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yellowinter's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written memoir of Justice Sotomayor of her implausible ascent to the highest court from the projects as a child of an immigrant from Puerto Rico. She opens with her reasons for writing this honest and vulnerable account, which was born out of various opportunities where she received surprisingly many questions about her personal life and experience from her young audience. As such, there is much in her writing that feels like she is talking to that particular audience, giving guidance and perspective from her vantage point having certain number of years and experiences behind her. There is also much gratitude for people and opportunities that opened doors for her, as well as the recognition of those facets of her life that rose to those opportunities. She recognized the inequalities, she embraced her cultural community within the limitations inherent, but she did not stay there saturated in anger or guilt. I could relate to some aspects of her early years, and I cried hearing her experience of getting into an Ivy League school from her humble background.
I used to love seeing sheer number of books that adorned my shelves. After multiple moves, I have learned to let go of many and utilize the library more, only keeping books that are worthwhile for my kids to read and for me to read again. This one, after reading the audio version which was wonderful, I will buy my copy in print to underline some passages, but more importantly, I think it will be a required reading for our household during early days of high school. So glad I picked up (?) this book.
I used to love seeing sheer number of books that adorned my shelves. After multiple moves, I have learned to let go of many and utilize the library more, only keeping books that are worthwhile for my kids to read and for me to read again. This one, after reading the audio version which was wonderful, I will buy my copy in print to underline some passages, but more importantly, I think it will be a required reading for our household during early days of high school. So glad I picked up (?) this book.
jacquiemc's review against another edition
5.0
Engrossing memoir. Illuminates the AssociyJusyice's personality as well sharing experiences that led to her Supreme Court appointment. She stops about 20 years shy of being appointed, but she gives perspectives that link how she grew up, her values & her approach to the bench. I feel like Justice Sotomayor & I could enjoy a meal and great conversation after reading this book.
nonnaanna's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to read this book 1) in light of the recent U.S. election and 2) because it was gifted to me by a New York State Supreme Court justice in 2019 and I was ashamed I hadn't read it yet.
It was interesting to learn more about Justice Sotomayor because I'll admit, I didn't know much about her besides the fact that she was nominated by Obama and she's the first woman of color, the first Hispanic and the first Latina to serve on the Supreme Court. A lot of her experiences kind of resonated with me — basically not knowing a lot about the college system and how to like play the game — and I'll admit that we certainly seem to have similar intense (and somewhat unhealthy) work-styles. I also didn't know that she was a smoker and is like addicted to nicotine? No shame, just news to me.
Overall, it was an interesting read, but it wasn't anything too crazy. (I'm also 80% sure I tried to read this before but it was too dense to just read and definitely needed to be an audiobook situation for me). I just got to know a bit more about her, her background, and basically how she came to be where she is. If you're interested in learning about one of the people who make life-changing decisions in this country, this is a book for you!
It was interesting to learn more about Justice Sotomayor because I'll admit, I didn't know much about her besides the fact that she was nominated by Obama and she's the first woman of color, the first Hispanic and the first Latina to serve on the Supreme Court. A lot of her experiences kind of resonated with me — basically not knowing a lot about the college system and how to like play the game — and I'll admit that we certainly seem to have similar intense (and somewhat unhealthy) work-styles. I also didn't know that she was a smoker and is like addicted to nicotine? No shame, just news to me.
Overall, it was an interesting read, but it wasn't anything too crazy. (I'm also 80% sure I tried to read this before but it was too dense to just read and definitely needed to be an audiobook situation for me). I just got to know a bit more about her, her background, and basically how she came to be where she is. If you're interested in learning about one of the people who make life-changing decisions in this country, this is a book for you!
jhughley's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
dreaday's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this, and I did not expect that. It was funny and well-written and informative and interesting.
alhaider's review against another edition
4.0
I throughly enjoyed this book! It's incredibly neat that I was able to look inside Sonia Sotomayor's life and find out what shaped her. I loved the stories from her childhood, college, and then her adult life.
It's a great read for anyone thinking of becoming a lawyer or anyone who needs a little bit of motivation. How could she have handled all of these things?
It was well written and gave me insight into her and how you become a supreme court justice.
It's a great read for anyone thinking of becoming a lawyer or anyone who needs a little bit of motivation. How could she have handled all of these things?
It was well written and gave me insight into her and how you become a supreme court justice.
bearprof's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful and inspiring read, full of wisdom and humor and heart.
alligood2000's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! Mid-way through, I had a long car trip and purchased the audible version, as well. I think it was even better as an audiobook. Her story is captivating and she tells it masterfully with wonderful anecdotes. Truly, a must read!