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Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
You can't spell truth without Ruth.
Only Ruth Bader Ginsburg can judge me.
The Ruth will set you free.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg never asked for fame—she was just trying to make the world a little better and a little freer. But along the way, the feminist pioneer's searing dissents and steely strength have inspired millions. Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, created by the young lawyer who began the Internet sensation and an award-winning journalist, takes you behind the myth for an intimate, irreverent look at the justice's life and work. As America struggles with the unfinished business of gender equality and civil rights, Ginsburg stays fierce. And if you don't know, now you know.
Only Ruth Bader Ginsburg can judge me.
The Ruth will set you free.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg never asked for fame—she was just trying to make the world a little better and a little freer. But along the way, the feminist pioneer's searing dissents and steely strength have inspired millions. Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, created by the young lawyer who began the Internet sensation and an award-winning journalist, takes you behind the myth for an intimate, irreverent look at the justice's life and work. As America struggles with the unfinished business of gender equality and civil rights, Ginsburg stays fierce. And if you don't know, now you know.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2015
About the author
Irin Carmon
3 books121 followersIrin Carmon is an Israeli-American journalist and commentator. She is a national reporter at MSNBC, covering women, politics, and culture for the website and on air. She is a Visiting Fellow in the Program for the Study of Reproductive Justice at Yale Law School.
In 2011, she was named one of Forbes' "30 under 30" in media and featured in New York Magazine as a face of young feminism. She received the November 2011 Sidney award from The Sidney Hillman Foundation recognizing her reporting on the Mississippi Personhood Initiative for Salon. Mediaite named her among four in its award for Best TV pundit of 2014.
(from Wikipedia)
In 2011, she was named one of Forbes' "30 under 30" in media and featured in New York Magazine as a face of young feminism. She received the November 2011 Sidney award from The Sidney Hillman Foundation recognizing her reporting on the Mississippi Personhood Initiative for Salon. Mediaite named her among four in its award for Best TV pundit of 2014.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,345 reviews
November 11, 2015
For every millennial who thinks Lena Dunham is an important feminist, pick up this tidy gem of the feminist movement and fucking digest. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is bae.
September 4, 2021
Update I ended this review with the words, "...to remind me to act with courage, and without rancour against those who disagreed with me," and I had a sudden flash of insight, Nelson Mandela is a very great hero of mine. He spent 27 years in prison, the dangerous black man opposing the white supremacist apartheid regime. And on the way out of prison he shook hands with the guards and wished them well. Two of these guards, James Gregory and Christo Brand had become such good friends and admirers of Mandela, they wrote books about him.
And I thought maybe that is the defining factor of a hero, like Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Nelson Mandela, being able to act with courage and without rancour against those who would or have done us harm leaving no time to think about vengeance, or hurt feelings, just moving on and addressing the issue and not the person who created it. I wish I could be like that. 3 Sept, 2021
____________________
I'm not a feminist although I was once until I realised that I didn't want to stop at having equal opportunities and rewards in a man's world. I wanted the world to become more female-centric. Women and men are quite different in many ways, we have strengths and priorities and ways of working things out, and now we've tried the man's way, let's move on to the women's.
When I read that Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, "“Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.” I thought yes! This is how I feel, that men must come into the women's world and that all of us must have an equal opportunity to fulfill ourselves regardless of sex (and race, etc). Bader wants those equal opportunities to extend to everything whether it is time off for both men and women for child care, to insurance, to the military and most important of all the right to decide what to do with our own bodies.
Men don't face the awful choice of what to do with an unwanted pregnancy. Twenty years or more of raising a child or abortion. Men don't face it because they can leave the mother of their child and only pay child support. For perhaps the majority of women this will either be an inadequate sum or nothing at all. But women's wombs are owned by the government and to Bader this is wrong, women must have the right to have an abortion if they choose. Bless her for fighting so hard.
Like Bader I support all feminist issues unlike Bader, my support is minimal, just how I treat people, but she really gets things done. I believe her influence goes far beyond the US because the world looks to the US for progress whether or not they approve of it.
Could she have done so much on her own? She never needed to find out. Her husband, whom she always described as her partner, was her support whether it was giving up his job to follow her (which she also did to follow him) or to do the cooking and child care, he was there. They were there for each other. And perhaps that is the ultimate microcosm of how the world should be, we support and encourage each other in what we want to do and forget about gender differences and who is "supposed" to do what.
If I was into tattoos, which I'm not, I'd have Notorious RBG on my forearm, to remind me to act with courage, and without rancour against those who disagreed with me.
And I thought maybe that is the defining factor of a hero, like Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Nelson Mandela, being able to act with courage and without rancour against those who would or have done us harm leaving no time to think about vengeance, or hurt feelings, just moving on and addressing the issue and not the person who created it. I wish I could be like that. 3 Sept, 2021
____________________
I'm not a feminist although I was once until I realised that I didn't want to stop at having equal opportunities and rewards in a man's world. I wanted the world to become more female-centric. Women and men are quite different in many ways, we have strengths and priorities and ways of working things out, and now we've tried the man's way, let's move on to the women's.
