More Than Enough Book Summary - More Than Enough Book explained in key points
Listen to the Intro
00:00

More Than Enough summary

Elaine Welteroth

Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)

3.7 (50 ratings)
30 mins

Brief summary

'More Than Enough' by Elaine Welteroth is a memoir and self-help hybrid, detailing the author's journey as a black woman in media and fashion. It offers insight into the power of self-discovery and taking risks to live life on your own terms.

Table of Contents

    More Than Enough
    Summary of 10 key ideas

    Audio & text in the Blinkist app
    Key idea 1 of 10

    With the support of her parents, Elaine learned to embrace and be proud of her race at an early age.  

    Elaine remembers the day she realized she was different.

    She was three years old, and her preschool teacher had just given her and her classmates an assignment: using images from magazines, make a collage representing your family.

    Even at that young age, Elaine had inklings of her otherness. Newark, California, the tiny town where she was raised, was overwhelmingly white. Sure, there were a few first-generation Asian, Mexican and Indian families, but a cultural melting pot it was not. Elaine’s family simply didn’t look like anyone else’s.

    Her father, Jack, was white. Her mother, Debra, was black. And Elaine’s older brother, Eric Charles, was – like little Elaine herself – caramel-taffy brown.

    In the classroom, surrounded by busy white toddlers, little Elaine tried to find images that looked like her family. Finding a dad was easy enough – sort of. She found a white, suitcase-carrying businessman (Jack actually worked as a carpenter). Finding a black mom and a brown brother proved much harder.

    So she did what any little girl might do: she copied her classmates and used images of white people.

    When her mother saw Elaine’s handiwork, she delivered one of her classic lines –“Houston, we have a problem” – and sat Lainey down at the kitchen table. It was time to have the Race Conversation.

    With the help of her mom, Elaine redid her collage, this time using more accurate cutouts from Ebony and Essence magazines. When they were done, they taped the collage up by Elaine’s bed as a reminder. Elaine wasn’t, and never would be, white; she was black – and that was something to be proud of.

    Elaine was lucky. Her parents provided unconditional love and support. She may have felt out of place in the classroom. But back home, she was taught that she was perfect, that she was enough, just the way she was.

    Want to see all full key ideas from More Than Enough?

    Key ideas in More Than Enough

    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is More Than Enough about?

    More Than Enough (2019) is part memoir, part manifesto. It details the triumphs and travails of Elaine Welteroth’s journey to success, beginning with her small-town childhood and ending with her decision to leave her seat as editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue. But it’s more than an inspiring success story. It also offers wisdom, tips, warnings and encouragement to anyone who’s ever been told that they aren’t enough just the way they are. 

    More Than Enough Review

    More Than Enough (2019) by Elaine Welteroth is an empowering memoir that challenges societal expectations and inspires readers to embrace their authentic selves. Here's why this book is worth a read:

    • With her candid storytelling, Elaine Welteroth delivers a refreshing perspective on navigating the worlds of fashion, media, and culture, offering invaluable insights and advice.
    • The book tackles important topics such as diversity, representation, and self-acceptance, providing a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the importance of staying true to oneself.
    • Elaine's engaging writing style effortlessly blends personal anecdotes, cultural commentary, and practical wisdom, creating an immersive reading experience that is far from boring.

    Best quote from More Than Enough

    I think the better ending to this story is . . . Elaine leaves Condé Nast. – Ava DuVernay

    —Elaine Welteroth
    example alt text

    Who should read More Than Enough?

    • Aspiring journalists  
    • People who’ve been told they aren’t enough
    • Dreamers struggling to realize their dreams

    About the Author

    Elaine Welteroth is a journalist, author and editor. In 2016, at age 29, she rose to the position of editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, making her the youngest editor in publisher Condé Nast’s history and the second woman to hold such a position within that institution. Before her historic promotion at Teen Vogue, she held editorial positions at Ebony and Glamour. More Than Enough is her first book.

    Categories with More Than Enough

    Book summaries like More Than Enough

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    34 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    More Than Enough FAQs 

    What is the main message of More Than Enough?

    The main message of More Than Enough is to embrace your authenticity and pursue your dreams fearlessly.

    How long does it take to read More Than Enough?

    The reading time for More Than Enough varies depending on the reader's speed but expect to spend a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is More Than Enough a good book? Is it worth reading?

    More Than Enough is worth reading as it provides powerful insights on overcoming obstacles and achieving success with authenticity.

    Who is the author of More Than Enough?

    Elaine Welteroth is the author of More Than Enough.

    What to read after More Than Enough?

    If you're wondering what to read next after More Than Enough, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Beat Gender Bias by Karen Morley
    • Intentionality by Finnian Kelly
    • Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau
    • Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven
    • A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
    • Either/Or by Soren Kierkegaard
    • Manifest by Roxie Nafousi
    • Made You Look by Carmen Simon
    • Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas
    • See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar