Structure

The memoir is divided into 29 chapters along with a preface, prologue, and epilogue. In the preface, Sonia Sotomayor explains that people have asked her about her personal life, which prompted her decision to write this book. People have asked about specific situations in her life, including living with juvenile diabetes and the loss of her father at an early age. She also says that she may disappoint some readers because she will not be talking about her personal views on issues she deals with from the bench. In the prologue, Sotomayor addresses the issues that were most important to her as a young child, including her parents' constant fighting and her diabetes.

The basic storyline of the book is presented in chronological order, beginning with Sotomayor’s memories of early childhood and going to her appointment as a Supreme Court Judge. There are some exceptions, but these...