When I read that Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, "“Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.” I thought yes! This is how I feel, that men must come into the women's world and that all of us must have an equal opportunity to fulfill ourselves regardless of sex (and race, etc). Bader wants those equal opportunities to extend to everything whether it is time off for both men and women for child care, to insurance, to the military and most important of all the right to decide what to do with our own bodies.
Men don't face the awful choice of what to do with an unwanted pregnancy. Twenty years or more of raising a child or abortion. Men don't face it because they can leave the mother of their child and only pay child support. For perhaps the majority of women this will either be an inadequate sum or nothing at all. But women's wombs are owned by the government and to Bader this is wrong, women must have the right to have an abortion if they choose. Bless her for fighting so hard.
Like Bader I support all feminist issues unlike Bader, my support is minimal, just how I treat people, but she really gets things done. I believe her influence goes far beyond the US because the world looks to the US for progress whether or not they approve of it.
Could she have done so much on her own? She never needed to find out. Her husband, whom she always described as her partner, was her support whether it was giving up his job to follow her (which she also did to follow him) or to do the cooking and child care, he was there. They were there for each other. And perhaps that is the ultimate microcosm of how the world should be, we support and encourage each other in what we want to do and forget about gender differences and who is "supposed" to do what.
If I was into tattoos, which I'm not, I'd have Notorious RBG on my forearm, to remind me to act with courage, and without rancour against those who disagreed with me.
May 4, 2021
I saw another review do this, but I totally agree:
5 stars for the woman, 3 stars for the book
The pedestal upon which women have been placed has all too often, upon closer inspection, been revealed as a cage.Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a modern woman before her time.
She was a lawyer, a mother, a wife, and a supreme court justice - all during a time when women were expected to sit down and be quiet.
Sometimes people say unkind or thoughtless things, and when they do, it is best to be a little hard of hearing—to tune out and not snap back in anger or impatience.Her gentle but instant manner instituted lifelong change for all women living in America.
“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”Whether it be legal access to birth control or the right to equal pay, she was there, every step of the way.
For some reason, people repeatedly have asked RBG when she thought there would be enough women on the court. The question is asinine, her answer effective: 'When there are nine.”Overall, I was stunned by the story but not the actual book.
On the one hand, I have never heard of the "Notorious RBG" book until I stumbled upon this one on my local library.
The more I read about her, the more amazed that I was.
She campaigned for women's (and men's) rights so thoroughly and so wonderfully that many (many) of the freedoms we take for granted are due to her.
It is beyond impressive and I thank her profoundly for all that she's done.
That being said, the book felt a little odd.
A little disjointed, a little weird on the flow. I wish it was smoother and a bit less dry - especially considering how exciting everything was.
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October 16, 2017
I'm still mad at RBG.
Appointed by Clinton in 1993, Ruth was only the second female on the Supreme Court (That's right, kids: the mens used to think that mixing a career and family was too much for us. It wasn't until 1993 that we had enough juice to play in the most powerful court. Did you vote for Hilary?).
Ruth Bader Ginsberg has acquired a bit of a cult following since then, perhaps because our perceptions of both petite, reticent women, and elderly women don't always square with the powerhouse legal mind and workhorse Ruth so obviously is. The book, Notorious RBG, came out of a Tumblr started by two women who admired her work, particularly her dissenting opinions when the Supreme Court eroded the Voting Rights Act. (http://notoriousrbg.tumblr.com/)
Notes about the book: structurally, it reminded me of a cross between the 'Dummies' series of books and a biography. The biographical bits were broken down by subject focus, such as her very early years, academic life, family life, her work pre-Supreme Court, her relationships with other Court members, and her relationship with her husband. Being older and of a more traditional literary discipline, I tend to like my biographies to follow along a more chronological order. I feel it builds a better conceptual idea of how someone becomes who they are. Instead, it jumped around, mentioning her academic work in that section, but then talking more about the personal sacrifices in the family section. So it didn't work as well for me.
I appreciated the authors' attempts to make law more interesting and to provide some historical context, but inclusions often made the topical sections feel even more disjointed. For instance, one chapter has a timeline of major decisions affecting women, and one has a short brief she wrote with red notations on the side, commenting on Ruth's paper. I greatly appreciated the collected pictures, both personal and professional.
So here's the deal: I'm irritated as hell she didn't step down during President Obama's second term, particularly as a person who believed that cultural change comes from small, progressively stacked, well-founded decisions. The trend of the country was obvious. She had faced two cancer diagnosis and turned 80 his second term. Had she retired as Sandra Day O'Connor did after dealing with breast cancer, she would have had a solid 20 years on the court and a remarkable career by anyone's definition. But no one--not even powerhouses--lives forever, and I felt like she had a duty to her feminist, populist and legal principles to ensure a better successor than one we will be likely to get.
However, in context of her life, it absolutely makes sense from her perspective, that of a woman who is passionately dedicated to law. She worked while her children were young, at one point trading positions with her husband so he could stay home with the kids and support her. I can't remember, but believe she either worked the day he passed or the day of his funeral. She was meticulous, thoughtful, and prepared. I think she's an amazing person, but a truly noble act would have been to help shift the court away from the conservative legal minds who erode her own goals.
