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The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward
In a rare window into some of her life’s pivotal moments, Melinda French Gates draws from previously untold stories to offer a new perspective on encountering transitions.
This program is read by the author.
“You don’t get to be my age without navigating all kinds of transitions. Some you embraced and some you never expected. Some you hoped for and some you fought as hard as you could.”
– Melinda French Gates
Transitions are moments in which we step out of our familiar surroundings and into a new landscape—a space that, for many people, is shadowed by confusion, fear, and indecision. The Next Day accompanies readers as they cross that space, offering guidance on how to make the most of the time between an ending and a new beginning and how to move forward into the next day when the ground beneath you is shifting.
In this book, Melinda will reflect, for the first time in print, on some of the most significant transitions in her own life, including becoming a parent, the death of a dear friend, and her departure from the Gates Foundation. The stories she tells illuminate universal lessons about loosening the bonds of perfectionism, helping friends navigate times of crisis, embracing uncertainty, and more.
Each one of us, no matter who we are or where we are in life, is headed toward transitions of our own. With her signature warmth and grace, Melinda candidly shares stories of times when she was in need of wisdom and shines a path through the open space stretching out before us all.
A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.
This program is read by the author.
“You don’t get to be my age without navigating all kinds of transitions. Some you embraced and some you never expected. Some you hoped for and some you fought as hard as you could.”
– Melinda French Gates
Transitions are moments in which we step out of our familiar surroundings and into a new landscape—a space that, for many people, is shadowed by confusion, fear, and indecision. The Next Day accompanies readers as they cross that space, offering guidance on how to make the most of the time between an ending and a new beginning and how to move forward into the next day when the ground beneath you is shifting.
In this book, Melinda will reflect, for the first time in print, on some of the most significant transitions in her own life, including becoming a parent, the death of a dear friend, and her departure from the Gates Foundation. The stories she tells illuminate universal lessons about loosening the bonds of perfectionism, helping friends navigate times of crisis, embracing uncertainty, and more.
Each one of us, no matter who we are or where we are in life, is headed toward transitions of our own. With her signature warmth and grace, Melinda candidly shares stories of times when she was in need of wisdom and shines a path through the open space stretching out before us all.
A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.
Audible Audio
Published April 15, 2025
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About the author
Melinda French Gates
6 books97.6k followersMelinda French Gates is a philanthropist, businesswoman, and global advocate for women and girls.
For over 25 years, Melinda has led efforts to unlock a healthier, more prosperous, more equal future. Today, she heads Pivotal, an organization she formed in 2015 that works to accelerate the pace of progress and advance women’s power and influence in the U.S. and around the world. Previously, she founded and co-chaired the Gates Foundation, where, for more than two decades, she set the direction and priorities of the world’s largest philanthropy. Melinda is also the author of the bestselling book The Moment of Lift and the creator of Moment of Lift Books, an imprint publishing original nonfiction by visionaries working to unlock a more equal world.
Melinda grew up in Dallas, Texas and attended Duke University, where she received a bachelor's degree in computer science and economics and an MBA. She spent the first decade of her career developing multimedia products at Microsoft before leaving the company to focus on her family and philanthropic work. Melinda has three children—Jenn, Rory, and Phoebe—and lives in Seattle, Washington.
For over 25 years, Melinda has led efforts to unlock a healthier, more prosperous, more equal future. Today, she heads Pivotal, an organization she formed in 2015 that works to accelerate the pace of progress and advance women’s power and influence in the U.S. and around the world. Previously, she founded and co-chaired the Gates Foundation, where, for more than two decades, she set the direction and priorities of the world’s largest philanthropy. Melinda is also the author of the bestselling book The Moment of Lift and the creator of Moment of Lift Books, an imprint publishing original nonfiction by visionaries working to unlock a more equal world.
Melinda grew up in Dallas, Texas and attended Duke University, where she received a bachelor's degree in computer science and economics and an MBA. She spent the first decade of her career developing multimedia products at Microsoft before leaving the company to focus on her family and philanthropic work. Melinda has three children—Jenn, Rory, and Phoebe—and lives in Seattle, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 832 reviews
April 15, 2025
too polished.
i wanted contradiction, mess — but it reads like a curated release, softened just enough to seem vulnerable.
she hints at depth — therapy, faith, family — then retreats.
privilege is noted but never unpacked. change is buffered by wealth and goodwill.
not dishonest, just distant.
i hoped for less control. more raw.
on the other hand, i absolutely appreciate the message she wanted to share — and what melinda is doing through her nonprofit to empower girls and women. that work speaks louder than any book.
i wanted contradiction, mess — but it reads like a curated release, softened just enough to seem vulnerable.
she hints at depth — therapy, faith, family — then retreats.
privilege is noted but never unpacked. change is buffered by wealth and goodwill.
not dishonest, just distant.
i hoped for less control. more raw.
on the other hand, i absolutely appreciate the message she wanted to share — and what melinda is doing through her nonprofit to empower girls and women. that work speaks louder than any book.
