Lovely One: A Memoir

From segregation to the Supreme Court in one generation: a remarkable memoir

An excellent read that left me feeling uplifted and hopeful! I did not know much about America’s first Black Supreme Court justice when I picked up this memoir. I had no idea that she came from such humble beginnings—the daughter of two school teachers, and the granddaughter of people who didn’t even get to finish elementary school in the segregated South. I also didn't know that she has such a sparkling charisma-filled personality! Now that is unexpected from someone with such a serious job! But perhaps it shouldn't be when it comes from someone with some of the best "you have got to be kidding me" expressions which crossed her face during her confirmation hearings. (Turns out she had a background in theater and forensics before becoming a lawyer).  
I was impressed with how much Brown Jackson had to overcome for her career--she and her top-surgeon husband lived apart for long stretches and worked long hours, but they never wavered in their support for each other’s dreams, understanding the level of talent and opportunity they had been given and the responsibility to use your gifts that comes along with that. Her remarkable story has another layer: her eldest daughter Talia has autism, and the family struggled for years to get her a diagnosis and help so that she could thrive.  

But to me, the real meat of this story—and one of Brown Jackson's main advantages in life aside from her brilliance—is her amazing loving family who taught her grit, and to have pride in her heritage and to believe in herself. I think her parents should write a parenting book! Too bad her grandmother described as "the sweetest woman in the world” didn't write one before she passed. Her uniqueness and charisma will inspire generations to come, and this book and her voice (she narrates the audiobook) are an important part of this nation’s history.