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The Look
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Beautifully illustrated with more than 200 photographs, including never-before-seen images, The Look is a stunning journey through Michelle Obama’s style evolution, in her own words for the first time.
In this celebration of style, from the moment she entered the public eye during her husband’s U.S. Senate campaign through her time as the first Black First Lady and today as one of this country’s most influential figures, Michelle Obama shares how she uses the beauty and intrigue of fashion to draw attention to her message.
Featuring the voices of Meredith Koop, Obama’s trusted stylist, as well as her makeup artist Carl Ray, hairstylists Yene Damtew, Johnny Wright, and Njeri Radway, and many of the designers who have dressed Obama for notable events, The Look brings readers behind the scenes not only to reveal how her most memorable looks came together but also to tell a powerful story about how we present ourselves.
Obama’s intimate and candid stories illuminate how her approach to dressing has evolved throughout her life—from the colorful sheath dresses, cardigans, and brooches she wore during her time as First Lady to the bold suits, denim, and braids of her post-White House life and all the active looks and beautiful gowns in between.
In The Look, Michelle Obama explores the joy and the purpose of fashion and beauty and how—when wielded with grace and care—they can uplift and affirm the values one holds most dear. Confidence, she concludes, cannot be put on. But when you’re wearing something that’s intentional or beloved, clothing can make you feel like the best version of yourself.
In this celebration of style, from the moment she entered the public eye during her husband’s U.S. Senate campaign through her time as the first Black First Lady and today as one of this country’s most influential figures, Michelle Obama shares how she uses the beauty and intrigue of fashion to draw attention to her message.
Featuring the voices of Meredith Koop, Obama’s trusted stylist, as well as her makeup artist Carl Ray, hairstylists Yene Damtew, Johnny Wright, and Njeri Radway, and many of the designers who have dressed Obama for notable events, The Look brings readers behind the scenes not only to reveal how her most memorable looks came together but also to tell a powerful story about how we present ourselves.
Obama’s intimate and candid stories illuminate how her approach to dressing has evolved throughout her life—from the colorful sheath dresses, cardigans, and brooches she wore during her time as First Lady to the bold suits, denim, and braids of her post-White House life and all the active looks and beautiful gowns in between.
In The Look, Michelle Obama explores the joy and the purpose of fashion and beauty and how—when wielded with grace and care—they can uplift and affirm the values one holds most dear. Confidence, she concludes, cannot be put on. But when you’re wearing something that’s intentional or beloved, clothing can make you feel like the best version of yourself.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2025
515 people are currently reading
3260 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Obama
46 books121k followersMichelle Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Mrs. Obama started her career as an attorney at the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin, where she met her future husband, Barack Obama. She later worked in the Chicago mayor’s office, at the University of Chicago, and at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Mrs. Obama also founded the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an organization that prepares young people for careers in public service. She is the author of the #1 global bestseller Becoming and the #1 national bestseller American Grown. The Obamas currently live in Washington, D.C., and have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 16, 2025
First off, I may be bias but I’m a big fan of Michelle Obama. This is one giant book filled with beautiful photography and passages of Mrs. Obama’s style and elegance… dare I say legacy. She embodies gracefulness, classy, and versatility through each page. I loved how as a First Lady she challenged the norms through her fashion but most of all her persona.
December 14, 2025
Nurturing a strong sense of self is a constant battle--and one I am committed to. It's a reciprocal, inside-out experience. That confidence translates to how you carry yourself in that outfit. And yet confidence is not something anyone can purchase and put on. It's hard work to stay grounded in such a competitive and often superficial world, when there's so much attention, too often negative, surrounding our physical appearance--especially as we get older. And so I'm not going to let every new wrinkle or gray hair make me question my worth. I know that I feel better when I am taking care of myself --both physically and mentally.--Michelle Obama
I remember standing in line to enter the Renwick Gallery in Washington DC on Mother's Day 2016. When I turned around to survey my surroundings and saw the White House, I was gobsmacked. The Trump family had settled in but the wistfulness and collective missing of the Obamas was still clearly felt in the city. Michelle herself had visited the gallery a week before.