May 27, 2025
3.5 rounded up. A small book narrated skillfully by the author, this is absolutely another talent to add to her very full list of achievements. An interesting memoir interspersing small stories of the author’s life covering all aspects from childhood to the present. Her family’s work ethic and respect for women is evident, she credits her parents for instilling the respect for herself and others and their hard work to provide her with an excellent education. Working relentlessly to achieve the enormous wealth and success has at times come at a cost, retrospectively she is giving advice to be not so rigid and unforgiving in setting goals and expecting so much from oneself. A brutally honest account of personal success and failures, her divorce and the loss of a dear friend, Melinda is a passionate advocate for many subjects while at the same time recognising her privilege. As expected included are small interviews with other philanthropic women, which admittedly I’d prefer to hear from the everyday person, conversely though these are the people she knows, having the voice to reach celebrities she chatted with with each of them pushing through a big life event.
April 15, 2025
I heard a lot of buzz about this book and added it to my TBR. When I saw its short length, I stopped what I was reading to dive into this nugget of a book. I think one of the things I appreciate most in this book is its discrete scope and focus. Melinda Gates is not trying to tell you her life story, she’s sharing a very thoughtful meditation on transition. Her voice is so clear and one of heartfelt practicality. She shares anecdotes on friendship, loss, and moving on. She talks about ambition and poignantly reflects on expectations- especially those we put upon ourselves. The most moving part of this book is her discussion of her hard but necessary decision to separate from and ultimately divorce Bill. After finishing this book, I am thinking a lot about my own identity and phase in life. This book is certainly worth a read (or in my case, a listen- via Libby in the author-narrated audiobook)!
April 26, 2025
I’ve read many memoirs, some by the authors Melinda praises in this book, but “The Next Day” does not come close to what I savored in those other memoirs. We really don’t learn much about Melinda other than her dad was very supportive, she loved her kids deeply, and she had a close friend who died young.
For me, this book read like an essay or motivational speech rather than a book. It was meant to be inspirational for women pushing past the limits other people erect against career women. It was also meant to praise motherhood, encourage us to let go of perfectionism, and give us ideas on how to best help someone who is dying and also deal with our grief. But it fell flat for me.
The first problem I had with it was it started out as if it intended to really support women pursuing careers, but we learned very little about the day-to-day gender struggles in Melinda’s career because she quickly left it to become a full-time mom. As her children grew older, Melinda began to help run the gigantic, philanthropic Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; but in this role, she was able to cut herself slack when she needed it and avoid many of the roadblocks other women encounter.
The second problem I had with Melinda’s advice was it often felt like rather superficial chicken-soup-for-the-soul advice. I think this might be because the incredible financial success early in Melinda’s life led to a very privileged lifestyle that was drastically different than my life or the lives of most women.
I related to Melinda’s love for her children and the grief she had when a wonderful friend died young, but, unfortunately, I didn’t feel any wiser or more grounded after reading this memoir.
Favorite quote/story from the book: Melinda’s wish that all of us return to flowers lining our porches from all the women we have been celebrating every step of our life journey. Melinda was often extremely organized and goal-oriented, but she wishes everyone would frequently stop, enjoy, and reflect on where we have been and be open to unanticipated options that may open up for us.
For me, this book read like an essay or motivational speech rather than a book. It was meant to be inspirational for women pushing past the limits other people erect against career women. It was also meant to praise motherhood, encourage us to let go of perfectionism, and give us ideas on how to best help someone who is dying and also deal with our grief. But it fell flat for me.
The first problem I had with it was it started out as if it intended to really support women pursuing careers, but we learned very little about the day-to-day gender struggles in Melinda’s career because she quickly left it to become a full-time mom. As her children grew older, Melinda began to help run the gigantic, philanthropic Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; but in this role, she was able to cut herself slack when she needed it and avoid many of the roadblocks other women encounter.
