Book Review on More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)

I had no idea who Elaine Welteroth was before reading this book, but I am so happy I took the time to read it and discover who she was! In this book Elaine shares her journey from childhood to adulthood talking about the many obstacles she faced in her life. From being a bi-racial child, to being foolish in love and to climbing the career ladder at one of America's most influential magazines, she's been through so much and still persevered. "When you exist in spaces that weren't built for you, remember sometimes that just being you is the revolution."

"When a girl is born, a universe of possibilities is born within her. When a little Black girl is born, she is born with the promise of a better future; her life represents new hope for breaking generational chains-of systematic oppression, of discrimination, of abuse-that have plagued our lineage." Elaine was born biracial and grew up in suburbia, in a sense, of the best of both worlds. The one thing I love about her upbringing is that her parents made the decision to raise her as black. "Yes, we were technically biracial, but they knew that the world wouldn't see it that way." Even though Elaine was raised as black she still had a difficult time embracing her black culture. If you love the show Mixed-ish, you'll definitely love reading these parts.

Elaine touches on her love life throughout the book as well. She addresses the "Ride or Die Syndrome" in addition to the pressures of finding a husband. "And so, the harder it got in my own relationship, the harder I worked at it. Instead of walking away, I leaned in. I fought for it. I stuck it out. Because isn't that what you do for love?" Her stories were definitely relatable and reminiscent of stories of my own love life life in addition to some of the women I know. Her stories were a tough realization that no matter your upbringing or race, you are never equipped for the turmoil that love brings.

When chasing her dreams, Elaine knew no boundaries. She made career choices that others didn't agree with and still found herself successful. Her journey in the magazine industry is definitely inspiring. "I realized that we aren't vigilant, we can move through our entire lives feeling smaller than we actually are-by playing it safe, by unconsciously giving away our power, by dimming our radiance, by not recognizing there is always so much more waiting for us on the other side of fear."

This book is filled with numerous inspirational quotes, from Elaine and other inspiring figures. In addition to the quotes, Elaine's overall story is inspiring. If you are looking for a story to help give you the motivation you need to get started on your dreams, this book is it! "Remember: You have done enough. You are enough. You were born enough. The world is waiting on you."