Appointed by Clinton in 1993, Ruth was only the second female on the Supreme Court (That's right, kids: the mens used to think that mixing a career and family was too much for us. It wasn't until 1993 that we had enough juice to play in the most powerful court. Did you vote for Hilary?).
Ruth Bader Ginsberg has acquired a bit of a cult following since then, perhaps because our perceptions of both petite, reticent women, and elderly women don't always square with the powerhouse legal mind and workhorse Ruth so obviously is. The book, Notorious RBG, came out of a Tumblr started by two women who admired her work, particularly her dissenting opinions when the Supreme Court eroded the Voting Rights Act. (http://notoriousrbg.tumblr.com/)
Notes about the book: structurally, it reminded me of a cross between the 'Dummies' series of books and a biography. The biographical bits were broken down by subject focus, such as her very early years, academic life, family life, her work pre-Supreme Court, her relationships with other Court members, and her relationship with her husband. Being older and of a more traditional literary discipline, I tend to like my biographies to follow along a more chronological order. I feel it builds a better conceptual idea of how someone becomes who they are. Instead, it jumped around, mentioning her academic work in that section, but then talking more about the personal sacrifices in the family section. So it didn't work as well for me.
I appreciated the authors' attempts to make law more interesting and to provide some historical context, but inclusions often made the topical sections feel even more disjointed. For instance, one chapter has a timeline of major decisions affecting women, and one has a short brief she wrote with red notations on the side, commenting on Ruth's paper. I greatly appreciated the collected pictures, both personal and professional.
So here's the deal: I'm irritated as hell she didn't step down during President Obama's second term, particularly as a person who believed that cultural change comes from small, progressively stacked, well-founded decisions. The trend of the country was obvious. She had faced two cancer diagnosis and turned 80 his second term. Had she retired as Sandra Day O'Connor did after dealing with breast cancer, she would have had a solid 20 years on the court and a remarkable career by anyone's definition. But no one--not even powerhouses--lives forever, and I felt like she had a duty to her feminist, populist and legal principles to ensure a better successor than one we will be likely to get.
However, in context of her life, it absolutely makes sense from her perspective, that of a woman who is passionately dedicated to law. She worked while her children were young, at one point trading positions with her husband so he could stay home with the kids and support her. I can't remember, but believe she either worked the day he passed or the day of his funeral. She was meticulous, thoughtful, and prepared. I think she's an amazing person, but a truly noble act would have been to help shift the court away from the conservative legal minds who erode her own goals.
March 29, 2020
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a quick read about you guessed it, Supreme Court Justice, RBG. She is an educated, determined, fair woman responsible for helping to effect great change in the U.S. As a bonus, each chapter in the book is titled with a Notorious B.I.G song lyric.
RBG held multiple positions, including serving as a law professor at Rutgers and Columbia, prior to her SCOTUS appointment in 1993. She was no stranger to the old boys club, gender discrimination, and balancing work life with her personal life. She has two children and was happily married to her husband, Marty, for 56 years. She may be soft spoken and on the quieter side, but she is far from meek. RBG is an inspiration to many women, rightfully so, for both her work and her personal character.
In a 2015 MSNBC interview when asked what she wanted to be remembered for, RBG answered, ”Someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has.” Great job, Ruth, you’ve done a more than fine job of being that someone.
RBG held multiple positions, including serving as a law professor at Rutgers and Columbia, prior to her SCOTUS appointment in 1993. She was no stranger to the old boys club, gender discrimination, and balancing work life with her personal life. She has two children and was happily married to her husband, Marty, for 56 years. She may be soft spoken and on the quieter side, but she is far from meek. RBG is an inspiration to many women, rightfully so, for both her work and her personal character.
In a 2015 MSNBC interview when asked what she wanted to be remembered for, RBG answered, ”Someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has.” Great job, Ruth, you’ve done a more than fine job of being that someone.
December 30, 2015
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
*********************************************
Let me first say that reading Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg didn’t make me a Ginsburg fan, I was already one, so from that perspective author Irin Carmon was really preaching to the choir.
But it wasn’t until I read this short, very entertaining biography that I realize how much this woman had accomplished even before she got appointed as only the second woman Justice to the US Supreme Court by former president Bill Clinton.
When I thought of Feminist icons the names that came immediately to mind were the likes of Simone de Beauvoir, Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem or Maya Angelou. I have to say that Ginsburg was not at all on that list.
Written by Irin Carmon with the collaboration of blogger Shana Knizhnik - both well known Millennials - I was frankly expecting “Notorious RBG” to be an enjoyable, mildly informative, but ultimately skin-deep account of the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
I found the structure of the book a little sloppy and disorganized, but "Notorious RBG" actually ended up exceeding my expectations and providing interesting details about the life and career of Justice Ginsburg.
A young Ginsburg with daughter Jane
The moniker Notorious RBG** comes from a Tumblr website launched in 2013 by Shana Knizhnik after the Supreme Court voted to gut an important provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Shortly after, the website went viral and Ginsburg became the most unlikely of internet celebrities. She also found herself hailed as the champion of many progressives causes in the United States.
During her famous dissent on that VRA case, Ginsburg’s rhetoric was exceedingly critical of the courts' conservative wing, “Hubris is a fit word for today’s demolition of the VRA,” she wrote. Concluding that racial discrimination is a thing of the past made as much sense as “throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet”.
I get a kick reading the metaphors Justices use to explain their decisions, particularly Scalia’s, someone should compile them and put them in a book!
Please do not let Ginsburg’s height (5’1”) or her pleasant demeanor deceived you. This woman has survived cancer, heart surgery and the death of her beloved husband.
During one of the interviews with Carmon, she mentioned that her exercise routine includes doing 20 pushups, although she qualified this by saying that her personal trainer allows her to split the pushups in two sets of ten, ok then!
The first few chapters of "Notorious RBG" cover Ginsburg’s family background, the beginnings of her career and her marriage to Martin Ginsburg, who was also a lawyer and died in 2010.
The Ginsburgs were married for 56 years and had one of those wonderful marriages that also worked as a business partnership. Reading about how they met, the love they shared and how much they complemented each other was very touching and uplifting.
Mr. Ginsburg, a successful lawyer in his own right once proclaimed “I think that the most important thing I have done is enable Ruth to do what she has done.” What a guy!
I guess is true when they say " behind every great woman, there's a great man", oh no wait...
A good portion of the book is dedicated to Ginsburg’s career, touching in some of the landmark cases she has been involved with. This is where you get to learn about her remarkable legacy, particularly in fighting for equal rights for women (and men) in the workplace.
I found it fascinating to learn about Ginsburg’s though process to her judicial philosophical approach. She considers herself a “judicial incrementalist”. “General change in our society, is incremental”, she had said, “I think real change, enduring change happens one step at a time”.
Her rise as an icon of the left is the more remarkable because in the past her cautious approach has garnished her deep criticism, particularly from some prominent feminist activists.
The next chapters cover her 13 years serving on the Court of Appeals; the politics behind her nomination and her final ascend to become the first Jewish American woman on the US Supreme Court.
Justice Ginsburg has adopted TV's Judge Judy's custom to wear a lace collar over her black robe
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was an inspiring and entertaining read. This woman is shrewd and fearless and at 82 apparently has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
If you are searching for a full-fledged Ginsburg’s biography, I don’t believe this book is what you are looking for, I’d recommend borrowing a copy from your public library.
If on the other hand, you want a primer on the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg I think "Notorious RBG" is a perfect way to get introduced to this remarkable lady.
**If you are un-schooled on all things hip-hop, the title Notorious RBG is a reference to Notorious B.I.G., a famous rapper who was murdered in 1997.
Here's a link to the "Notorious RBG" popular Tumblr website:
http://notoriousrbg.tumblr.com/
“So now the perception is, yes, women are here to stay. And when I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court]? And I say when there are nine, people are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.”
“Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
*********************************************
Let me first say that reading Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg didn’t make me a Ginsburg fan, I was already one, so from that perspective author Irin Carmon was really preaching to the choir.
But it wasn’t until I read this short, very entertaining biography that I realize how much this woman had accomplished even before she got appointed as only the second woman Justice to the US Supreme Court by former president Bill Clinton.
When I thought of Feminist icons the names that came immediately to mind were the likes of Simone de Beauvoir, Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem or Maya Angelou. I have to say that Ginsburg was not at all on that list.
Written by Irin Carmon with the collaboration of blogger Shana Knizhnik - both well known Millennials - I was frankly expecting “Notorious RBG” to be an enjoyable, mildly informative, but ultimately skin-deep account of the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
I found the structure of the book a little sloppy and disorganized, but "Notorious RBG" actually ended up exceeding my expectations and providing interesting details about the life and career of Justice Ginsburg.
A young Ginsburg with daughter Jane
The moniker Notorious RBG** comes from a Tumblr website launched in 2013 by Shana Knizhnik after the Supreme Court voted to gut an important provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Shortly after, the website went viral and Ginsburg became the most unlikely of internet celebrities. She also found herself hailed as the champion of many progressives causes in the United States.
During her famous dissent on that VRA case, Ginsburg’s rhetoric was exceedingly critical of the courts' conservative wing, “Hubris is a fit word for today’s demolition of the VRA,” she wrote. Concluding that racial discrimination is a thing of the past made as much sense as “throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet”.
I get a kick reading the metaphors Justices use to explain their decisions, particularly Scalia’s, someone should compile them and put them in a book!
Please do not let Ginsburg’s height (5’1”) or her pleasant demeanor deceived you. This woman has survived cancer, heart surgery and the death of her beloved husband.
During one of the interviews with Carmon, she mentioned that her exercise routine includes doing 20 pushups, although she qualified this by saying that her personal trainer allows her to split the pushups in two sets of ten, ok then!
The first few chapters of "Notorious RBG" cover Ginsburg’s family background, the beginnings of her career and her marriage to Martin Ginsburg, who was also a lawyer and died in 2010.
The Supremes- The Four Women of the Court
From left to right: Sandra Day O'Connor (1rst woman Justice -now retired), Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg & the youngest member of the court, Elena Kagan
The Ginsburgs were married for 56 years and had one of those wonderful marriages that also worked as a business partnership. Reading about how they met, the love they shared and how much they complemented each other was very touching and uplifting.
Mr. Ginsburg, a successful lawyer in his own right once proclaimed “I think that the most important thing I have done is enable Ruth to do what she has done.” What a guy!
