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

Inspiring book

This was a wonderful book. Sonia Sotomayor tells her story so eloquently and is a great writer. I enjoyed her stories of childhood and family, and how she came to be the woman she is today because of those moments. My Beloved World reads quickly and every detail helps reveal the inspiring path of Sonia Sotomayor’s life. I would recommend her autobiography to high school and college students, and to anyone wanting to learn about Sonia’s story. Also, Rita Moreno did a perfect job narrating, and I found her voice to be very calming. I appreciate that a Puerto Rican woman narrated the story, which added to the authenticity of Sonia’s words.

This book makes me feel deep gratitude

I am deeply grateful to understand the like and influences that shaped this Supreme Court Justice.

Here is someone with a multi layered knowledge, and comprehension, of Law... who has had to work and fight for her place in the world, and has done so with the greatest integrity every step of the way.

I am grateful that she is in our Supreme Court, weighing facts and the law with a balance of mind and heart.

Rita Moreno gives one of her greatest performances in bringing Justice Sotamayor's story to life with nuance and passion.

Fantastic Story, Wonderfully read

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

Honest
Funny
Rational

What did you like best about this story?

Very revealing book about the mind and life of our newest Supreme Court Justice. Fantastic performance by Moreno .

Any additional comments?

A real winner

Upbeat story, rising above one's beginings

Would you consider the audio edition of My Beloved World to be better than the print version?

Not applicable. Used audio only. Rita Moreno is so good, Her Spanish accent adds to the enjoyment of the book.

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

When she explains and defends affirmative action.

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

No.

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

Lots of the dialog made me smile.

Inspiring story of immigrant success.

Would you consider the audio edition of My Beloved World to be better than the print version?

I wish all of my high school students would read this amazing story of a young girl who saw something better for herself, set high goals for herself and managed through hard work, great mentors and her own intelligence to achieve them.

What other book might you compare My Beloved World to and why?

The themes in this book are echoed in Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was especially moved by the family support Sonya had.

Inspiring

Where does My Beloved World rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 5

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

When Sonia decided at age 8 she had to learn to give herself the her own Insulin shots

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

Rita Moreno brought credibility to the Puerto Rican culture. She did an amazing job!

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

I made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me happy it made me excited.

Any additional comments?

Sonia Sotomayor, you are in inspiration

Inspired

Would you listen to My Beloved World again? Why?

Yes. Justice Sotomayor represents determination and strength. I will go to this work when I need to be reminded and inspired.

What other book might you compare My Beloved World to and why?

Oddly I would compare it to Eat Pray Live because both works inspired me to live my life with integrity.

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

She's perfect. No other narrator could better represent the Justice's voice.

Inspiring!!

Would you listen to My Beloved World again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to My Beloved World again in a heartbeat! Such a Humble lady, Brilliant, Focus, Determination, Ethics, Family, ANYONE can achieve what they WANT.

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

Sonia made a classmate return the bacon he stole for their sandwiches and never talked to him again. She did not want to be associated with a thief. She, at a young age, and I suspect even now, walks her talk.

Which scene was your favorite?

Refocusing her mother to study even in her toughest, trying moment. She will help people she cares about to stay on focus/task.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Her breakup with Kevin because he could not handle her being ahead of him - educational, job wise.

Inspiring story of a shero

So many of life’s circumstances could have kept Sonya Sotomayor from greatness, except her own fierce drive and determination. This could be the story of any woman who has overcome hardship and lack of privilege.
Proof that a woman, even more so a person of color, has to work near perfectly to be considered as good as a mediocre man.
Inspiring story of her inquisitiveness, love of learning, ability to hear and understand all sides of an argument, and downright fortitude.

Great woman

Proud to have her representing our Puerto Rican culture. And insuring that our rights are not trampled on