The second problem I had with Melinda’s advice was it often felt like rather superficial chicken-soup-for-the-soul advice. I think this might be because the incredible financial success early in Melinda’s life led to a very privileged lifestyle that was drastically different than my life or the lives of most women.
I related to Melinda’s love for her children and the grief she had when a wonderful friend died young, but, unfortunately, I didn’t feel any wiser or more grounded after reading this memoir.
Favorite quote/story from the book: Melinda’s wish that all of us return to flowers lining our porches from all the women we have been celebrating every step of our life journey. Melinda was often extremely organized and goal-oriented, but she wishes everyone would frequently stop, enjoy, and reflect on where we have been and be open to unanticipated options that may open up for us.
April 25, 2025
The best parts were parts she quoted from other works.
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April 16, 2025Wow. I read this between the hours of 7 and 11pm on release day and cried on and off throughout it.
I loved the parts about birth and motherhood. Melinda describes her love for her children as ‘almost violent’ and I found this to be beautiful true to life descriptor for motherly love.
When addressing the divorce she was honest without getting into the details of Bill’s actions. I found her ‘ask him’ response intriguing and refreshing.
This book was much more spiritual than I anticipated but in hindsight it makes sense as transition often gives us an opportunity to search for truths to guide us. Some of the her spiritual quotes/musings resonated with me and others do not. Some are in line with my beliefs and some are contrary to them. This is one of the reasons why I would not recommend this to everyone.
All in all this felt honest, vulnerable and intriguing. I appreciated French Gates taking a stab at a topic that is so relevant to all of our lives and yet is not talked about enough.
I loved the parts about birth and motherhood. Melinda describes her love for her children as ‘almost violent’ and I found this to be beautiful true to life descriptor for motherly love.
When addressing the divorce she was honest without getting into the details of Bill’s actions. I found her ‘ask him’ response intriguing and refreshing.
This book was much more spiritual than I anticipated but in hindsight it makes sense as transition often gives us an opportunity to search for truths to guide us. Some of the her spiritual quotes/musings resonated with me and others do not. Some are in line with my beliefs and some are contrary to them. This is one of the reasons why I would not recommend this to everyone.
All in all this felt honest, vulnerable and intriguing. I appreciated French Gates taking a stab at a topic that is so relevant to all of our lives and yet is not talked about enough.
June 1, 2025
This short memoir from Melinda French Gates provides her perspective on navigating transitions in life and as suggested by the title, what to do on "the next day” after a big transition. She draws on her own experiences with transitions including leaving home to attend college, becoming a parent, the death of a close friend, and stepping away from the Gates Foundation.
Recently turning age sixty is also mentioned which is a transition many of us have already experienced, but the really big transition I was wondering about was how she was going to address her divorce from her famous ex-husband. Indeed she discussed it with as much candidness as she had shared her other transitions by admitting to feelings of uncertainty but eventually evolving on to a point where the decision was made.
She admits that she knows that she’s been blessed with many positive resources which make her life’s transitions perhaps more possible than they may be for others. Nevertheless she comes across in her writing as being just as human as the rest of us, and readers contemplating their own transitions can find lessons in this book that may inspire resilience and hope.
Recently turning age sixty is also mentioned which is a transition many of us have already experienced, but the really big transition I was wondering about was how she was going to address her divorce from her famous ex-husband. Indeed she discussed it with as much candidness as she had shared her other transitions by admitting to feelings of uncertainty but eventually evolving on to a point where the decision was made.
She admits that she knows that she’s been blessed with many positive resources which make her life’s transitions perhaps more possible than they may be for others. Nevertheless she comes across in her writing as being just as human as the rest of us, and readers contemplating their own transitions can find lessons in this book that may inspire resilience and hope.
July 22, 2025
I’m torn between a 3 and a 4, so 3.5 rounded up. Plus, I keep hoping I’ll run into Melinda at a coffee shop and become friends, so I can’t round down -haha. The book started too polished and professional, but then grew in strength and wisdom. As it continued, it had many gems of wisdom and references to poems and authors I have looked up and now enjoy. It was lighter than I’d hoped but still really enjoyable.
May 3, 2025
A personal story about transitions, read by the author. I love it when authors narrate their own books!