I guess is true when they say " behind every great woman, there's a great man", oh no wait...
A good portion of the book is dedicated to Ginsburg’s career, touching in some of the landmark cases she has been involved with. This is where you get to learn about her remarkable legacy, particularly in fighting for equal rights for women (and men) in the workplace.
I found it fascinating to learn about Ginsburg’s though process to her judicial philosophical approach. She considers herself a “judicial incrementalist”. “General change in our society, is incremental”, she had said, “I think real change, enduring change happens one step at a time”.
Her rise as an icon of the left is the more remarkable because in the past her cautious approach has garnished her deep criticism, particularly from some prominent feminist activists.
The next chapters cover her 13 years serving on the Court of Appeals; the politics behind her nomination and her final ascend to become the first Jewish American woman on the US Supreme Court.
Justice Ginsburg has adopted TV's Judge Judy's custom to wear a lace collar over her black robe
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was an inspiring and entertaining read. This woman is shrewd and fearless and at 82 apparently has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
If you are searching for a full-fledged Ginsburg’s biography, I don’t believe this book is what you are looking for, I’d recommend borrowing a copy from your public library.
If on the other hand, you want a primer on the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg I think "Notorious RBG" is a perfect way to get introduced to this remarkable lady.
**If you are un-schooled on all things hip-hop, the title Notorious RBG is a reference to Notorious B.I.G., a famous rapper who was murdered in 1997.
Here's a link to the "Notorious RBG" popular Tumblr website:
http://notoriousrbg.tumblr.com/
November 4, 2015
This delightful book is a love letter to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A well-written look into the work she has done on behalf of women for the past 55+ years (it was conversational while obviously incredibly well-researched, and as a reformed lawyer I appreciated the way the authors described the legal system in a way that was both accurate AND accessible), as well as a beautiful tribute to her marriage to Marty Ginsburg. I cried several times, was inspired to fight harder for the things I believe in, and couldn't put it down. Having this story in my life for the past few days has been so much fun.
Want to read
October 5, 2015
March 15, 2016
I originally gave this delightful book a 4 star rating. As I started thinking of my review an overwhelming sense of enjoyment came over me as I remembered my feelings as I read this story. Therefore, I'm changing my rating to 5 stars.
Notorious RBG gives you a glimpse inside the life and iconic career of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. After reading this book, my level of respect for Justice Ginsburg deepened. She's a true feminist who has lived her life as a die hard champion for civil rights, women's rights and the less fortunate. Her journey is truly amazing given the many struggles she had to triumph. Her perseverance is a reminder to never give up on your dreams, stand up for what you believe is right and keep pressing forward.
Honestly, I was initially intrigued by the cover art because seeing Justice Ginsburg wearing that tilted crown instantly reminded me of a photo of The Notorious B.I.G. I picked up the book and when I saw that each chapter was titled after lyrics by the late rapper (one of my favorites by the way), I was sold. My next thought was how can the authors possibly pair these two figures? Well, let's just say the authors did an awesome job marrying the titles to the content that was presented for each chapter. Such a fun book to read while you also gain a little knowledge...."and if you don't know, know you know!"
Table of Contents:
1. Notorious
2. Been in this game for years
3. I got a story to tell
4. Stereotypes of a lady misunderstood
5. Don't let 'em hold you down, reach for the stars
6. Real love
7. My team supreme
8. Your words just hypnotize me
9. I just love your flashy ways
10. But I just can't quit
Notorious RBG gives you a glimpse inside the life and iconic career of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. After reading this book, my level of respect for Justice Ginsburg deepened. She's a true feminist who has lived her life as a die hard champion for civil rights, women's rights and the less fortunate. Her journey is truly amazing given the many struggles she had to triumph. Her perseverance is a reminder to never give up on your dreams, stand up for what you believe is right and keep pressing forward.
Honestly, I was initially intrigued by the cover art because seeing Justice Ginsburg wearing that tilted crown instantly reminded me of a photo of The Notorious B.I.G. I picked up the book and when I saw that each chapter was titled after lyrics by the late rapper (one of my favorites by the way), I was sold. My next thought was how can the authors possibly pair these two figures? Well, let's just say the authors did an awesome job marrying the titles to the content that was presented for each chapter. Such a fun book to read while you also gain a little knowledge...."and if you don't know, know you know!"
Table of Contents:
1. Notorious
2. Been in this game for years
3. I got a story to tell
4. Stereotypes of a lady misunderstood
5. Don't let 'em hold you down, reach for the stars
6. Real love
7. My team supreme
8. Your words just hypnotize me
9. I just love your flashy ways
10. But I just can't quit
January 18, 2025
I became more aware of this book, after I had watched the documentary, RBG (available on Hulu or as a check-out DVD at your local library).
And...How can one not be impressed by her accomplishments?
A demur, petite, reticent woman, she had a way of saying exactly what needs to be heard.
As an example...
“So now the perception is, yes, women are here to stay. And when I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court]? And I say when there are nine, people are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that. Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.”
This delightful book is a love letter to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
It is also a book that delves into her incredible legacy, particularly in fighting for equal rights for women (and men) in the workplace.
