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

Una mujer extraordinaria

Una mujer absolutamente extraordinaria, con una determinación feroz para conseguir su sueño vital, con un amor incondicional para su orígenes ,su gente, y la justicia, incansable trabajadora, muy bien contado , justo y real. Oído “ de tirón” .

Honest powerful biography, fantastic performance

I did not realize Judge Sotomayor's upbringing had so many challenges yet she wrote them in such a calm and warm way that you could just feel her inner strength and kindness. She has achieved so much despite the obstacles, yet did not shy away from discussing affirmative actions in the book. The narrative did a fantastic job impersonating her with her bilingual ability.

Inspirational

The story of Sonia Sotomayor is great. I was engaged, and it took me in her world. I also related to her as a person of color.

This is a truly amazing book.

What a wonderful story! The performance by Rita Moreno is the icing on the cake. Highly recommend.

A book so wonderful I can't wait until I share it

What did you love best about My Beloved World?

Her humanity. Ms. Sotomayer opened herself up with an unflinching candor with the dialog of her life and all it contains for the reader to share her journey, which is truly remarkable. The book navigates the reader through her early childhood, her family, friends, co-workers, and loves unashamedly revealing a story of courage, tenacity and compassion.My eyes were full of tears of joy when, only too soon, her book was done. I wished she were standing in front of me so that I could have hugged her and told her how much I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of listening to her memoir.From her own introduction to Rita Moreno's narration, the "sound" of her story was perfectly in sync with her experiences, taking the reader through an emotional and intellectual experience that hasn't happened to me in a long time.I am a reader of non-fiction primarily and historical figures specifically. My membership permits me to read 2 books a month and I do this with regularity. Some book are informative, some entertaining and some boring, not because the lives of the people were boring, but because there was an imbalance between the message and the delivery.This book has it all. It is rich in personal history and anecdotes, as well as surprises. Ms. Sotomayer is not only a successful attorney and judge. She is, or could have been, a successful psychologist, mentor, teacher, daughter, and family member. Her story and the way in which she has written it demonstrates a humble and grateful brilliant human being. The book is a wonderfully inspirational story for any woman and I am happily buying copies to send to my daughters and granddaughters. Thank you, Ms. Sotomayer for sharing.

What did you like best about this story?

The combination of early life recollections of family and experiences with her life as she moves up the educational ladder eventually to reach her position on the Supreme Court of the United States. She has amazing recollections of incidents and her dialog is never wordy or boring.

What about Rita Moreno’s performance did you like?

I think she loved the story herself because she tells it with the inflections and emotions it deserves. With a different narrator it could have lost a great deal of the excitement it had. Rita Moreno does a superb job of narration. The message of this book is inspiring and is meant as thus. That is why the narration cannot falter or the story can be diminished.

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

I listened to it over a period of 2 days. I rarely read a book so quickly but it grabbed my attention right from the beginning and didn't let me go until the end.

Any additional comments?

I can say that even though the book was written by an intellectual it was NEVER over my head. The legal-speak was explained and easily understood. And I was always brought back to the main event, the wonderful story of Ms. Sotomayer's life.

Inspirational -- NOT Political. Read it!!

Absolutely loved this book. I actually clapped when the audio was over. Not a political book at all, this is the ultimate Bronx / legal version of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" and "The Glass Castle." I want to read more books like this. Thank you Judge for writing it. I hope that men will also read it, I've asked my husband to - no pressure there, babe! Also, the narration was so perfect, and comforting, just love Rita Moreno, very fitting that she read this.

Warm, fuzzy, and bright, too!

I don't see how anyone could not like Sonia Sotomayor's book. She comes through as a compassionate, brave, brilliant, empathic, diplomatic, and so great a role model for girls, women, and the disenfranchised of any kind. And the performance by Rita Moreno, with its lovely Spanish pronunciations, is a pleasure to hear. Buy it, give it as a gift, and be glad we've got her on the Court.

Inspiring!

For all of us who have overcome and thrived in reaching for this American dream, this is our story!!! ✨✨

Puertorican Women need to read this!

Rita Morenos voice did an AMAZING job at capturing the life of Sonia Sotomayor. I love how it started with the story of her parents! Wonderful story!

Inspiring story! Empowering woman! be the change

Sonia Sotomayor no only was a professional latina; she was an icon to follow! She leads, and she wants another woman to keep going! The sky of the limited.
It was a pleasure listening to the voice of Rita Moreno