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More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth
lolaivy's review
2.0
I'm disappointed. I may have had too high of hopes for this book and it just didn't meet my expectations.
I've seen Elaine in interviews, read her writings. She's normally not afraid to go there. But this book felt lukewarm. She never fully let's herself discuss really hard topics - instead, she would lightly touch upon things like racism, colorism, ageism, sexism, but never take it the full mile. To me, it read more like a book for teenagers or young readers -- not adults.
The book illuminated how fame obsessed and materialistic Elaine can be. Elaine came off boujee to me. I don't mean it as an insult -- rather, that she likes nice things and wealth. And good for her. I love women who know what they want (even if it's fame or wealth) and aren't afraid to go after those things. So color me shocked when Elaine herself calls her ex (a Black Harvard grad) and HIS other Black Harvard grad friends boujee AS AN INSULT. I was very disappointed by this. Harvard is only 5% Black. We should applaud Black individuals who are able to jump up a class or more -- not turn our noses at them or judge them. It felt hypocritical to me. Was he a terrible person... Yes! But criticize him for his manipulative and misogynistic actions, not him and his friends' wealth and success.
It was a memoir but, for lack of a better word, a boring one. I think she made it too much about her and her life story. I wish it was less memoir, more of a collection of short stories of her life and her opinions about the world.
I wish she talked about her involvement with the Lower East Side Girls Collective instead of repeatedly mentioning she wrote an episode of Black-ish. I wish she talked about why so many young Black men are incarcerated at young ages and high numbers in America -- instead of spending the chapter complaining that her incarcerated ex kept her from Stanford. I wish she talked less about how her rich ex bought her x, y, and z and talked more about toxic, misogynistic relationships.
It could have been more but it wasn't, so I give it 2 stars for lack of effort :-(. I still admire Elaine despite not enjoying her book and will read anything she releases next because I do have faith she can write something impactful.
I've seen Elaine in interviews, read her writings. She's normally not afraid to go there. But this book felt lukewarm. She never fully let's herself discuss really hard topics - instead, she would lightly touch upon things like racism, colorism, ageism, sexism, but never take it the full mile. To me, it read more like a book for teenagers or young readers -- not adults.
The book illuminated how fame obsessed and materialistic Elaine can be. Elaine came off boujee to me. I don't mean it as an insult -- rather, that she likes nice things and wealth. And good for her. I love women who know what they want (even if it's fame or wealth) and aren't afraid to go after those things. So color me shocked when Elaine herself calls her ex (a Black Harvard grad) and HIS other Black Harvard grad friends boujee AS AN INSULT. I was very disappointed by this. Harvard is only 5% Black. We should applaud Black individuals who are able to jump up a class or more -- not turn our noses at them or judge them. It felt hypocritical to me. Was he a terrible person... Yes! But criticize him for his manipulative and misogynistic actions, not him and his friends' wealth and success.
It was a memoir but, for lack of a better word, a boring one. I think she made it too much about her and her life story. I wish it was less memoir, more of a collection of short stories of her life and her opinions about the world.
I wish she talked about her involvement with the Lower East Side Girls Collective instead of repeatedly mentioning she wrote an episode of Black-ish. I wish she talked about why so many young Black men are incarcerated at young ages and high numbers in America -- instead of spending the chapter complaining that her incarcerated ex kept her from Stanford. I wish she talked less about how her rich ex bought her x, y, and z and talked more about toxic, misogynistic relationships.
It could have been more but it wasn't, so I give it 2 stars for lack of effort :-(. I still admire Elaine despite not enjoying her book and will read anything she releases next because I do have faith she can write something impactful.
_tamara8464's review
5.0
Omg, what an amazing book. I didn’t really know what to expect and I’m so happy that this was recommended to me because it is such an eye opener.
The book is about the life and experiences (so far) of Elaine Welteroth. She is a biracial woman who grew up in California. In the book she talks about her first love, taking risks, being heartbroken but having to get up, reaching dreams and race. She was able to get at the head of the table and tell us how it happened. The things that she had to deal with were sometimes hurtful, painful but always something she was able to get up from. She also had an interview with her parents (for the audiobook) at the end which I thought was very sweet.
Before this book, I (unfortunately) had no idea who she was. After reading this,I wish I knew of her sooner.
The book is about the life and experiences (so far) of Elaine Welteroth. She is a biracial woman who grew up in California. In the book she talks about her first love, taking risks, being heartbroken but having to get up, reaching dreams and race. She was able to get at the head of the table and tell us how it happened. The things that she had to deal with were sometimes hurtful, painful but always something she was able to get up from. She also had an interview with her parents (for the audiobook) at the end which I thought was very sweet.
Before this book, I (unfortunately) had no idea who she was. After reading this,I wish I knew of her sooner.
makenakig's review
3.0
I did not expect to enjoy reading this as much as I did, given that celebrity memoirs can be hit-or-miss. As a black woman, gaining insight into the ins and outs of Elaine's personal and professional journey resonated with me on so many levels from her desire to assimilate to a series of conscious awakenings. Welteroth's grit is aspirational, and I found myself learning from her passion-led navigation through the publishing industry, and how she proactively leaned into her purpose. Hearing about the swath of micro and macro aggressions Elaine faced equally resonated. It was refreshing to have content guided by self-awareness around the means in which she is marginalized and privileged. Through conversational prose, Elaine tells her story and it is a wonderful message of stewarding and claiming your own path and place.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
A REALLY inspiring and motivating memoir from a biracial woman younger than me who has been so influential in the publishing world and now the talkshow universe. Elaine Welteroth was the first Black beauty director in Conde Nast’s 107 year history, heading up Teen Vogue and transforming it into an edgy and politically relevant publication. This was GREAT on audio with cameos from both her parents and an author interview with them at the end of the book. HIGHLY recommend for fans of Ruth Reichl’s Save me the plums, Andre Leon Talley’s Chiffon trenches or Jamie Kern Lima’s Believe IT.