One of my key takeaways was learning about Ring Theory. The Circle of Grief, also known as Ring Theory, is a framework developed by Susan Silk and Barry Goldman to help people better navigate grief and crisis situations. It uses concentric circles to represent different levels of closeness to the person experiencing the trauma, guiding support and emotional sharing. The core principle is "Comfort In, Dump Out," meaning those closer to the crisis should receive comfort and support, while those further out can vent their own feelings to those in larger rings
One of my key takeaways was learning about Ring Theory. The Circle of Grief, also known as Ring Theory, is a framework developed by Susan Silk and Barry Goldman to help people better navigate grief and crisis situations. It uses concentric circles to represent different levels of closeness to the person experiencing the trauma, guiding support and emotional sharing. The core principle is "Comfort In, Dump Out," meaning those closer to the crisis should receive comfort and support, while those further out can vent their own feelings to those in larger rings
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June 3, 2025I enjoyed learning more about Melinda Gates. I didn’t know much about her personal history so it was nice to get some more insight into her life. It was interesting to learn more about how she has navigated changes she has gone through and what she hopes to accomplish moving forward.
May 26, 2025
DNF at 58%
Sincere and well-meaning advice for those experiencing major life transitions, but it never ascended above the bland and commonplace. I’m not sure a billionaire remembers how most people live their lives. Well, this was on my nightstand for bedtime reading, and at least it sent me off to sleep very reliably. The only bum steer I can recall getting from Ann Patchett, who had Gates appear on one of her Parnassus Books videos and gushed at her, somewhat obsequiously, I realize in retrospect, about how the book made her tear up a lot.
Sincere and well-meaning advice for those experiencing major life transitions, but it never ascended above the bland and commonplace. I’m not sure a billionaire remembers how most people live their lives. Well, this was on my nightstand for bedtime reading, and at least it sent me off to sleep very reliably. The only bum steer I can recall getting from Ann Patchett, who had Gates appear on one of her Parnassus Books videos and gushed at her, somewhat obsequiously, I realize in retrospect, about how the book made her tear up a lot.
April 27, 2025
Melinda French Gates offers an incredibly touching memoir about navigating life’s journey when facing inevitable transitions. No matter how focused and goal-driven she was at achieving what she wanted out of life, Melinda shares experiences of unanticipated obstacles. At these junctures of transition, she outlines her mental process of dealing with change and how she chose to react, which determined who she needed to be next.
Melinda is an engaging narrator showing tremendous reflection and growth as she brings us into her life’s pivotal transitions. She shares how her nurturing parents instilled her with confidence and vision to succeed as a woman in the tech field of computer science. She shares her joys and challenges of motherhood and the grief of losing a close friend. She shares insight to her work at Microsoft and with the worldchanging Gates Foundation. Most personal, she shares the dissolution of her marriage and then leaving the foundation.
Even for someone as committed to her personal responsibilities and her philanthropic work like the remarkable Melinda French Gates, I found quite moving how she addresses her inability to control and prepare for the unexpected, what to do next in the face of adversity. She had to make life-altering decisions and face endings. But in choosing to move on, she has embraced new beginnings, which helped her reemerge through her work with Pivotal, her foundation to advance opportunities for woman and families, especially those who are marginalized and disadvantaged.
What I take away most from Melinda’s inspirational memoir is that what defines us during times of failures and successes is mostly in terms of how we choose to learn from the transitions we must face on life’s journey—transitions that often force us to adapt and see ourselves anew. Infused with great honesty, warmth, humility, and compassion, The Next Day makes me appreciate Melinda even more for the vital work she does as a worldchanging philanthropist.
Melinda is an engaging narrator showing tremendous reflection and growth as she brings us into her life’s pivotal transitions. She shares how her nurturing parents instilled her with confidence and vision to succeed as a woman in the tech field of computer science. She shares her joys and challenges of motherhood and the grief of losing a close friend. She shares insight to her work at Microsoft and with the worldchanging Gates Foundation. Most personal, she shares the dissolution of her marriage and then leaving the foundation.
Even for someone as committed to her personal responsibilities and her philanthropic work like the remarkable Melinda French Gates, I found quite moving how she addresses her inability to control and prepare for the unexpected, what to do next in the face of adversity. She had to make life-altering decisions and face endings. But in choosing to move on, she has embraced new beginnings, which helped her reemerge through her work with Pivotal, her foundation to advance opportunities for woman and families, especially those who are marginalized and disadvantaged.