As readers, we are given an inside look into an extremely intelligent woman carving a path for future women by setting an example as a law student, a lawyer, and a judge...
As well as a happily married woman (now widow) and mother…who also does 20 push-ups a day (and she is past 80 years old!).
Who said you couldn’t do it all?
(P.S. - I read this when she was still alive. But just recording it now - January 18, 2023.)
If you want a primer on the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I think "Notorious RBG" is a perfect way to get introduced to this remarkable woman.
This is a fast read, but not all fluff (like her famous collars).
And...How can one not be impressed by her accomplishments?
A demur, petite, reticent woman, she had a way of saying exactly what needs to be heard.
As an example...
“So now the perception is, yes, women are here to stay. And when I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court]? And I say when there are nine, people are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that. Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.”
This delightful book is a love letter to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
It is also a book that delves into her incredible legacy, particularly in fighting for equal rights for women (and men) in the workplace.
As readers, we are given an inside look into an extremely intelligent woman carving a path for future women by setting an example as a law student, a lawyer, and a judge...
As well as a happily married woman (now widow) and mother…who also does 20 push-ups a day (and she is past 80 years old!).
Who said you couldn’t do it all?
(P.S. - I read this when she was still alive. But just recording it now - January 18, 2023.)
If you want a primer on the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I think "Notorious RBG" is a perfect way to get introduced to this remarkable woman.
This is a fast read, but not all fluff (like her famous collars).
March 4, 2018
I didn’t love the structure of this book, mostly because it was very reminiscent of a textbook and also, I didn’t really get the Notorious B.I.G. piece. I understood it but I didn’t really get how it added anything. Then again, I’m not the intended audience.
RBG is a badass. She deserves all respect, attention, accolades and (potentially) her cult status. I’d rock an RBG t-shirt. I’m not sure why she didn’t in the photos. That would’ve been epic!
5 stars for the woman, 3 stars for the book.
RBG is a badass. She deserves all respect, attention, accolades and (potentially) her cult status. I’d rock an RBG t-shirt. I’m not sure why she didn’t in the photos. That would’ve been epic!
5 stars for the woman, 3 stars for the book.
February 3, 2016
I suspect I'm giving 5 Stars to RBG rather than the book.
What a woman.
I don't cheer at the end of movies. I think it's dumb. I just want to say, "They can't hear you!!!"
But I felt like cheering after reading a few of her dissents.
She's all class.
...and I guess the book is okay.
What a woman.
I don't cheer at the end of movies. I think it's dumb. I just want to say, "They can't hear you!!!"
But I felt like cheering after reading a few of her dissents.
She's all class.
...and I guess the book is okay.
April 27, 2021
4 stars
Ruth Bader Ginsberg had such an interesting life and I enjoyed reading about it. I loved hearing about how she grew up and became the influential woman she was. I especially loved the parts about her and her husband's relationship. He was so encouraging and seemed to always be there for her. RBG is one of those political figures we should all be grateful for, for fighting for the rights of all.
“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”
Ruth Bader Ginsberg had such an interesting life and I enjoyed reading about it. I loved hearing about how she grew up and became the influential woman she was. I especially loved the parts about her and her husband's relationship. He was so encouraging and seemed to always be there for her. RBG is one of those political figures we should all be grateful for, for fighting for the rights of all.
Audio book source: Audible (purchased)
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrator: Andi Arndt
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Nonfiction/Biography
Length: 5 hours and 9 minutes
February 19, 2016
I had just finished listening to Notorious RBG when news broke of Antonin Scalia’s death, and I’m glad for it, because I had a much more nuanced reaction than I would have had without the benefit of the insider knowledge Carmon and Knizhnik provide about the unlikely friendship between outspoken Reagan appointee Scalia and surprise feminist icon Ginsburg. It would have been much easier to write Scalia off as a blowhard conservative (which part of me still believes he was), but clearly RBG saw something in her colleague, because they were good friends despite their frequent and vehement disagreements on the law.
I’m increasingly drawn to non-fiction for my audio reading, particularly books that focus on people who have lived extraordinary lives, and RBG has certainly done that. I was both amazed and frustrated to learn how hard she had to work to get where she is—and she still comes up against doubters and naysayers, even after all these years of proving herself. Although I could never match her passion for the law or relentless work ethic, I enjoyed reading about them, in much the same way I'd enjoy a book about an ultramarathoner. It left me with a feeling of, “Wow, I would never in a million years want to live my life that way, but I'm so glad you have!”
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
I’m increasingly drawn to non-fiction for my audio reading, particularly books that focus on people who have lived extraordinary lives, and RBG has certainly done that. I was both amazed and frustrated to learn how hard she had to work to get where she is—and she still comes up against doubters and naysayers, even after all these years of proving herself. Although I could never match her passion for the law or relentless work ethic, I enjoyed reading about them, in much the same way I'd enjoy a book about an ultramarathoner. It left me with a feeling of, “Wow, I would never in a million years want to live my life that way, but I'm so glad you have!”
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
April 7, 2020
5 stars for the woman, 3 stars for the book.