Favourite quotes: (there were so many!)
"Long before I knew exactly what career path to pursue - I knew that I wanted to be great - not mediocre, not average, anything but ordinary. I wanted to design my own extraordinary life. A big colorful existence. There was no obvious path to success though - I would have to make it up along the way."
“For so much of our lives we’re told what beauty is, what it looks like, who possesses it and who doesn’t and the ones pushed to the margins are rarely given the pen to write ourselves and our own definitions in.”
"When women affirm women it unlocks our power - it gives us permission to shine brighter."
"At various times in our lives we all struggle with feeling good enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, worthy enough as we are. Nothing good can grow if you don't nourish your own soul."
"But when we are brave enough to go there, to grab what we want, to tap into who we are - damn, it feels good."
"There is no glory in a grind that grinds you down."
"Women aren't taught to get comfortable with making people uncomfortable."
"Job titles are temporary but purpose is infinite."
Favourite quotes: (there were so many!)
"Long before I knew exactly what career path to pursue - I knew that I wanted to be great - not mediocre, not average, anything but ordinary. I wanted to design my own extraordinary life. A big colorful existence. There was no obvious path to success though - I would have to make it up along the way."
“For so much of our lives we’re told what beauty is, what it looks like, who possesses it and who doesn’t and the ones pushed to the margins are rarely given the pen to write ourselves and our own definitions in.”
"When women affirm women it unlocks our power - it gives us permission to shine brighter."
"At various times in our lives we all struggle with feeling good enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, worthy enough as we are. Nothing good can grow if you don't nourish your own soul."
"But when we are brave enough to go there, to grab what we want, to tap into who we are - damn, it feels good."
"There is no glory in a grind that grinds you down."
"Women aren't taught to get comfortable with making people uncomfortable."
"Job titles are temporary but purpose is infinite."
staciam's review
5.0
Absolutely loved this as an audiobook. Elaine‘s parents being woven throughout was awesome, including the interview with them at the end.
lilmeze's review
5.0
So inspiring! This spoke to be deeply because of the season that I am going through in my life. Her experiences and inspirational message was so moving and applicable to me. Highly recommend!
shavon713's review
4.0
A moving read for those in their 20 somethings and on the path to achieving career goals. Love that she included her parents as narrators for the audiobook! Her dream changed, challenged, and adapted with her. Love that it wasn’t just a perfect story to achievement!
brontejane's review
4.0
Before reading this, all I really knew about her was that she is a judge on Project Runway. I liked that there were many pearls of wisdom in this book without sounding preachy and without trying to say there is only one path that everyone must follow. Just "this is my life and this is what I have learned so far." I know I will look at her differently when watching Project Runway now.
bribeemajorlee's review
5.0
I needed this book. I didn’t know how bad I needed this book but I did. This book has started a shift and a awakening that I am beyond thankful for. Elaine Welteroth was able to so plainly put into words what it’s like being young and black in corporate America that is holding onto the old guard with both hands. How we make ourselves small and try to conform to not seem as other as we are. This book made me laugh, cry, SOB, rejoice and reevaluate my life and my future. This book reminded me that it’s more to life than a job and to not only focus on your passion but to stare fear in the face and say BRING IT. Relationships were also touched on and that they come and go but at what cost, hopefully not ourselves. This book is full of wonderful gems that filled my heart and are now quotes on my vision board. Elaine thank you for your story. Thank you for sharing your journey. Thank you for the reminder that I am more than enough.
olicooper's review
3.0
Once she gets into her career, the book starts taking off. The most interesting and for me, valuable, sections were when she talks about navigating pay and promotions and then through her career, advocating for herself-- especially with the stakes at play. Granted, sometimes it seems a bit easy to grab a hold of a job or so (it's all about who you know), the bravery to risk it all to demand what you are worth was inspiring.
Though, I think this is is too long. As the author is a former Editor in Chief, that was a little unexpected find.
And it's not that length is an issue, it's what was chosen to fill the space-- at one point, she takes a couple pages to just tell you about her friends, who really have nothing to do with the narrative. Which I promptly just skipped over.
Also, anyone else think it was a little grating when she was describing the other woman her ex ("Future Husband's") was having an affair with? Albeit, she quotes them as his words, but calling her overweight and pathetic, but I really wanted to see something expressing how fucked up that was or about how dragging the woman he was having an affair with like that is some petty, twisted psychology men who cheat use, to try and make their other woman good, since they are the "prettier" etc.
Even though a couple of spots kinda grated me, overall, the accomplishments are amazing and her experiences she share are valuable. Plus, her couch chat with Ava DuVernay is EVERYTHING and is worth an extra star.
Though, I think this is is too long. As the author is a former Editor in Chief, that was a little unexpected find.
And it's not that length is an issue, it's what was chosen to fill the space-- at one point, she takes a couple pages to just tell you about her friends, who really have nothing to do with the narrative. Which I promptly just skipped over.
Also, anyone else think it was a little grating when she was describing the other woman her ex ("Future Husband's") was having an affair with? Albeit, she quotes them as his words, but calling her overweight and pathetic, but I really wanted to see something expressing how fucked up that was or about how dragging the woman he was having an affair with like that is some petty, twisted psychology men who cheat use, to try and make their other woman good, since they are the "prettier" etc.
Even though a couple of spots kinda grated me, overall, the accomplishments are amazing and her experiences she share are valuable. Plus, her couch chat with Ava DuVernay is EVERYTHING and is worth an extra star.