What I take away most from Melinda’s inspirational memoir is that what defines us during times of failures and successes is mostly in terms of how we choose to learn from the transitions we must face on life’s journey—transitions that often force us to adapt and see ourselves anew. Infused with great honesty, warmth, humility, and compassion, The Next Day makes me appreciate Melinda even more for the vital work she does as a worldchanging philanthropist.
August 12, 2025
okay, maybe I should have known better, but I had a very difficult time internalizing a book that includes anecdotes like "I only ever had one other panic attack and it was while my family was hot air ballooning in Kenya". This read like Gates was just trying to convince the readers that she is relatable, and that she wanted to thank people in her life so she tried to pigeonhole stories about them into a "self help" book. I was really annoyed because, with the exception of a few pages at the beginning and end, she really doesn't even talk that much about way to successfully navigate change and transitions!
May 2, 2025
I wish Melinda French Gates will write more books, and write them faster! I will read every single book she will write.
This book is short but oh boy I have so many take aways after reading it. I love how she did a 360 degrees in a woman’s vantage point - as a daughter, as a sister, as a friend, as a wife, and as a mother. Herself being the centre of it all. Such a relatable book in my opinion.
5 stars! Highly recommend!
This book is short but oh boy I have so many take aways after reading it. I love how she did a 360 degrees in a woman’s vantage point - as a daughter, as a sister, as a friend, as a wife, and as a mother. Herself being the centre of it all. Such a relatable book in my opinion.
5 stars! Highly recommend!
May 5, 2025
Couldn’t put this down. Some reviews say this book has a lack of depth or not enough foray into the nitty gritty, but I think Melinda gives us more than enough glimpses into her values-driven, down to earth world while still protecting the privacy that makes it her own. I am so grateful to be entering womanhood with role models like her to learn from.
September 22, 2025
What a lady, albeit a self proclaimed perfectionist with much compassion and empathy. I love this book, lot’s of great advice for all ages of women and men as well.
A quick read. In the words of her friend Gayle King “Aging is just another word for living.” And in the words of Melinda “Time. Time and experiences. “ I know I can relate to that.
A quick read. In the words of her friend Gayle King “Aging is just another word for living.” And in the words of Melinda “Time. Time and experiences. “ I know I can relate to that.
May 22, 2025
Lowkey insufferable. Read like a really long commencement speech.
April 18, 2025
The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward is an engaging book.
I appreciated that Melinda French Gates acknowledged her privilege at the beginning of the book. That down-to-earth humility (a word not frequently associated with today's tech billionaire class) might allow some readers to let her voice reach them.
In the short work, French Gates shares life lessons and focuses on the positive, pragmatic reactions she's grown into at age 60. Gates has worked to understand how and why she reacts differently-- and in more emotionally healthy ways-- today than she did as a young woman. Her candor about seeing a therapist and the value of friends, exercise, family rituals, and traditions may not be revolutionary, but they are healthy and welcome.
I appreciated that Melinda French Gates acknowledged her privilege at the beginning of the book. That down-to-earth humility (a word not frequently associated with today's tech billionaire class) might allow some readers to let her voice reach them.
In the short work, French Gates shares life lessons and focuses on the positive, pragmatic reactions she's grown into at age 60. Gates has worked to understand how and why she reacts differently-- and in more emotionally healthy ways-- today than she did as a young woman. Her candor about seeing a therapist and the value of friends, exercise, family rituals, and traditions may not be revolutionary, but they are healthy and welcome.
May 1, 2025
Gates’s newest memoir highlights transitional moments in her life. She does a throwback to going to college and grad school, working in tech, becoming a mom, losing a best friend, and opening herself up in therapy. In more recent years, she legally separates from her partner, learns to live serendipitously, steps away from the Gates Foundation, fights for women’s reproductive rights, and spends her work hours focused on Pivotal Ventures. Her organization seeks to level the playing field for women and girls.
I picked up The Next Day because I was curious to know how she transitioned out of her marriage. The short book feels like a brief enough newsletter to catch me up to date. The author encourages readers to focus on our response to circumstances and take ownership of how we tackle the days that follow the transitions. She highlights how her friendships, spirituality, and her commitment to herself anchor these events. It’s interesting to consider how those with so much wealth can powerfully influence others on a global scale.
I picked up The Next Day because I was curious to know how she transitioned out of her marriage. The short book feels like a brief enough newsletter to catch me up to date. The author encourages readers to focus on our response to circumstances and take ownership of how we tackle the days that follow the transitions. She highlights how her friendships, spirituality, and her commitment to herself anchor these events. It’s interesting to consider how those with so much wealth can powerfully influence others on a global scale.
