"My Beloved World" by Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor had a difficult childhood, but has shown that persistance and perseverance will enable you to reach your goals. How did a child overcome the influences for a Bronx housing project, an alcoholic father, and juvenile diabetes rise to be a prestigious lawyer? In her new book, Justice Sotomayor lets her readers get a real look at what made her the person she is today.

Sonia grew up in a home with a big extended family. Her father was an alcoholic who died before she was nine, and her mother was a nurse. Growing up was hard in the projects - good role models can be so very hard to find. But Sonia was determined, and with the love of her extended family, she made the most of the opportunities given her. In the end, she was able to fulfil her dream of becoming a lawyer and making a better life for herself and her family. While the book does not discuss her selection, or work, as a Suipreme Court Justice, it does give the reader insight into the strength of character and conviction that have made her what she is today.

Whether you agree or disagree with Justice Sotomayor's political opinions, this book is a good read. It is inspiring to read about hard work and perseverance paying off. The book begins with a little girl (age seven) having to tell her parents to teach her how to take care of needles and give herself a shot, and ends with her law career. In between is a life with many problems and bumps along the way. This book is good for individual readers, as well as a good choice for book groups. The information at the back of the book helps the reader understand the Puerto Rican Spanish used through out the book.