My Beloved World

By: Sonia Sotomayor

Narrated by: Rita Moreno

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Solo Narration - Female, 2014

Audie Award Finalist, Biography/Memoir, 2014

The first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor has become an instant American icon. Now, with a candor and intimacy never undertaken by a sitting Justice, she recounts her life from a Bronx housing project to the federal bench, a journey that offers an inspiring testament to her own extraordinary determination and the power of believing in oneself.

Here is the story of a precarious childhood, with an alcoholic father (who would die when she was nine) and a devoted but overburdened mother, and of the refuge a little girl took from the turmoil at home with her passionately spirited paternal grandmother. But it was when she was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes that the precocious Sonia recognized she must ultimately depend on herself. She would learn to give herself the insulin shots she needed to survive and soon imagined a path to a different life. With only television characters for her professional role models, and little understanding of what was involved, she determined to become a lawyer, a dream that would sustain her on an unlikely course, from valedictorian of her high school class to the highest honors at Princeton, Yale Law School, the New York County District Attorney’s office, private practice, and appointment to the Federal District Court before the age of 40. Along the way we see how she was shaped by her invaluable mentors, a failed marriage, and the modern version of extended family she has created from cherished friends and their children. Through her still-astonished eyes, America’s infinite possibilities are envisioned anew in this warm and honest book, destined to become a classic of self-invention and self-discovery.

©2013 Sonia Sotomayor (P)2013 Random House Audio

An Excellent Life lived in Integrity

Sotomayor is honest, tough and has a huge heart with a glorious brain and a will of steel. She believes in the law being used to make things better for society. She loves this country, warts and all.
SHE belongs in SCOTUS, earned but never sought. America is lucky to have a person of such quality serving on the bench.
I am anticipating reading more of her stories as she is a great writer as well.

Enlightening and well Performed

I truly enjoyed this very well written story. The author not only shared a wonderful story of her beginnings, but told it in a way that was fun and interesting to listen to. The performance was outstanding. Rita Moreno’s voice transported you to the places of the Supreme Court Judge’s Puerto Rico, family gatherings and experiences with her beautiful Spanish pronunciations. Since I’m Hispanic also, it was wonderful to hear accurate reading told with the passion that the words were meant to embody. I enjoyed hearing the story of a judge that I knew little about and highly recommend this book.

A rare and profitable book

I have already recommended this book to a friend. It is a rare glimpse into the life a little girl who rises to become a Supreme Court Justice. She shares wisdom and generously gives credit to all those who made her successes possible. It is a lovely glimpse into a loving but flawed family and all the people dear to her during her life. One ends the book almost feeling like a close friend who has known her all her life.

Motivational

Absolutely special story and an inspiration for us latina women and all woman to aspire. Loved it!

Inspiring story but choppy editing

If you could sum up My Beloved World in three words, what would they be?

inspirational interesting story

What did you like best about this story?

I loved learning more about this important person in American society - how she grew up and through self determination became a very successful person in a society that was pretty hostile to her in her early years.

Did Rita Moreno do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

She did a pretty good job but there were obvious places - a lot of them - where there were retakes of a sentence or so and you could totally tell that one was recorded out of sync with the other.

Memoir of Sonia Sotomayor

What made the experience of listening to My Beloved World the most enjoyable?

Sonia's over coming a rough childhood.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sonia of course, the honest way she told her story.

Have you listened to any of Rita Moreno’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

this was a great reading.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

That would be great.

Any additional comments?

Sonia show kids from humble beginning can still become great people of the world.

Fascinating person fascinating life story

If you could sum up My Beloved World in three words, what would they be?

Inspiring and reflective. Family is who we are.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Beloved World?

When she admits her upbringing left her lacking understanding of certain situations, it was moving.

Did Rita Moreno do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Sometimes when she changed voice volume, I could not understand her.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

If the right doors are opened for you, unlimited potential is yours if you work,work,work.

Any additional comments?

I have new appreciation for having a voice and perspective as hers on the Supreme Court.

Couldn’t stop listening…

A wonderfully written exceptionally read book that I could not stop listening to. I listened to the entire book in 3 consecutive days.

Truly Inspiring

The book was not only carefully written, but it captivated me throughout. Her story stands out by itself, but the writing was incredible! Loved the book.

Surprise! I like this title

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Compared to the section by the author herself,I felt Moreno's reading was just like Sotomayor would read it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sonia herself

What does Rita Moreno bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Accent. Knowledge of subject.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was cheering for Sonia when she succeeded because of her assertiveness.

Any additional comments?

A good read if you are interested in successful and personable women. The author was honest with her feelings, but there was a lot of redundancy.