April 28, 2025
This felt like a way for her to tell the divorce story that everyone wants to read but avoid writing a Divorce Book. Overall, could have used more vulnerability! I will note that I appreciated her subtle digs at Bill throughout.
September 15, 2025
*** 9/15/25 *** Just finished this 4-hr audio book mini-memoir of select stories of transitions and lessons learned from MFG's life, read by MFG. I liked this book more than many other reviewers, as I would never expect her to dish a tell-all when she is a significant public figure and the face of a very impactful foundation.
Instead, I heard a series of stories from what sounds like a 'normal' person who has friends, took her kids to classes, goes to dinner, preps for meetings, gets nervous when meeting high profile people, and is focused on being a great mom and professional. She was raised very modestly in a catholic TX home with parents that impacted her views and actions on life. Oh yeah, along the way she dated and married (later divorced) one of the most iconic and wealthy tech figures on the planet lol. Just goes to show you that you never can predict exactly where life will take you!
As a woman near Melinda's age who spent 20-yrs in STEM/tech, I can relate to many of her comments about her work at Microsoft. For me, the biggest message I took away from the book is just how powerful it is to set goals for oneself as a general life practice, which MFG has done since she was about 12- or 13-yrs old. I think if every parent sat with every child and set some basic goals for/with them - academically, socially, athletically/health-wise, and personal interests - the world would be a much better place. They don't have to be grandiose, just simply a target to shoot toward.
I personally would love to have heard a tiny bit more about the dynamics of the beginning of her relationship with Bill and how he related to her family and also to her as an employee in a tech behemoth, but that didn't come out at all. Instead Bill is portrayed as just another guy. I also was slightly questioning how Melinda's oldest child, Jennifer, features so prominently in the book - both her birth and the birth of Jennifer's daughter - but we heard very little about the other two children. I was wondering if sibling rivalry exists when your mom writes big books about big moments and you are not mentioned much lol.
In support of Melinda advocating for women in tech, education, healthcare, and more, I applaud her, and encourage women to read her books and set some goals. 5-stars.
Instead, I heard a series of stories from what sounds like a 'normal' person who has friends, took her kids to classes, goes to dinner, preps for meetings, gets nervous when meeting high profile people, and is focused on being a great mom and professional. She was raised very modestly in a catholic TX home with parents that impacted her views and actions on life. Oh yeah, along the way she dated and married (later divorced) one of the most iconic and wealthy tech figures on the planet lol. Just goes to show you that you never can predict exactly where life will take you!
As a woman near Melinda's age who spent 20-yrs in STEM/tech, I can relate to many of her comments about her work at Microsoft. For me, the biggest message I took away from the book is just how powerful it is to set goals for oneself as a general life practice, which MFG has done since she was about 12- or 13-yrs old. I think if every parent sat with every child and set some basic goals for/with them - academically, socially, athletically/health-wise, and personal interests - the world would be a much better place. They don't have to be grandiose, just simply a target to shoot toward.
I personally would love to have heard a tiny bit more about the dynamics of the beginning of her relationship with Bill and how he related to her family and also to her as an employee in a tech behemoth, but that didn't come out at all. Instead Bill is portrayed as just another guy. I also was slightly questioning how Melinda's oldest child, Jennifer, features so prominently in the book - both her birth and the birth of Jennifer's daughter - but we heard very little about the other two children. I was wondering if sibling rivalry exists when your mom writes big books about big moments and you are not mentioned much lol.
In support of Melinda advocating for women in tech, education, healthcare, and more, I applaud her, and encourage women to read her books and set some goals. 5-stars.
April 16, 2025
A short but impactful collection of stories about Melinda's life from becoming a mother, losing a close friend to cancer, going through a divorce and juggling work and motherhood. Good on audio and read by the author, I enjoyed listening to this quick but inspiring book.
June 7, 2025
If you’re expecting something juicy, this is not the book, though the title could be bit misleading. It was a little book of Melinda’s life anecdotes, almost as if you are going through her journal. Some stories felt bit forced and unrelatable i.e. how she was little late to her daughter’s first Christmas dinner and she felt like the worst mother on earth. I mean…She didn’t skip town, she didn’t miss the whole thing, she was just little late while her own mother was cooking the dinner and infant Jen was sleeping. That is not the end of world. So this felt slightly exaggerated. But then I thought “well, why not”. She could have felt immense guilt at the time and maybe this truly was a turning point for her. Women who gave birth have high emotional range and this guilt may have stayed with her. This thought alone changed my perspective to judge her so harshly.
