“My Beloved World” Review

By MIKAELA ADWAR

United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor repeatedly amazes and inspires readers of her new memoir, which shares her remarkable journey to becoming the first Hispanic Justice. Sotomayor gives readers an intimate and honest look into her astonishing life and lofty achievements and shows that others, too, can triumph against all odds.

Born to a hardworking mother and an alcoholic father who passed away when she was a mere six years old, Sotomayor had a childhood that was by no means easy. She grew up in a rough-and-tumble neighborhood in the Bronx and was raised by a host of different family members, yet she still managed to excel academically beyond any of her family’s wildest dreams. After receiving a disheartening diagnosis of juvenile diabetes early in her childhood, a young Sotomayor was forced to become self-sufficient by administering her own insulin shots.  This unwavering sense of independence and refusal to back down is what propelled her to graduate from high school at the top of her class and obtain a world-class education at Princeton University and Yale Law School, respectively. After working long hours at the New York County District Attorney’s office and a private law firm, Sotomayor was appointed to the Federal District Court–before reaching the age of forty.

“My Beloved World” provides readers with a thorough and unambiguous look at Sotomayor’s many sources of inspiration, her unsuccessful marriage, and countless obstacles she overcame thanks to her signature fierce determination and inspiring perseverance. Sotomayor’s story embodies all that is the American dream, and emphasizes that hard work and self-discovery can lead to an infinite amount of opportunities and achievements, no matter one’s background or social standing.

Though mostly engaging, some readers may find the memoir a bit too formal and slow-paced at times. Those looking for an insight into life as a member of the Supreme Court may be disappointed when Sotomayor ends the memoir in the year 1992, before her appointment.  To some, Sotomayor can appear a tad self-congratulatory, but after reading the memoir, the praise seems well-deserved.

Overall, I award this memoir 3.75 hawks. I found Sotomayor’s first book an overall success and was very inspired by the strength and determination that practically radiates from each page. Though her writing style did not particularly appeal to me, I thoroughly enjoyed the memoir and believe that Sotomayor’s story will serve as motivation for those who find themselves struggling to overcome situations in which the odds are stacked against them. Stomayor’s insightful reflections of the challenges she has overcome thus far in her life truly shows how consistency and determination can be empowering.