"Hi Mom--Happy Mother's Day! Guess where I'm standing? In front of the White House!!" I screeched into my tiny cell phone.
We'd see our mothers for Mother's Day a little later on but for that morning we were acclimating ourselves to the logistics of travel to DC for my husband's upcoming work event. We visited The Renwick Gallery and had lunch.
On the way to finding a restaurant, The Black women of the city were adding an exquisite elegance to the gray streets with their outfits, confidence, and elan: dresses with chic matching hats and heels, hair beautifully coiffed in an array of different attractive styles.
I felt exhilarated. I was a sloppy hick from the sticks and appreciated taking in the beauty of those ladies as they strutted in and out of various restaurants.
Throughout her many world travels, Michelle Obama was significant not only as a style icon or a person of power and authority, but also as an aspirational figure, someone who invited her audience to join her in a project of making the world a better and more just place. At home and abroad, she was future-oriented--explaining that the world is ours to make so let's get to work. And work she did. As First Lady she was constantly in motion--dancing, running, racing, interacting with children, gardening, laughing. She was dignity and grace while standing beside world leaders--tall, confident, controlled, ceremonial. When necessary, she was mournful, such as when she attended the funeral of Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago teenager who had been shot to death days after she performed with her high school band at inauguration events in Washington, one of many young people lost to senseless gun violence. Throughout her time in the East Wing, Mrs. Obama fully embodied her role--she was a multidimensional, real person even as she became more and more of an icon.--Farah Jasmine Griffin, in the foreword
I look up to and admire Michelle Obama very much. In The Look, I was treated to a feast of the senses with Mrs. Obama's engaging text talking about her style evolution as she rose to the spotlight as a senator's, then as a president's wife and beyond. The large, sumptuous photographs were a treat. It was a pleasure to revisit some of her First Lady looks and also to see and read about the beautiful braids she sported after leaving the White House.
The Obamas all carried themselves with class, grace, and a determined professionalism during Barack Obama's two terms. They were held to an unfair higher standard because their skin tones happen to be brown. It could be argued quite well that in comparison to past presidents' behaviors and proclivities, Barack Obama's personal conduct outclassed some of them. I'm still shocked and angered at what the vile woman mayor from West Virginia said about Michelle and her heels. I'm still shocked that just last night a conservative YouTuber is still making jokes about "Mike." C'mon!
Michelle Obama, along with many, many Black men and women, have inspired and influenced me. It boggles my mind that people who take such great care and time to look fabulous and are just tip-top people are scrutinized and viewed as 'other.' I'm so glad Michelle explained in The Look about the time it takes to care for and to style her hair. Wow!
If farmers and blacksmiths could win independence from an empire...if immigrants could leave behind everything they knew for a better life on our shores...if women could be dragged to jail for seeking the vote...if a generation could defeat a depression, and define greatness for all time...if a young preacher could lift us to the mountaintop with his righteous dream...and if proud Americans can be who they are and boldly stand at the altar with who they love...then surely, surely we can give everyone in this country a fair chance at that great American Dream. Because in the end, more than anything else, that is the story of this country--the story of unwavering hope grounded in unyielding struggle.--Michelle Obama
November 16, 2025
A must-read for fans of fashion. It’s not just pretty pictures (though there are plenty of those), but Ms. Obama explains her approach to her clothing and the importance of style choices for the First Lady in our media environment.
December 23, 2025
In a world where stepping out as your best self comes with being under constant scrutiny, no better book than The Look shows up. It isn’t just a step back in time. It is history in the making. This is the best look into what goes into putting a look for our First Lady together for trips, meetings, allowing her to feel her best while looking her best. It wasn’t just about the role of First Lady but showing us that we all can be whoever we want to be, showing up in the style we want, keeping in touch with our culture and being accessible with each other on our own terms.Choosing designers on purpose that were not well known during the road to becoming First Lady and living the life for eight years makes all her looks all the more meaningful. It’s an emotional read for me, reading the words of the designers who watched her take center stage as First Lady while she wore their designs. I appreciate her for putting this out. I wish I hadn’t finished it in 3 hours. Couldn’t help myself. LOL!