The book itself was a bit dry with an awkward structure and a dull narrator, but the content was fascinating. I started this audiobook to try to learn more about RBG and I certainly accomplished that. However, I think the formatting could have been a bit more compelling. I think I'll continue reading more about RBG as her personal and professional career is #inspiration.
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September 21, 2020
"Anyway, hope springs eternal. If I lose today, there's hope that tomorrow will be better." RBG, 2012
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: March 15, 1993 - September 18, 2020
I'm finding some comfort and inspiration browsing through my copy of "Notorious RBG" this morning.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: March 15, 1993 - September 18, 2020
I'm finding some comfort and inspiration browsing through my copy of "Notorious RBG" this morning.
January 3, 2017
I loved this book! Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is such an inspiring person — she's spent much of her law career working toward empowering women and seeking gender equality.
This book is filled with good stories and photographs about RBG's life. My favorite parts were about her experiences as a female law student, the gender discrimination cases she's worked on, and stories about her marriage to Marty, who was by all accounts an amazing husband and partner.
I highly recommend this book to those interested in the women's movement or the Supreme Court.
Favorite Quotes
"The study of law was unusual for women of my generation. For most girls growing up in the 1940s, the most important degree was not your B.A., but your M.R.S."
"In my life, what I find most satisfying is that I was part of a movement that made life better, not just for women. I think gender discrimination is bad for everyone, it's bad for men, it's bad for children. Having the opportunity to be part of that change is tremendously satisfying. Think of how the Constitution begins. 'We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union.' But we're still striving for that more perfect union. And one of the perfections is for the 'we the people' to include an ever enlarged group."
This book is filled with good stories and photographs about RBG's life. My favorite parts were about her experiences as a female law student, the gender discrimination cases she's worked on, and stories about her marriage to Marty, who was by all accounts an amazing husband and partner.
I highly recommend this book to those interested in the women's movement or the Supreme Court.
Favorite Quotes
"The study of law was unusual for women of my generation. For most girls growing up in the 1940s, the most important degree was not your B.A., but your M.R.S."
"In my life, what I find most satisfying is that I was part of a movement that made life better, not just for women. I think gender discrimination is bad for everyone, it's bad for men, it's bad for children. Having the opportunity to be part of that change is tremendously satisfying. Think of how the Constitution begins. 'We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union.' But we're still striving for that more perfect union. And one of the perfections is for the 'we the people' to include an ever enlarged group."
September 20, 2020
Co-author Shana Knizhnik created a blog in 2013 devoted to the Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The millennial NYU law student set up the blog as "fan-nonfiction" after Ginsburg read several liberal dissents from the bench. The late Notorious BIG was a famous rapper, and the blog name "Notorious RBG" is a play on his name. The blog was fresh, colorful, and celebrated Ginsburg's contributions to feminism, equal rights, and voting rights. The blog led to the publication of this book several years later.
This book is a collaboration between Knizhnik and Irin Carmon, a journalist who interviewed Ginsburg for MSNBC. Irin Carmon wrote the book while Knizhnik curated the images and fact-checked. Chapter names come from rapper Notorious BIG's lyrics. The text covers Ginsburg's life, key legal cases, and important Supreme Court decisions. There are also some lighthearted chapters that cover subjects like her late husband Marty's culinary skills, Ginsburg's collection of lace collars, her sessions with her personal trainer, and how she and the late Justice Scalia shared a love of opera. The book includes a wonderful collection of photographs, letters, and memorabilia. It also has images that are fun--cartoons, Halloween costumes, T-shirts, tattoos, posters, mugs, poems, and other tributes that Ginsburg's fans have created.
The book has obviously been written by admirers of Ginsburg who is left of center in a conservative Supreme Court. It shows an extremely intelligent woman carving a path for future women as a law student, a lawyer, and a judge. Ginsburg first gained fame working with the Women's Rights Project at the ACLU. If someone is looking for a detailed history of the Supreme Court, this is not the book to read. This book covers the legal highlights of Ginsburg's career, especially cases involving equal rights. It's engaging and will appeal to the general reading public, including high school students. "Notorious RBG" can serve as a steppingstone to more detailed books about the Supreme Court. Who would have believed that an 84 year old studious justice would become such a cultural icon?
Message from Connie: It's important for us to know about the history of many rights that we take for granted today. People should take great care when they vote for President and our senators-- they are choosing the people that will nominate and confirm the judges for the United States Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court justices.
Archives from the Notorious RBG blog: http://notoriousrbg.tumblr.com/archive
This book is a collaboration between Knizhnik and Irin Carmon, a journalist who interviewed Ginsburg for MSNBC. Irin Carmon wrote the book while Knizhnik curated the images and fact-checked. Chapter names come from rapper Notorious BIG's lyrics. The text covers Ginsburg's life, key legal cases, and important Supreme Court decisions. There are also some lighthearted chapters that cover subjects like her late husband Marty's culinary skills, Ginsburg's collection of lace collars, her sessions with her personal trainer, and how she and the late Justice Scalia shared a love of opera. The book includes a wonderful collection of photographs, letters, and memorabilia. It also has images that are fun--cartoons, Halloween costumes, T-shirts, tattoos, posters, mugs, poems, and other tributes that Ginsburg's fans have created.