All in all, it’s just a sweet book.
All in all, it’s just a sweet book.
April 23, 2025
I enjoyed this memoir by Melinda Gates. She uses her life experiences to encourage others to push through difficult times and transitions.
April 19, 2025
I was very disappointed by the book. First of, it’s not really a book, but more of an essay based on its length (or lack thereof). The book focuses too much on different spiritual teachings and is a compilation of wining of an extremely privileged woman. When I got the book I was expecting to see more of the author’s professional
Journey or work for the foundation. Instead there’s a whole chapter complaining of the bad timing of Warren Buffet giving billions to the foundation which meant Melinda had to go back to “work”. While she tries to sound relatable, the book unfortunately comes across as an essay of an extreme privilege and whining
Journey or work for the foundation. Instead there’s a whole chapter complaining of the bad timing of Warren Buffet giving billions to the foundation which meant Melinda had to go back to “work”. While she tries to sound relatable, the book unfortunately comes across as an essay of an extreme privilege and whining
April 25, 2025
I rarely stop reading a book with just an hour left, but I’m setting this one down. I believe Melinda is a good person with sincere intentions, and I have no doubt she’s been through a few life inconveniences (with a monumental amount of access to support resources) —but this book just didn’t land on any level for me. It’s neither particularly informative nor relatable, and I struggled to find the throughline or purpose. I kept trying to find any semblance of relatability, but I never did. I’m happy for her though that she’s had a lot of life success.
October 18, 2025
A really enjoyable gem of a book that will make you admire Melinda French Gates even more. Of course I admire everything she has done with her philanthropic efforts but what really struck me in this book was how candid she was.
She talks about her childhood, college years, early years at Microsoft, becoming a mother and surviving the losses of a dear friend and her marriage. What struck me is how down to earth she was, how kind she seems and how genuinely concerned she is about making the world better for all of us.
She talks about her childhood, college years, early years at Microsoft, becoming a mother and surviving the losses of a dear friend and her marriage. What struck me is how down to earth she was, how kind she seems and how genuinely concerned she is about making the world better for all of us.
April 17, 2025
I thought this was simplistic. No big ahha. Just one (very rich) woman surviving/thriving after a divorce
June 4, 2025
This book felt pretentious with underwhelming nuggets of life advice. While the philanthropic nature of Ms Gates is inspiring, the book lacks the value that the title hopes for.
December 3, 2025
So, so, so, so good. So, so, so, so wise.
I am the same age as the author so I was particularly struck by the notion of embracing the ongoing transitions of life. As women, particularly, it is ok to be gentle with ourselves and to strike our own way in the world by listening to our inner voice/intuition.
I listened to this on Libby and Melinda narrated her book. I was eager to get back to it each time I needed to break from it.
The poems she sprinkled throughout the book were so meaningful.
I just ordered a copy of the book for myself so that I can earmark pages and (gasp) write in the book.
It is interesting to ponder what we thought was important when we were younger. Those thoughts formed ourselves today. It is ok to have a change in thought. Paradoxically, it is ok to stick with certain ideas and habits.
Melinda is a person who likes to reflect and think deeply. I appreciated this.
Also, illustrations used that I loved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #1 Being a greenhouse for other people!
#2 Coming home to the pathway to your house covered with flowers, all given to you by your younger selves. Tremendous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am the same age as the author so I was particularly struck by the notion of embracing the ongoing transitions of life. As women, particularly, it is ok to be gentle with ourselves and to strike our own way in the world by listening to our inner voice/intuition.
I listened to this on Libby and Melinda narrated her book. I was eager to get back to it each time I needed to break from it.
The poems she sprinkled throughout the book were so meaningful.
I just ordered a copy of the book for myself so that I can earmark pages and (gasp) write in the book.
It is interesting to ponder what we thought was important when we were younger. Those thoughts formed ourselves today. It is ok to have a change in thought. Paradoxically, it is ok to stick with certain ideas and habits.
Melinda is a person who likes to reflect and think deeply. I appreciated this.
Also, illustrations used that I loved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #1 Being a greenhouse for other people!
#2 Coming home to the pathway to your house covered with flowers, all given to you by your younger selves. Tremendous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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