My Own Words

When a boy, I grew up a Republican in the conservative upstate of South Carolina. I knew about feminism from the news and school, but the history of struggle was not a central part of my household. In 1993, I heard of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s appointment to the Supreme Court by Bill Clinton, but she was not on my “team.” Therefore, I didn’t pay close attention. Only as an adult did my awareness and curiosity about socially progressive movements grow. How did we get to where we are. What’s worth keeping, and what more needs to be done? I came to appreciate our feminist movement demanding equal dignity for women. Later still, I observed how so many women looked up to Ginsburg – so much so that she was commonly known by only three initials RGB. The cult following her, a diminutive woman who seemingly did not seek out the spotlight, produced artwork, biopics, movies, and more in veneration. I learned that I needed to learn more about her. After reading a biography, I came to appreciate her large contribution to US society. Although the Women’s Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution never passed (which it should), Ginsburg brought many of its precepts into current practice through her Supreme Court cases in the 1970s. Decades later, her dissents against a conservative court majority became legendary because of their brevity, beauty, and erudition. I have grown to appreciate her active mind, work ethic, and deep sense of justice. This book records her best writings and speeches in one volume. The audiobook even shares recordings of her speaking – a special treasure. Her ideas and reasoning will guide legal scholars for several generations, and I, a researcher and not a lawyer, am grateful to have access to them here. In these words, her demeanor calms against a contemporary backdrop of hyper-partisanship among the political classes. I suspect that spirit will be needed in coming decades, too, and this book will light a path.

We have recently been treated to a host of books and articles on Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Forthcoming is an authorized biography by the two Georgetown Law professor editors of this collection of Ginsburg writing, as well as one by Teri Kanefield. In my opinion, no matter how many bios and articles you read about the Justice, your understanding of this remarkable lawyer and judge will be incomplete if you don't also review this collection of material authored by the Justice, spanning her life since the eighth grade. I really felt I came closest to understanding both the professional and personal Ginsburg from this book. The book has many merits. It affords an insight into how the Supreme Court operates and decides cases; provides us with highly personal and quite moving profiles of Chief Justice Rehnquist and her great friend--and adversary--Justice Scalia; reminds us of her pioneering role as the champion of women's rights as author, professor, and deadly litigator; and not least, helps us understand the private Ginsburg through several appearances by her late husband, tax lawyer Marty Ginsburg. Ginsburg speaks for herself in 36 or so pieces, skillfully tied together and placed in context by the two editors. The book is divided into five sections. For example, "Early Years" surprised me with a Ginsburg essay written while an undergrad at Cornell on the evils of wiretapping, reflecting the influence of her mentor, the constitutional scholar Robert E. Cushman. In Part Two, "Tributes to Waypavers and Pathmarkers," Ginsburg reveals a remarkable talent for writing short profiles of prominent legal and judicial figures, including Belva Lockwood, Louis Brandeis, Judah P. Benjamin (a fascinating figure; look him up), Breyer, Cardozo, and especially Sandra Day O'Connor. Nobody can pack more info into a short piece than Ginsburg. The central focus of her professional career as advocate and judge, gender equality, is the focus of Part Three. Symposium introductions; defense of the ERA; her bench announcement in the VMI case; and several summer presentations to summer law students abroad make up this section. One should never forget the impact her unceasing determination had in moving the whole idea of gender equality into the spotlight. Ironically, as is well known, she remains unhappy with the Roe opinion, preferring not to rest it upon privacy but upon straight equality grounds. Part IV has some interesting material on her role as a judge and appointment to the Court. The final section provides an insight into her views of judging and justice. She explains the Court's workways and why she is so dedicated to judicial independence. She defends effectively the role foreign legal concepts can play for the Justices--a hot item with Scalia, while being promoted by Breyer. She articulates the idea of "measured motions," which basically means don't go too far in an opinion in pushing a point. Most interesting, she explains her view of dissents and dissent announcements, an unusual practice in which she has recently engaged. Finally, she shares her most recent second circuit report on Supreme Court highlights for the 2015-16 term; she gives such reports each year and it is quite interesting to read her candid comments. One of the major reactions I came away with is how well she can write in no matter what format--a point quite obvious from her incisive opinions. The book runs some 370 pages, including chronology, helpful photos, notes and index. My only problem with the book is that the editors have chosen to relegate most notes (which I read religiously) to a webpage (see "A Note on Sources"). No matter how hard I tried, i could not locate these notes, and I am inclined to think such a separation of notes from text is not a good idea for it diminishes the ability to ingest the notes as you read. But the book itself is magnificent, whether you are a Ginsburg fan or not. At 83, this veteran of cancer flirtations, wars with Scalia, and many hard battles, has said she will remain on the Court as long as she meets her own stringent standards. For that, we can all be thankful.

Excellent book! I enjoyed all the legal case references and the wit, wisdom, and knowledge of RBG. I and not surprised by the level of sexism and misogyny she endured as an attorney and judge, and I admire her resilience and moxie for not allowing these to muzzle or stifle her. The book lays out some excellent legal history and constitutional law case everyone should learn about. I recommend this book for those who want to be inspired by learning how a brilliant woman made a difference—becoming a “first” and leveraging that experience to shatter glass ceiling.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this unique chance to look into this truly amazing woman’s life, her mindset, her decision making, her values, and her effective approach to fight for what she stands. It felt like spending time in her company , hearing her stories from her. I have an audiobook as well . It was great to hear parts of the book in her own voice . Thanks again

A good used book well worth the money

Great reading, Enjoyable, lots of information to reflect on!

Fascinating life story.

ok

Great Book

Sehr spannende Einblicke

Literally I have no words to describe how intense this book is.No words and just applause for this incredible woman

Very interesting to learn all about this great woman !

I love this book. A lot of background stories about Ms.Bader.