December 6, 2025
Absolutely stunning!!!! Michelle Obama is the epitome of poise, intelligence, and humor. I cherish every opportunity I get to read her words and gather insight about her thoughts.
November 6, 2025
Wildly disappointing. She understandably complains about having to conform to white beauty standards, but didn’t do anything to challenge those standards until after she left the White House/spotlight. She had an incredible opportunity to change the very thing she complained about.
In this political climate, it feels extremely tone deaf to complain about your hair.
In this political climate, it feels extremely tone deaf to complain about your hair.
December 1, 2025
A beautiful “coffee table” book with gorgeous photos of stunning clothes and fascinating narration about the clothes, Michelle Obama’s life and being a Black woman in America. She never loses sight of her place in history and how her clothes reflect and affect her image. It is exhausting to read about just how much work it took to maintain her image for the 8 years she was First Lady. It is interesting how much freer she felt about her “image” once she left the White House and how her clothing and her hair reflected that sense of freedom. (Still a lot of work to maintain!) My only ding on the book is that I would have liked more descriptions of the clothes besides who the designer was and what the occasion was. Also having those descriptions on the same page as the photo would have been better than having to flip back and forth between the photos and the list of credits in the back.
Otherwise this is a fascinating peek inside the world of high fashion and the life of Michelle Obama.
Otherwise this is a fascinating peek inside the world of high fashion and the life of Michelle Obama.
December 12, 2025
I started this book because I’ve always admired Michelle Obama, and I expected it to explore the pressures and nuances of having to “look good” as First Lady. The book does begin with that idea, discussing how women, especially women in public roles, are often reduced to their physical appearance.
But Michelle Obama goes further. She reflects on what it meant to be the first Black First Lady: the need to defy stereotypes, foster inclusivity, and still find a way to stay true to herself. Through it all, she shares how she worked to remain authentic, not just in how she looked, but in how she led, connected, and lived.
There are also a few sections written (and narrated in the audiobook) by artists who worked closely with her. These voices are a testament to just how open, and welcoming Michelle truly is.
The foreword by Farah Jasmine Griffin is especially beautiful, and I actually went back and read it again at the end. It reminded me of Michelle Obama’s authenticity and dignity, and left me thinking: this is exactly why I’ve always been so fond of her.
But Michelle Obama goes further. She reflects on what it meant to be the first Black First Lady: the need to defy stereotypes, foster inclusivity, and still find a way to stay true to herself. Through it all, she shares how she worked to remain authentic, not just in how she looked, but in how she led, connected, and lived.
There are also a few sections written (and narrated in the audiobook) by artists who worked closely with her. These voices are a testament to just how open, and welcoming Michelle truly is.
The foreword by Farah Jasmine Griffin is especially beautiful, and I actually went back and read it again at the end. It reminded me of Michelle Obama’s authenticity and dignity, and left me thinking: this is exactly why I’ve always been so fond of her.
December 22, 2025
A beautiful book, filled with wonderful photos of her outfits but especially some of her gorgeous dresses. This was a lovely coffee table book. I say coffee table book because it's a large book and heavy to hold, but definitely worth getting and reading. Even if you aren't a democrat, you might like the dresses regardless. They are simply lovely. Michelle Obama is also a wonderful person. Had it been a vote between Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris? I'd have voted for Michelle Obama in a heartbeat. 5 ⭐.
December 3, 2025
I loved this book! I'm not what anybody would consider a fashion person, but it really is interesting to take a deep dive into how what you wear conveys about you and your message. It took a team of people to research events and locations and the purpose of them in order to give Michelle choices about how she would present herself to the world. She was constantly scrutinized, and what she wore sent a message. Really interesting book that I highly recommend, even though parts of it made me teary remembering how wonderful it was to have her as first lady.
January 1, 2026
Breathtaking and inspirational. Everything you want when paging through a style memoir: wealth of full-page photographs, evocative fashion, and rich insights into the intentionality and artistry of each look. The text is authentic, informative, and personable. More than eye-candy, though it is unquestionably gorgeous, it is equally a tribute to amplifying voices in design as well as to balancing the practical with the showstopping.
