REVIEW - Lovely One (audiobook)

 

Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

This audiobook was an incredibly dense, deep, and thorough memoir. It was long coming in at over 18 hours. So as I usually say with most long audiobooks, it could have used some editing as she will probably write another memoir when she retires from the Supreme Court many years from now. 

Kentanji opens with her origin story by discussing both sides of her family and ends with her swearing-in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. She covers her career thoroughly from childhood in Miami, education at Harvard, multiple law clerking jobs, law practice, and her judgeships. Additionally, she talks fondly of her parents, brother, husband, and children throughout the book. 

When she was discussing her friends or family, this memoir shined and sparkled.  Unfortunately, her detailed explanation of her law precedents and rulings didn't interest me. This is where some editing could have happened. Yes, she is the first Black, female Supreme Court Associate Justice; however, the intense legal detail was unnecessary to tell her amazing life story.  

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

Ketanji writes really well, but not beautifully in the literary sense. She writes like an attorney and judge except when discussing her friends and family. I would have preferred the friends and family writing style throughout the entire memoir. 

Additionally, she is a person of faith. So she shared her religious beliefs, scriptures, and Bible commentary which was not my cup of tea.

Narration: 4.5 stars

She is an exceptional narrator. Kentanji has the perfect narration voice with such a lovely tone. 

Her narration was stronger and more relatable when speaking of her friends and family versus the law. When discussing the law, it was more dry and unemotional. 

 

Character Arc: 4.5 stars

This audiobook was primarily chronological with some asides for clarity or explanations of an event. But, it was very easy to follow. 

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about both sides of her parents' families and her husband's family. 

My real issue is that this memoir could have been edited, especially in the law sections from over 18 hours which is long. 

Memorable:  5.0 stars

I loved that Ketanji was so real. She is a daughter, sister, wife, and mom, but she has the same insecurities most moms do. I relate to her work-life balance as a stay-at-home mom because my life wasn't balanced when I worked.  

I love how she wears chunky, unique, and beautiful necklaces with her judicial robes. It gives her a spark of joy that shines through!

Ketanji comes across as warm, loyal, and relatable. I would love to have dinner with this amazing and strong woman!!

Entertaining:   4.5 stars

It wasn't entertaining per se. It was more of a true memoir where I learned about her life rather than being super funny.  

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Perfect!       

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Just a "lovely one" - an inside joke from the book.   

STRONG recommend

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson

Random House Audio

18 hours, 26 minutes

Release date of 9/3/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Ketanji Brown Jackson

My Goodreads review

Random House Audio

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