My Beloved World

By: Sonia Sotomayor

Narrated by: Rita Moreno

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

Sonia Sotomayor - Charming and Relatable

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

I love that this was narrated by Rita Moreno. A Latina badass reading the life story of another Latina badass is a blissful combination. To the producers inspired to make this combination of talents come together, I salute you.

What did you like best about this story?

Despite being a self admitted workaholic and overachiever, Ms Sotomayor's candor and warmth remain constant throughout. It gives me comfort to know that there are real, relatable people in positions of power in this country. I was pleasantly surprised by the mini Puerto Rican history lessons peppered throughout as the island has a special place in my heart.

Any additional comments?

My only complaint is that Ms Moreno, who it pains me to even hint a criticizing, seemed a little out of her league when reading some of the more intensive legalese passages. My preference would have been for the author to handle the entire narration (rather than just the forward), but appreciate that she has more important work to do :-)

Inspirational

A great example of a woman who breaks the mold and shows the world that obstacles are to be overcome.

Great I loved it

it was Amazing her story inspired me. To be a better person and to love my family.

Open and honest autobiography

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

Oh yes, it comes to life in audio.

What did you like best about this story?

Sonia's utter honesty and remarkable memory about her life.

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

Sonia.

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

This book is one to savor and think over.

Any additional comments?

Everyone should read this book. You will get a glimpse of a life you will most likely never have. It's inspirational. Makes you want to do your best and try hard at whatever you do.

Awesome Autobiography!

Would you listen to My Beloved World again? Why?

I would definitely listen to this book again. Judge Sotomayor has provided very helpful tips for anyone on how she overcame many obstacles in her life & on how she persevered in spite of the nay-sayers.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was her mother as the amazing inspirational person in her life in spite of her own challenges & shortcomings. She was definitely Ms. Sotomayor's greatest champion!

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was the heartwarming description of her grandmother's death & how the entire family came together in support of each other's loss & grief. To me it speaks of the power of family's unconditional love.

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

This book is near & dear to my heart because being of like-cultural background as Ms Sotomayor & understanding the culture, language, & underlying innuendos in the idioms, I appreciate the full flavor of this success story. I identified with her early upbringing & environment having been raised in Brooklyn, NY at the same time period as this autobiography. I vividly understood the nuances of the neighborhoods, the people, the culture, & the time. It was as if the book was about my own life up to the time I left home for college. The book made me laugh & cry all at the same time. It made me angry too when old memories were brought to surface.

Any additional comments?

A great read, especially if you understand the culture. Very inspiring!

GREAT book. Inspiring.

Inspiring especially for young people as well as adults. The message focus on the possibilities rather than the stumbling blocks one must face.

Overall excellent.

Excellent. What a phenomenal woman. So thankful to have read this book even though I'm a conservative Republican.

Amazing Woman

I loved this book. It was very inspiring and uplifting. I have recommended it to several friends.
The woman who read it had an excellent reading voice.

insperational

sonia tells a beautiful story of her life. well presented and insperational. thank you for your thoughtful work

A lovely memoir

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

I have both the Kindle and Audible version so I can say that I greatly preferred the audio version. Having someone flawlessly pronounce Spanish names and poetry definitely helped make it feel more real.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is not really an applicable question for an autobiographical work. I chose this book because I admired Justice Sotomayor; this book made me feel like, if we met, I would have a lot of fun with her.

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

The Spanish pronunciations and recitations definitely helped. I studied a bit of Spanish but my accent has always been terrible.

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

It was definitely hard to put down once I got started. I found myself almost looking forward to my daily commute.