From the endpaper: "In The Look, Michelle Obama explores the joy and purpose of fashion and beauty, and how--when wielded with grace and care--they can uplift and affirm the values one holds most dear. Confidence, she concludes, cannot be put on. But when you're wearing something that's intentional or beloved, clothing can make you feel like the best version of yourself."
From the endpaper: "In The Look, Michelle Obama explores the joy and purpose of fashion and beauty, and how--when wielded with grace and care--they can uplift and affirm the values one holds most dear. Confidence, she concludes, cannot be put on. But when you're wearing something that's intentional or beloved, clothing can make you feel like the best version of yourself."
January 2, 2026
Did I expect to cry reading a book about fashion? No. Did I? Absolutely. The pressure that we put on women when it comes to the way they show up in the world is high, but add to that being the First Lady, and not only that but the first Black First Lady… my word.
Michelle was under a microscope and chided for the most absurd things, like wearing cardigans and shorts ONE TIME on a trip to the Grand Canyon. Seeing how she was so thoughtful about her fashion choices, (was she respectful to the cultures, could she hug people, could kids sit on her lap), was beautiful.
Also, all of the joy in the photos, many of them being mid laughter, just made me miss the Obama administration… hence the tears. Yes there was GORGEOUS fashion in this book, but mostly there was heart.
Michelle was under a microscope and chided for the most absurd things, like wearing cardigans and shorts ONE TIME on a trip to the Grand Canyon. Seeing how she was so thoughtful about her fashion choices, (was she respectful to the cultures, could she hug people, could kids sit on her lap), was beautiful.
Also, all of the joy in the photos, many of them being mid laughter, just made me miss the Obama administration… hence the tears. Yes there was GORGEOUS fashion in this book, but mostly there was heart.
January 2, 2026
Beautiful coffee table book filled with amazing fashion and The Who, what, why of the looks. I enjoyed this book and really appreciate how critical this was in barracks campaign. What pressure that must have been for her with constant criticism from all over. She handled it amazingly and is appreciated for her sense of style and beauty.
January 6, 2026
All the stars! Brilliant, stunning, and insightful book that is part memoir, part analysis of beauty and culture, part picture book.
I treated myself to this as a holiday present and I’m so glad I did. It’s something I will return to over and over many years.
Also listened to the audiobook narrated by Michelle Obama while I read. Just a heavenly experience!
I treated myself to this as a holiday present and I’m so glad I did. It’s something I will return to over and over many years.
Also listened to the audiobook narrated by Michelle Obama while I read. Just a heavenly experience!
January 8, 2026
A beautiful and inspirational book.
November 11, 2025
Definitely a "fluff" read or in my case, listen. This came up as a suggested audiobook on Spotify. I'm sure the actual book is filled with all kinds of pictures to show the different looks she mentions. I felt like you could tell everyone was reading from a script - nothing about it felt authentic even when it was the person's true account. Too polished, too robotic? Nothing wrong with the content - it's exactly as the name implies - nothing more, nothing less. Just an inside scoop on how her style evolved before, during, and after being the first lady 🤷
November 17, 2025
The Look: The couture and style of Michelle Obama.
The Look: The publicly performative view of the First Lady of the United States---both a box to fit in and expand upon.
The Look: The act of the viewer(and their expectations, prior bias, personal opinions) gazing at Michelle Obama.
Brilliantly coined title. Gorgeous photography. And lovely clothes.
There's a lot to unpack here and I think that it's explained well. While my perceptions of the Obamas have changed as they aged(this happens to me with most public figures as they, and I, age) and as I read his first volume of his autobiography, I think Michelle very astutely captures a lot of the problems with and benefits of roles, clothes, sex, and race and their intersection.
That said, I skimmed the essays from others. I remain in awe that given the complexities of the role and just life that Michelle still performed her role gracefully and with her own style. It's a far cry from some who really seemed to have differing goals and almost seem silently protesting something. I'm not saying they don't have something to protest. I'm sure that Michelle could be on that list---she herself notes the sacrifice it was with her work, family, and life--- to uproot their family and move to DC. I'm saying I'm impressed that it doesn't show in her dress and the photos.
