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

It made me file like I was home with family!

Justice Sotomayor’s life story, narrated by the great Rita Moreno, made me feel like I was sitting with one of my sisters or my mother, who are all proud Puerto Rican women. I loved her vulnerability in sharing her story, all the heartache, struggles, triumphs and victories! She has inspired me to keep moving towards my dreams- no matter what lies ahead!

This is a must read for all women, but especially for Puerto Rican and Latinx women everywhere!!!

Didn't want it to end.

When someone reaches the height of Supreme Court Justice it is hard to imagine what struggles that person had to overcome. The path of a woman of such brilliance should be paved not blocked by prejudice because the color of her skin or her gender. My new hero!

Sonia Sotomayor

This is a story I can get into! I loved it. Sonia's story is one of great success and the determination. She has done with her life great things for humanity. I admire her courage to make a true change and to be an icon for us latinas. Goes to show that no matter where you come from if you really want something bad enough it can be attained. Thank you Sonia Sotomayor for sharing your great story. Also, thank you for mentioning my aunt Elisa (who made your wedding dress). She is so proud of all of your accomplishments and so are we all!

A Fascinating Read!

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

I listened to "My Beloved World" on a long road trip and back. This book totally captivated my attention. I loved hearing about Sonia Sotomayor's childhood in New York and they way she overcame many obstacles in her life. Also diabetic, I found her story of how she learned to give herself insulin shots at age eight inspiring. Her matter-of-fact attitude has helped me overcome much of the guilt associated with the disease. I also appreciated her attitude that she could learn anything once she put her mind to it. I heard Sonia Sotomayor on an interview about the book and was called to find it to read it. Rita Moreno's reading is really clear and invigorating. I loved the book and was sorry when it ended.

Which character – as performed by Rita Moreno – was your favorite?

Sonia's character as the main character was the best. Rita Moreno spoke with a clear and effortless voice. I felt that Sonia's writing was truthful and without guile.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it's a long book, but it will hold your attention in a long drive.

The Real American Dream

If this book was not picked by my book club, I don't think I would have read it at all. It would have been on my list of books I would love to read once everything else is done. That is sad but Memoirs are on the bottom of my "To Read" list. But dang! I am so glad I read this book.

First, Sonia Sotomayors' story is an inspiration. As an Hispanic woman growing up in the South Bronx to a non-English speaking family, Sotomayor in bodies the traditional American Dream. After the death of her father, the family struggled not just with cultural issues but financial as well. Not unlike what a lot of families are dealing with today. Sonya Sotomayor is completely unlike the other Supreme Court Justices. In fact, she is completely unlike most of the members of Congress, the Senate and Capital Hill employees. She was not groomed from birth to attend law school, she did not create a resume of ladder climbing moves. Sonya Sotomayor was blessed with making heartfelt decisions that lead her to her seat on the Supreme Court. I think it's amazing to hear a childhood dream come to fruition. It's just so....inspiring!

There were some parts of the book that were simply captivating. Listening to her memories of her family get togethers, school days, and trips to Puerto Rico were perfectly written and made me feel like I was listening to an aunt tell me stories of her past. But then the law teacher of her life took hold here and there. Sonya Sotomayor has the talent of switching between conversation of lawyers and law students and the every day people on the street. There were times I felt smart because I was right there with her. But then she would switch over to law student mode and I was left behind. There were not many parts in the book where this happened and she always brought it back to regular conversation. LOL! Regular is the only word I can think of at the moment.

The narrator, actress Rita Moreno did an excellent job narrating this audiobook. I don't think I could have cast a better person. Sonya Sotomayor reads the intro and it's nice to hear her actual voice.

Excellent audiobook!

I feel smarter and wiser for having read this book.

Interesting peek into the life of a SCOTUS judge.

Having Rita Moreno narrate was an inspired selection. Ms Sotomayor's early life isn't exactly riveting but it was a welcomed peek into what compels and propels a person to reach for the stars - and get there. It was an easy listen and Ms Moreno kept the pace and the emotional balance perfect.

It doesn't examine her current life (ends just as she is being chosen for Supreme Court) but it certainly gives a good example of her basic values and beliefs that guide her.

Highly recommend it - especially to young women.

Incredible story and very well written!

This story is filled with personal details of success and failures. It tells an intimate recant of Sonia's unimaginable life journey.

I absolutely loved it!

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

I appreciated the easy listening aspect of it. The story flowed flawlessly and Rita Moreno brought it to life.

What did you like best about this story?

Authenticity

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

Rita Moreno's voice added the sense of a storyteller. Her pauses and inflection were perfect.

Inspiring! Must read.

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

What I love is that we get to know about her life story before the bench. It says a lot about her humility. She is a wonderful storyteller and I'm so glad that she allowed us to get to know her in this way.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved that she talked about real life issues that impact many families. She covered alcoholism, juvenile diabetes, poverty and the myriad of obstacles that many young latinos face along the road to higher education from not knowing how to study to not knowing they system.

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

She brings flavor and sounds a bit like the Justice given their backgrounds so at times I felt like it was the Justice herself reading it.

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

Yes. When she gives advice to women about neglecting their partners. It's so true and yet so frustrating to create that balance.

Any additional comments?

Every young latina with aspirations to enter the legal world must read this story.

Incredible.

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

Listening really brought the story to life. Having lived in El Barrio (NYC) for many years I was able to relate to many of her experiences.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She did it against all odds. She really made it to the top.

What about Rita Moreno’s performance did you like?

All of it. Her ability to capture the nuiances of the speech was fabulous.

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

Parts of it made me laugh and parts made me cry. When she spoke of her cousin and his lost talent both intellecually and musically it was very sad.

Any additional comments?

I will listen to this book over and over again. It is so inspirational. Will also recommend it to all.