Lovely One: A Memoir

Lovely One is a deeply gratifying and inspiring memoir that offers an intimate look into the life of Ketanji Brown Jackson, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. I first became curious about the book after Ketanji began trending on Threads a few weeks ago for her decision to send a food stamp benefits case back to the appellate courts. The conversation around her sharp legal mind, strategic brilliance, and unshakable integrity pulled me in. People weren’t just praising her decision—they were acknowledging the power of a woman who sees through smoke screens and exposes deeper truths. Wanting to know more about her, not just her rulings, felt natural. I’m often drawn to stories of powerful Black women whose contributions have shaped this country, though much of that exploration has come through historical fiction. This book offered something even more compelling: the chance to learn about a woman making history right now. Some might assume Ketanji’s story is “uneventful” because it’s not filled with scandal, family tragedy, or the typical obstacles we expect in memoirs. Instead, she was raised in a loving, stable home by parents who valued education, service, and excellence. Her father, a lawyer, and her mother, an educator, grounded her in purpose from the beginning—even in the intentionality of her name. Ketanji Onyika, meaning “lovely one,” reflects not just hope, but expectation. There’s something beautiful and powerful about parents who name their child with vision. Her path feels divinely ordered—from childhood conversations about legal cases with her father, to a love of creative writing, to the oratory skills she honed in school. Nothing about her rise is accidental. Her worthiness isn’t up for debate; it’s demonstrated through decades of knowledge, experience, and an unwavering reputation for fairness. She’s that girl. DEI? Definitely Earned It. Listening to her narrate her own story made the experience even more special. It brought warmth and humanity to someone many of us only see through headlines or political noise. Her values—family, integrity, humility, courage—shine through every chapter and reminded me that these same qualities can be stepping stones in my own life. And I absolutely loved the story of her daughter boldly writing a letter to the President, advocating for her mother’s nomination. Iconic behavior runs in the family! I admire Ketanji deeply for maintaining grace, composure, and principle in a hostile environment—one rife with injustice, political pressure, and personal agendas. Yet she remains committed to the rule of law and justice for all, even when surrounded by those who don’t always share that commitment. This memoir is a testament to courage, discipline, resilience, and the quiet power of preparation. Ketanji Brown Jackson has truly grown into the fullness of her name—the “lovely one.” I’m incredibly proud of her journey, and I’m grateful I had the chance to experience her story in her own words.

I have never known anyone who sounds as nice as Justice Jackson who has made it so far. Sounds like she did it without stabbing anyone in the back, skirting hard work or stepping on anyone. She has lived a really interesting life and seemed to have a straight upward trajectory due to her positive outlook on life and steadfast hard work in the face of some pretty challenging times. Justice Jackson deserves everything she has earned. The book seemed to include just enough law and just enough personal information and I especially loved hearing about the friends she made over the years and their loyalty and love for one another. Lovely story.

Such a beautiful and inspiring story

Lovely One: Ketanji Brown Jackson: A Memoir is the viewpoint of a strong and talented Black woman’s story of becoming a member of the Supreme Court. In a way that is straightforward, but no less eloquent, Jackson brings the audience into her journey in the corporate world as a Black woman working in a profession had been primarily all ‘white’ and ‘male’ for too many years. Her story is of how she climbed America’s restrictive ladder and is a memorable and inspiring one. Also documents how her upbringing crafted this ability in her to be exceptional, unique and powerful while being black, and a great keeper of justice and a believer in the law.

Beautifully written.