Have you seen images of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the internet and wondered why young people are sharing her image everywhere?
This book can explain it all to you.
In Notorious RBG, The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, by Irin Carmen and Shana Nizhnik, Dey St., 2015, two young millennial authors present Ginsberg’s family and work history, in a fun, dynamic presentation that borrows from rap music.
The book shows what a cultural icon Justice Ginsberg has become in recent years. Her dissenting opinions in high-profile cases have generated admiration from many for her courage to stand by her convictions.
For example, in a recent case, Ginsburg's dissent states," Hubris is a fit word for today's demolition of the VRA [Voting Rights Act]. Gutting the VRA was like "throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet."
Further, Ginsburg adds, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice if there is a steadfast commitment to see the task through to completion."
In an early argument before the Supreme Court as a lawyer seeking equality for women, Ginsburg said, "I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks."
Justice Ginsberg has become nearly as famous with some young people as notorious B.I.G., the rapper whose estate allowed the young authors to use some of his lyrics in their titles. (Biggie Smalls, aka the Notorious BIG, was born Christopher Wallace and died in an unsolved shooting in 1997.)
Even though Justice Ginsberg is in her 80's and has the appearance of a school marm from an earlier era, her image can be seen on college campuses across America, tattooed on many young people, and in cartoons all over the internet. This level of popularity of a U. S. Supreme Court Justice is unprecedented in recent times.
The book contains a pictorial timeline of the major milestones’s in RGB’s professional and family life. These occur every few years. RGB was married and raising a son and daughter while she simultaneously taught at major law schools, published casebooks, was nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals by President Carter and later nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton. Mostly, the book demonstrates Ginsberg’s stellar work ethic and her commitment to achieving justice for everyone, both men and women.
Chapter one explains why Justice Ginsburg has become famous for her dissents.
Chapter two outlines some famous landmarks in women's political history and the contributions Justice Ginsburg has made.
Chapter three outlines Justice Ginsburg's family history, her education and her early work history.
Chapter four contains Justice Ginsburg's women's rights cases argued before the Supreme Court. Some analysis of Reed v. Reed, as well as a few other cases are included, shedding light on why certain passages were included.
Chapter five focuses on Justice Ginsburg's nomination as a federal judge and her appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Chapter six "real love" focuses on Justice Ginsburg's marriage.
Chapter seven "my team supreme" focuses on the collegial nature of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Chapter eight, "Your words just hypnotize me" contains some of Justice Ginsburg's dissenting opinions.
Chapter nine, "I just love your flashy ways," shows how Justice Ginsburg has
become a fashion icon.
Chapter ten, "But I just can't quit" explains Justice Ginburg's determination to stay on the court.
This book is similar to a fan book. It is not meant to be a serious biography. The authors compare and contrast the ancient customs and traditions observed at the Supreme Court with the dynamic world inhabited by the millennial authors where the opinions of the Court could have an impact for many years to come. In doing so, they explain why Justice Ginsburg inspires young people throughout the U.S.
If you are looking for a fun read to understand what all the hype is about, this is it. If you are looking for a serious book that examines RGB’s philosophy and insight into why each her decisions and dissents were written in the manner they were written, wait for RBGs’s autobiography which is expected to come out soon.
Rating: **** out of 5.
Copyright @ 2016 Christine Esser
Disclosure: You can purchase the Notorious RGB by clicking on the link below. The first link is for the book. . If you click on the link below, you will be directed to Amazon. We may receive a small commission that will not increase your purchase price.
I purchased this book with my own money and did not receive anything in exchange for this review by the book's author or publisher. Comments are welcome. Thank you.
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