The Moment of Lift

Publisher's Summary

“The Moment of Lift is an urgent call to courage. It changed how I think about myself, my family, my work, and what’s possible in the world. Melinda weaves together vulnerable, brave storytelling, and compelling data to make this one of those rare books that you carry in your heart and mind long after the last page.” (Brené Brown, PhD, author of The New York Times number-one best seller Dare to Lead)

"Melinda Gates has spent many years working with women around the world. This book is an urgent manifesto for an equal society where women are valued and recognized in all spheres of life. Most of all, it is a call for unity, inclusion and connection. We need this message more than ever." (Malala Yousafzai)

"Melinda Gates's book is a lesson in listening. A powerful, poignant, and ultimately humble call to arms." (Tara Westover, author of The New York Times number-one best seller Educated)

A debut from Melinda Gates, a timely and necessary call to action for women's empowerment. 

“How can we summon a moment of lift for human beings - and especially for women? Because when you lift up women, you lift up humanity.”

For the last 20 years, Melinda Gates has been on a mission to find solutions for people with the most urgent needs, wherever they live. Throughout this journey, one thing has become increasingly clear to her: If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down. 

In this moving and compelling audiobook, Melinda shares lessons she’s learned from the inspiring people she’s met during her work and travels around the world. As she writes in the introduction, “That is why I had to write this book - to share the stories of people who have given focus and urgency to my life. I want all of us to see ways we can lift women up where we live.” 

Melinda’s unforgettable narrative is backed by startling data as she presents the issues that most need our attention - from child marriage to lack of access to contraceptives to gender inequity in the workplace. And, for the first time, she writes about her personal life and the road to equality in her own marriage. Throughout, she shows how there has never been more opportunity to change the world - and ourselves. 

Writing with emotion, candor, and grace, she introduces us to remarkable women and shows the power of connecting with one another. 

When we lift others up, they lift us up, too.

©2019 Melinda Gates (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

A Metaphor for Moving Mountains

From the first word spoken I knew it was rock solid with an ease of listening that's lighter than air. There's nothing better than an author reading her own first book with passion and conviction. Empowering women changes the world, there is no doubt about it. I want all my attendees of Confident Women Consortium to get copies of Melinda's work! I'm on board with supporting Melinda who supports women who support women who help people live their best, most fulfilling lives. ~Joyce Strong, Master Transformative and Nutritional Behavior Coach

16 of 16 people found this review helpful

Phenomenal Book, Absolute Gem

This is one of the best books I have listened to in a year. The stories, the passion, struggles and emotions just ooze from Melinda Gates' narration.

This is one of those common sense reads that brings to light the struggles of the bottom portion of our civilization as well as the top. The deep humility and dedication to action paints such a wonderful contrast of one of the planet's most gifted people.

This is not some #MeToo type narrative...this is a logical look at the world and the deep struggles we face as humanity. It is well-written and narrated impeccably. Cannot say enough good things. Get it, read it. Superior.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Love and Light

Wonderful stories of the importance of diversity, inclusion and belonging to lift humanity.
Love and Light!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Wonderful inspirational and empowering story.

I highly recommend this audio book. I will read it again and again to remind me of what us possible when women are empowered.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Inspiring

Melinda recognizes her privilege but that doesn’t stop her from recognizing and doing something about other people’s needs. She’s inspiring but the women who inspire her are the true heroines of the book. Great read

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Inspiring and Motivating

This book is amazing. As a woman in the agricultural sciences who was drawn to my work as an outgrowth of my spiritual life, this book resonates with me deeply. She includes research, personal stories and a greater vision. I am inspired and motivated.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A window in the lives of those who defy all odds

Not to sound cliche - but this is so incredibly moving. An amazing woman who details the life of amazing people across the world.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Inspiring

This book inspired and infuriated me. The challenges and attacks women around the world face are heartbreaking. I am inspired by Melinda's passion and dedication to truly impacting and improving the lives of women around the world.

Fantastic Book

Wonderful book with incredible ideas and insights. The book points out some difficult truths to accept in our world today but also points out ways that we as mankind can come together to combat some of these major issues.

I’ve already recommended the book to everyone I know.

A must read!

What an eye opener. As a woman in finance and the legal field I have seen a lot of gender disparities and discrimination. However, after reading this book I feel I must do more. Melinda is humble but at the same time thought provoking. Great book for all genders. We are more powerful and needed that we might think, let us get together and do our part.

great book

This is the best book of the year. Changed my life! It made me cry and feel stronger. It opened my eyes in so many ways...