This has been on my reading list for a while after seeing Elaine as a judge on Project Runway. As a long time fan I was wondering how the show would be without Heidi and Tim, and IMO it was better in that it felt much kinder and empowering. My impression was that Elaine the driving force. When I found out she was also the editor of Teen Vogue who was the first among mainstream media to call out Trumpism for what it was, I was an even bigger fan.

Her autobiography is engaging and chatty, where you feel like a close friend. Her ambition, work ethic, vulnerability, and how she conscientiously uses her influence to lift those around her is very inspiring. She shares her experiences, both good and bad, as a young, ambitious, black woman. The part regarding the axing of the print edition of Teen Vogue made me mad.

I highly recommend. :) ( )

3.5 star book. With a couple shades more 3 than 5.

Book just felt too polished. Maybe I should expect that coming from someone in the magazine business. And too much about clothes. But I guess I should expect that because she was editor of Teen Vogue . And her relationships gave me a lot of Carrie Bradshaw vibes.

I wish there was more personality. Is that what's missing? I liked hearing about her childhood. And I learned some more lingo. Some of the quotes are noteworthy.

This book would have meant a lot more to me if I paid attention to Conde Nast publications. Or I watched the rebooted Project Runway Bravo because she's a judge (I did watch Project Runway beforehand and jumped ship with Heidi and Tim to Amazon's "Making the Cut").

( )

More Than Enough is a beautifully written book with power, honesty, and love. This is the feel-good, inspirational book that I didn’t know I needed or was looking for. Reading it was a cross between “The Year of Yes,” and “We are Going to Need More Wine.”

There was no part of this book that I didn’t enjoy, identify with, or learn something from. This is a rare book that drew me in and kept my attention. I loved the way the author shared her life from preschool through adulthood.

She shares her struggles, love-life, career aspirations, and dreams. There are moments where she shares mother wit, life quotes and wisdom. This is a good book for young women and anyone who loves a great read.

There were many moments of smiles, cheers, and a few wow moments. Hearing her parents love and support was a bonus. Never heard of the author before, but I will be following her career. Do not sleep on this wonderful memoir!

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

I Picked Up This Book Because: Saw an interview with the author on the Tonight Show.

I’m not sure what I was expecting this book to be but it was way more memoir than I was thinking, which is fine. Elaine’s perspective as a mixed race individual growing up in a world that doesn’t always have a place or know what to do with one was intriguing for me as the auntie of several mixed raced children. She answers lots of questions I want to ask them and though I know their experience might be different it was good to have someone’s answers. We also explore Elaine’s experiences with young love and of course her rise to the top of the publishing industry. I learned quite a lot about an industry that I’ve never given much thought to. The duality of what the public sees and what happens behind closed doors and the toll it takes on individuals is amazing. While this book didn’t inspire me to move mountains it did open my eyes and lead me to think a bit more about my place in the world and my purpose. I wish I had half the conviction and dreams/goals for myself that Elaine had in her early years but I know its not too late and there are still dreams and goals to be discovered for me as well.

The Random Thoughts:

There were some great quotes in this book and the downside to listening to audiobooks is I’m often not listening in a space where it is conducive to jot them down. Fortunately some people added a few to Goodreads.

”When the world tells you to shrink, expand.”

3.5 Stars ( )

It’s very odd to realize I’m a decade older than this amazingly impressive woman. She has told an inspiring story of her life (so far), and I would highly recommend it to all but especially teenagers; I look forward to following where her life next leads. ( )