life growing up in Chicago and her journey to becoming the First Lady of the United States.

• "Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend" is a fiction novel about a high school student named Shiels who meets a pterodactyl, leading to personal growth and a sexual awakening.

• Both books explore the themes of taking paths different from what was planned, facing conflict and opposition, and finding one's true identity.