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2018 Archive
The 2018 One Book, One Community program featured the book "My Beloved World" by Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Sotomayor’s retelling of her exuberant, colorful and close-knit family is reminiscent of many first and second generation immigrants, who rely on each other as they adapt to a new world. Always personal and intimate, her story is that of the importance of family and the determined reach for participation in the American dream. Sotomayor’s story gives us insight into her passage into the heady and, to her, often strange world of academia and later the practice of law.
A foretelling of her grit and tenacity, Sotomayor learned to give herself insulin shots at the tender age of seven when she was first diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. It was those characteristics of grit and tenacity that later carried her from being named valedictorian of her high school to graduating with honors from Princeton University and serving as an editor of the Yale Law Journal at Yale Law School. Sotomayor says, “Experience has taught me that you cannot value dreams according to the odds of their coming true.”
"My Beloved World" by Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Sotomayor’s story is one of determination and the hope, tenacity, hard work and self-reliance that would propel a little girl who grew up in a Puerto Rican corner of the Bronx to the highest court in the land. In “My Beloved World,” Sotomayor provides readers with a frank and loving account of her coming of age and her large extended family, many with roots still in Puerto Rico. Sotomayor also recounts the adversity she has faced in her life – from growing up in poverty with an at-times challenging family life to her lifelong management of juvenile diabetes and her determination to adapt to a wider world that would eventually result in her becoming the first Latina and third woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.Sotomayor’s retelling of her exuberant, colorful and close-knit family is reminiscent of many first and second generation immigrants, who rely on each other as they adapt to a new world. Always personal and intimate, her story is that of the importance of family and the determined reach for participation in the American dream. Sotomayor’s story gives us insight into her passage into the heady and, to her, often strange world of academia and later the practice of law.
A foretelling of her grit and tenacity, Sotomayor learned to give herself insulin shots at the tender age of seven when she was first diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. It was those characteristics of grit and tenacity that later carried her from being named valedictorian of her high school to graduating with honors from Princeton University and serving as an editor of the Yale Law Journal at Yale Law School. Sotomayor says, “Experience has taught me that you cannot value dreams according to the odds of their coming true.”
2018 Calendar of Events
Signature Events
KICK-OFF EVENT: An Evening with Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court of the United States
Sunday, Aug. 26; 6 p.m.
East Lansing High School Theater, 509 Burcham Drive
Open to the general public. Justice Sonia Sotomayor will answer pre-submitted questions from community members during the event.
DVD recordings of the event will be available to check out at the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, beginning Friday, Sept. 7. To place a hold on one of the DVDs, click here.
Admission Guidelines for the Kick-Off Event:
MSU Academic Welcome featuring Justice Sonia Sotomayor
- Doors will open at 5 p.m.
- Community members will be seated on a first come, first serve basis. A simulcast will be set up in the cafeteria in the event of an overflow crowd.
- There will be metal detector screening at the entrance and no bags, backpacks or purses will be permitted.
- Attendees are asked to refrain from taking photos, recording or using any electronic devices during the event.
- There will not be a book signing
- Information for media
Monday, Aug. 27; 9 a.m.
Jack Breslin Student Events Center, MSU Campus
Open to the general public. Justice Sonia Sotomayor will address MSU's incoming class at the MSU Academic Welcome.
Admission Guidelines for the MSU Academic Welcome:
MSU Student Q&A
- There will be metal detector screening at the entrance and no bags, backpacks or purses will be permitted.
- Attendees are asked to refrain from taking photos, recording or using any electronic devices during the event.
- There will not be a book signing.
- Information for media
Monday, Aug. 27; 11 a.m.
Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, Big Ten A, MSU Campus
Open to MSU students (undergraduate and graduate). Justice Sonia Sotomayor will answer questions from students during the event. Please submit your question ahead of time here.
Admission Guidelines for the MSU Student Q&A:
- There will be metal detector screening at the entrance and no bags, backpacks or purses will be permitted.
- Student will be seated on a first come, first serve basis. A simulcast will be set up in the Kellogg Auditorium in the event of an overflow crowd.
- Attendees are asked to refrain from taking photos, recording or using any electronic devices during the event.
- There will not be a book signing.
- Information for media
Other OBOC Events
Books on Tap Book Club featuring "My Beloved World"
Tuesday, Aug. 14; 6:30-9 p.m.
Jimmy's Pub, 16830 Chandler Road
The East Lansing Public Library's Books on Tap book club will be discussing "My Beloved World" at Jimmy's Pub. The book club combines books, food, drinks and good conversation together in a laid-back atmosphere. Anyone is welcome to join the conversation!
"RBG" Documentary at the East Lansing Public Library
Wednesday, Aug. 15; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
The East Lansing Public Library will be hosting a free screening of the "RBG" documentary, rated PG. Open to all. Learn more.
Writing Workshop: Reflections on People, Places, Events
Sept. 4, 11 and 18; 4-6 p.m.* or 7-9 p.m.*
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
Each year, Anita Skeen - a professor in the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities at MSU - leads a writing workshop that ties into the OBOC program theme. This year's theme; Reflections on People, Places, Events; aligns with Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor's visit to East Lansing and the community's shared reading of her book "My Beloved World." Space is limited.
*Both workshops are now full and registration has ended.
"RBG" Documentary at the East Lansing Public Library
Wednesday, Sept. 5; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
The East Lansing Public Library will be hosting a free screening of the "RBG" documentary, rated PG. Open to all. Learn more.
Writing Workshop: Community Reading at (SCENE) Metrospace
Tuesday, Sept. 25; 7 p.m.
(SCENE) Metrospace, 110 Charles St.
Community members are invited to come listen to readings by participants of the 2018 OBOC Writing Workshop. Light snacks are provided.
Community Events
Our Beloved World: Local Judges Reflect on Life, Work and Faith
Wednesday, Aug. 22; 7 p.m.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 1924 Coolidge Road
The Interfaith Clergy Association of Greater Lansing invites community members to an evening of storytelling as judges from the community share personal accounts of their lives, their work and their faith. The program will take an hour and there will be refreshments and an opportunity for fellowship following the presentation. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.