I can also appreciate that our styles change as our lives change and as we get more comfortable in our skin. There's often a notable change in outward presentation as women age. Some begin to fight it more apparently and others settle more solidly/comfortably into their core identity. For women, there's a shift that seems to happen around 35 and another around menopause. I could be wrong but it's just what I've observed.
The Look: The publicly performative view of the First Lady of the United States---both a box to fit in and expand upon.
The Look: The act of the viewer(and their expectations, prior bias, personal opinions) gazing at Michelle Obama.
Brilliantly coined title. Gorgeous photography. And lovely clothes.
There's a lot to unpack here and I think that it's explained well. While my perceptions of the Obamas have changed as they aged(this happens to me with most public figures as they, and I, age) and as I read his first volume of his autobiography, I think Michelle very astutely captures a lot of the problems with and benefits of roles, clothes, sex, and race and their intersection.
That said, I skimmed the essays from others. I remain in awe that given the complexities of the role and just life that Michelle still performed her role gracefully and with her own style. It's a far cry from some who really seemed to have differing goals and almost seem silently protesting something. I'm not saying they don't have something to protest. I'm sure that Michelle could be on that list---she herself notes the sacrifice it was with her work, family, and life--- to uproot their family and move to DC. I'm saying I'm impressed that it doesn't show in her dress and the photos.
I can also appreciate that our styles change as our lives change and as we get more comfortable in our skin. There's often a notable change in outward presentation as women age. Some begin to fight it more apparently and others settle more solidly/comfortably into their core identity. For women, there's a shift that seems to happen around 35 and another around menopause. I could be wrong but it's just what I've observed.
November 5, 2025
Visually stunning and written beautifully; this is a wonderful account of 1st Lady Michelle Obama’s style journey from The White House years and after. I read it online and can’t wait to see this book in person.
November 21, 2025
Hands down one of the most admired women in my list. She is the definition of perfection. Intelligence, charm, wit, and an icon, she has it all.
Her books are an inspiration and real, exactly what you need in today’s time. What keeps you going strong and victorious.
Her books are an inspiration and real, exactly what you need in today’s time. What keeps you going strong and victorious.
December 21, 2025
My daughter brought this home for me. We immediately pored over the pictures. So beautiful, so much history, so many memories of those years… Later, I started reading the copy thinking it might explain a detail or two… nope. It really is a memoir.
I figured there couldn’t be that much in there that wasn’t already covered in Becoming. Wrong again. She expands on her intentional choices of how to present the Black First Lady. Her clear admiration and respect for the team that helped her realize this vision reminds us of a time when collaboration, hope, and representation were honored norms. It also explains how important image is as a public power, but also how vital it is to embody that image in a way that augments the real person embodying it. She made it seem so effortless at the time that her homage to her team was moving and eye-opening.
This element of her story is fascinating and illuminating. Of course it is. And as usual, she rises above every expectation. What a gift!
I figured there couldn’t be that much in there that wasn’t already covered in Becoming. Wrong again. She expands on her intentional choices of how to present the Black First Lady. Her clear admiration and respect for the team that helped her realize this vision reminds us of a time when collaboration, hope, and representation were honored norms. It also explains how important image is as a public power, but also how vital it is to embody that image in a way that augments the real person embodying it. She made it seem so effortless at the time that her homage to her team was moving and eye-opening.
This element of her story is fascinating and illuminating. Of course it is. And as usual, she rises above every expectation. What a gift!
December 23, 2025
The book underscores the pressure of being symbolic whether you want to be or not, and the emotional labor that comes with carrying that weight every single day. One could argue that Michelle Obama might benefit from not reading the comments section—but that’s far easier said than done, especially for someone who is clearly as empathetic, compassionate, and deeply tuned in as she is.
Ultimately, The Look Book succeeds because it reframes fashion as strategy. What could have been a mere coffee-table book —and it is— becomes something more substantive: a thoughtful exploration of visibility, power, and the impossible expectations placed on a woman who was never allowed to simply get dressed and walk out the door. I’m jealous of her Cape Cod estate, but she may be jealous of our ability to go to Giant in a Sponge Bob hoodie.
