"My Beloved World" by Sonia Sotomayor ****

• Book Club selection May 2013
• Memoir
• Originally published 2012
• "The vocabulary of hindsight"....really like that
• "Duel in the Canefield" by Manuel Mur Oti
• Sonia joined Forensic Team to strengthen her ability to speak publicly...like my Zibby!
• She draws parallel with "Lord of the Flies", the need for law and order.  Power only comes from what we agree to honor
• p.101.."They were like two trees with buried roots so tangled that they inevitably leaned on each other, and also strangled each other a bit."....Mama Celina and here sister Aunt Titi
• p.97..."I was fifteen years old when I understood how it is that things break down:  people can't imagine someone else's point of view
• "Seeing my mother get back to her studies was all the proof I needed that a chin of emotion can persuade when one forged of logic won't hold.  But more important was her example that a surplus of effort could overcome a deficit of confidence."
• first word processed senior thesis at Pronceton
• limits of class and cultural background rather than aptitude or application
• p.147.."Quiet pragmatism, of course lacks the romance of vocal militancy. But I saw myself more a mediator than a crusader."....
• p.149..."I needed a history in which I could anchor my own sense of self. "
• Analysis of what was different between herself and cousin and dear friend, Nelson.....he was an addict, died of Aids.
• p.157..."Of all the links, language remains strong, a code of the soul that unlocks for us the music and poetry, the history and literature of Spain and all of Latin America.  But is is also a prison
• p.178..."When a young person, even a gifted one, grows up without proximate living examples of what she may aspire to become--whether lawyer, scientist, artist, or leader in any realm--her goal remains abstract....a role model in the flesh provides more than an inspiration; his or her very existence is confirmation of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt....."
• p.255...."...suffice it so say, somehow a synergy of love and gratitude, protection and purpose, was implanted in me at a very young age.  And it flowered in the determination to serve."
• Review:  Very readable, very interesting, and very human.  I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.  Sonia Sotomayor writes about her life from early childhood to her first appointment as a judge.  She clearly details the influences which brought her to adulthood and the Supreme Court, namely, family, juvenile diabetes, hardship,loss, and many mentors along the way.  I think I was most impressed with her clear description of the vast cultural gap between life n the Bronx and life amongst the powerful and wealthy.  A very good read.