Melania is a compelling and inspirational memoir that offers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman who has navigated challenges with grace and determination.

In her memoir, Melania reflects on her Slovenian childhood, the pivotal moments that led her to the world of high fashion in Europe and New York, and the serendipitous meeting with Donald Trump, a chance encounter that forever changed the course of her life. Melania opens up about their courtship, life in the spotlight, and experiencing the joy of motherhood. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time in the White House, shedding light on her advocacy work and the causes close to her heart.
Melania offers an unprecedented look into her time as a First Lady who was born outside the United States -- a role she embraced with honor and dedication. It brings readers into her world and presents an in-depth account of a woman who has led a remarkable life on her own terms.
Melania Trump's story is one of resilience and independence, showcasing her strength and unwavering commitment to her true self.

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Melania Trump

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**An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller

Melania is a compelling and inspirational memoir that offers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman who has navigated challenges with grace and determination.** 
 
In her memoir, Melania reflects on her Slovenian childhood, the pivotal moments that led her to the world of high fashion in Europe and New York, and the serendipitous meeting with Donald Trump, a chance encounter that forever changed the course of her life. Melania opens up about their courtship, life in the spotlight, and experiencing the joy of motherhood. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time in the White House, shedding light on her advocacy work and the causes close to her heart.
Melania offers an unprecedented look into her time as a First Lady who was born outside the United States -- a role she embraced with honor and dedication. It brings readers into her world and presents an in-depth account of a woman who has led a remarkable life on her own terms.
Melania Trump's story is one of resilience and independence, showcasing her strength and unwavering commitment to her true self. 

Leseprobe
Chapter 1
USA

"Prepare for landing . . ." the pilot announced. I pressed the off button on my Walkman and gazed out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of New York City in the distance. My heart pounded with excitement. I was twenty-six years old, and while I had traveled everywhere in Europe, I had never been on a journey quite like this.

This was America . . . New York! A different world altogether.

I had made the decision to test my skills in the American modeling market carefully, after weighing all the professional and personal implications. There were risks, yes, but buoyed by an internal sense of confidence and the ongoing support of my family, I was certain I could succeed. The potential rewards would outweigh the uncertainties.

I had embraced such risks many times in the past, but this gamble felt more significant. I packed my apartment in Paris, met with my agent in Milan, and said goodbye to my family in Slovenia. My life was now two suitcases and a carry-on, containing only essentials: clothing, shoes, cosmetics, my passport, and my portfolio. The portfolio, a culmination of nearly a decade of dedicated modeling work across Italy, France, and Germany, was my most valued asset.

Ten hours before touching down in New York, I had checked my suitcase at Linate Airport in Milan where I navigated through the noisy crowds of tourists, all returning home at the end of the European summer holiday. It felt as though I was swimming against the tide, moving in the opposite direction of everyone around me.

In Europe, where traveling between countries is commonplace, I was at home anywhere on the continent. Which was precisely why leaving and embracing a new challenge felt exhilarating and exciting. But the distance between America and Europe felt immense and my family and I had found these goodbyes particularly difficult. Still, I was grateful for their trust, which strengthened my decision, and motivated by their encouragement. "Good luck," they said, as we hugged. We held each other tightly. "Be safe. Let us know when you arrive."

As I boarded the plane, I thought of them and fingered a necklace they had given me engraved with the German words "Ich liebe dich"-I love you. I carried their love with me as I stepped into the unknown.

Tuesday afternoon . . . JFK Airport. The airport was crowded. After a long walk, I finally reached immigration and customs. There were two lines: one for US citizens, and one for visitors. I joined the visitors' line, which moved significantly slower than the other one as the guards meticulously examined every detail of each passenger's papers, holding up passports, tilting their heads to the left and right, flipping pages, and deciphering stamps. Some of the people ahead of me had trouble that needed sorting out, which slowed things down even further. The line was crawling. I waited patiently. There were twenty people ahead of me at first. Then ten . . . five . . . two. . . . Finally, it was my turn. The agent waved me to the booth. He didn't say much, but he looked me up and down, up and down. He checked back and forth between my passport photo and the face in front of him. I felt confident. My documentation was in order, and my English was proficient.

"First time here?" he asked. "Yes," I said. "First time."

He smiled at me, stamped my passport, and handed it back to me. I looked at the date: August 27, 1996.

"Welcome to the United States," he said.

Despite the fog of jet lag, I recognized the importance of this moment. My life had shifted direction, presenting new opportunities, and I was ready to embrace the path ahead.

After retrieving my luggage, I proceeded to the exit. The heat and humidity enveloped my face. The sound of honking vehicles filled the air, accompanied by a persistent haze of exhaust fumes. I stood by the curb and concentrated on locating the driver sent by the a