I began the book on audio and was pretty much enjoying it when I noticed the kindle copy was also available at the library—so I switched formats. That turned out to be the right call. This is very much a visual experience, and seeing the designer sketches and finished looks adds a whole additional layer. As a longtime Project Runway fan and someone interested in strong branding, I found this combination of fashion imagery, strategic thinking, and even history in the making especially fun.
Ultimately, The Look Book succeeds because it reframes fashion as strategy. What could have been a mere coffee-table book —and it is— becomes something more substantive: a thoughtful exploration of visibility, power, and the impossible expectations placed on a woman who was never allowed to simply get dressed and walk out the door. I’m jealous of her Cape Cod estate, but she may be jealous of our ability to go to Giant in a Sponge Bob hoodie.
I began the book on audio and was pretty much enjoying it when I noticed the kindle copy was also available at the library—so I switched formats. That turned out to be the right call. This is very much a visual experience, and seeing the designer sketches and finished looks adds a whole additional layer. As a longtime Project Runway fan and someone interested in strong branding, I found this combination of fashion imagery, strategic thinking, and even history in the making especially fun.
January 2, 2026
A excellent behind-the-scenes view of how wardrobe and hair can change the perception of a public person. Michelle Obama had to move from successful attorney with a young family, with virtually no time of her own, to a political wife who did all the same things while campaigning for Barack. She tried to juggle everything alone before bringing in her dream team to help. She quickly saw how her choices always made copy, from cutting bangs to wearing a J.Crew sweater vs couture, her moves were always covered. A very interesting read, it’s also full of beautiful photos, covering a lot of events most of us never knew about. A Campfire Girl campout on the WH lawn? Michelle was there for it!
January 4, 2026
Absolutely stunning coffee table book, filled with glorious photos of former US First Lady Michelle Obama and her myriad outfits from her time in public life. It’s also filled with her thoughtfully curated words about the importance of design, how fashion operates as diplomacy, and the choices she felt she had to make as the first ever Black First Lady. I loved reading about her team, their individual journeys and the work that goes into making a First Lady shine, while also remaining accessible. A must read for fans of fashion, and Mrs Obama.
December 30, 2025
I am far from a fashionista, but there is something about pictures of pretty clothes that captivates me. I loved reading “HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style” by @eholmes several years ago, and it really helped me see how fashion can be a conversation, not just clothes to wear. The Look is similar, in that there are many layers of thoughtfulness and intention that go into the wardrobes of high profile people. I really enjoyed it!
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“This book is a celebration of fashion, but more importantly, I hope it is a celebration of confidence, identity, and an inspiration to think deeply about how we choose to define style and beauty.” - Michelle Obama
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“This book is a celebration of fashion, but more importantly, I hope it is a celebration of confidence, identity, and an inspiration to think deeply about how we choose to define style and beauty.” - Michelle Obama
December 23, 2025
I loved this! I listened on audio and looked at the photos in the hardback. I've always been fascinated by fashion (I could have stayed all day in the Presidents' Wives' Dresses room at the Smithsonian when I was in middle school), and this was such a neat photographic (and written) experience. I also feel like I learned a lot about Michelle Obama's journey and cultural stigmas, etc. It was written and curated with such grace and poise.
January 1, 2026
If you are a fan of Michelle Obama you will love this book. Lots of beautiful pictures, but also well written. It gives us insights into Michelle Obama’s fashion choices - particularly important for a woman in her position to put emphasis on certain designers when visiting with foreign dignitaries, for drawing attention to different causes and topics, etc. We get a feel for the power fashion can have in a situation and how Michelle Obama came to embrace fashion as a way of expressing herself and who she is. I found her transformation to be quite entertaining, as she went from someone with just a few things in her closet to having international designers wanting to work with her - yet somehow still maintaining the sense of what may be appropriate and practical for a particular occasion. I give the book 4.5 stars, which I’ll round up to 5.
November 30, 2025
Interesting to see how much work went into portraying Michelle Obama’s look, and yet the negative press she would still receive.
December 1, 2025
Beautiful book and loved learning about her team and all that goes into staying a First Lady! Gorgeous pictures!
December 19, 2025
AWESOME!! Loved every story and every picture! Well done.
December 22, 2025
Excellent narrative👏 and photographs📸!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews