I Am These Truths

2023 a Year of Memoirs

I've embarked on quite the reading journey, and setting a goal of 50 books was no small feat. I'm thrilled to announce that I've reached that milestone, and what a book to mark the occasion! Sunny Hostin's “I Am These Truths: A Memoir of Identity, Justice, and Living Between Worlds” is the literary gem that got me there, and I couldn't be happier with my choice. As I contemplate my next reading milestone, I can't help but reflect on the brilliance of this well-written memoir.

Sunny Hostin's memoir is a shining example of openness and honesty, and it radiates with a sense of joy. Her journey through life is both captivating and enlightening, and it's a testament to her storytelling prowess.

In the book, Hostin takes us on a profound exploration of her identity and her quest for justice as she comes of age. She paints a vivid picture of her early years in the Bronx, a time marked by poverty but also instilled with a deep appreciation for education. Hostin's intellectual prowess led to her skipping from the 2nd grade to the 5th, entering high school at the tender age of 12, and graduating by the time she was just 16. It's a remarkable journey, to say the least.

What truly fascinated me was Hostin's experience of straddling two distinct cultural worlds. As an African American and Puerto Rican, she grapples with the erasure of her dual identities. She shares her fluency in Spanish, her culinary skills with dishes like arroz con gandules, pernil, and pollo guisado, all while honoring her love for soul food, including collard greens and turkey necks. Hostin's multicultural background is beautifully interwoven into her narrative, making it all the more compelling.

Hostin's path to becoming a lawyer, and later transitioning into broadcast news, is a rollercoaster ride she describes with candor. Her defining moment as a juror in “The Butcher of Tompkins Square Park” case set her on a course that would reshape her career and her perspective on justice.

The most emotionally charged chapter, “Motherhood,” delves into the complexities of parenting, making it a deeply resonant part of the book.

Sunny Hostin's memoir is a captivating blend of entertainment and enlightenment. It offers a unique window into the world of prosecutors and underscores the importance of being a part of the system to drive change from within. I'm now faced with the delightful challenge of choosing my next memoir, but “I Am These Truths” has undoubtedly set a high standard.