The book has obviously been written by admirers of Ginsburg who is left of center in a conservative Supreme Court. It shows an extremely intelligent woman carving a path for future women as a law student, a lawyer, and a judge. Ginsburg first gained fame working with the Women's Rights Project at the ACLU. If someone is looking for a detailed history of the Supreme Court, this is not the book to read. This book covers the legal highlights of Ginsburg's career, especially cases involving equal rights. It's engaging and will appeal to the general reading public, including high school students. "Notorious RBG" can serve as a steppingstone to more detailed books about the Supreme Court. Who would have believed that an 84 year old studious justice would become such a cultural icon?
Message from Connie: It's important for us to know about the history of many rights that we take for granted today. People should take great care when they vote for President and our senators-- they are choosing the people that will nominate and confirm the judges for the United States Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court justices.
Archives from the Notorious RBG blog: http://notoriousrbg.tumblr.com/archive
May 26, 2019
5 stars!
“The pedestal upon which women have been placed has all too often, upon closer inspection, been revealed as a cage.”
It's hard for me to put into words what this book means to me. Many of you know I am a liberal and a feminist, so me enjoying this book is not a great surprise. I am not normally a nonfiction reader, but I devoured this book. I found myself slamming my finger on certain sentences and saying out loud "yes, exactly this" or actually physically rolling my eyes at some of the things cited in this book about how women and minorities were (and are) treated.
RBG lives a fascinating life, from her roots of being among the first group of women to attend law school, her love story with her husband Marty, the small cases she fought for equal gender writes, to being a lonely woman on the Supreme Court after O'Connor left. Since this was published in 2015 I also became stressed out when reading it because we have had some changes since then and I am worried for what is to come. That a lot of hard work for gender equality will be thrown down the drain.
Anyway, I can see why people thought this was dry, the beginning was a slow read. But if you are even slightly interested in learning more about RBG, her life and her beliefs this is a wonderful book to read.
“I think that men and women, shoulder to shoulder, will work together to make this a better world. Just as I don’t think that men are the superior sex, neither do I think women are. I think that it is great that we are beginning to use the talents of all of the people, in all walks of life, and that we no longer have the closed doors that we once had.”
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“The pedestal upon which women have been placed has all too often, upon closer inspection, been revealed as a cage.”
It's hard for me to put into words what this book means to me. Many of you know I am a liberal and a feminist, so me enjoying this book is not a great surprise. I am not normally a nonfiction reader, but I devoured this book. I found myself slamming my finger on certain sentences and saying out loud "yes, exactly this" or actually physically rolling my eyes at some of the things cited in this book about how women and minorities were (and are) treated.
RBG lives a fascinating life, from her roots of being among the first group of women to attend law school, her love story with her husband Marty, the small cases she fought for equal gender writes, to being a lonely woman on the Supreme Court after O'Connor left. Since this was published in 2015 I also became stressed out when reading it because we have had some changes since then and I am worried for what is to come. That a lot of hard work for gender equality will be thrown down the drain.
Anyway, I can see why people thought this was dry, the beginning was a slow read. But if you are even slightly interested in learning more about RBG, her life and her beliefs this is a wonderful book to read.
“I think that men and women, shoulder to shoulder, will work together to make this a better world. Just as I don’t think that men are the superior sex, neither do I think women are. I think that it is great that we are beginning to use the talents of all of the people, in all walks of life, and that we no longer have the closed doors that we once had.”
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May 20, 2016
2 1/2 stars would probably be more accurate, but eh. Ginsburg is an excellent subject for a biography, but I get the feeling that the author of this book just didn't want to work very hard. Which, you know, fine, it's called "Notorious RBG" so it's obviously not supposed to be the last definitive word or anything, but a bit more depth would be nice.
Here's an example: one chapter ends with Ginsburg leaving America for Sweden to live for a year and research a book on Swedish civil procedure. This section is about 3 pages long, and concludes "It would be a few years before RBG realized just how much she had learned in Sweden. It would change her life." Hope you weren't hoping to hear what all that was, though. Because Sweden is mentioned only two more times over the rest of the book, both in passing. Whatever it is she learned in Sweden that changed her life will have to be a mystery to us!
The whole book is like this, really. It errs on the side of telling us the stories that were super easy to research (SCOTUS opinions, fashion choices) and stays away from anything more substantive or new. You definitely don't leave this book with the impression that the author interviewed more than a handful of people. It's super short and padded with pages and pages of photographs and drawings. Basically: if you were actually hoping to learn something about a really, really fascinating person, you came to the wrong place.
Here's an example: one chapter ends with Ginsburg leaving America for Sweden to live for a year and research a book on Swedish civil procedure. This section is about 3 pages long, and concludes "It would be a few years before RBG realized just how much she had learned in Sweden. It would change her life." Hope you weren't hoping to hear what all that was, though. Because Sweden is mentioned only two more times over the rest of the book, both in passing. Whatever it is she learned in Sweden that changed her life will have to be a mystery to us!
The whole book is like this, really. It errs on the side of telling us the stories that were super easy to research (SCOTUS opinions, fashion choices) and stays away from anything more substantive or new. You definitely don't leave this book with the impression that the author interviewed more than a handful of people. It's super short and padded with pages and pages of photographs and drawings. Basically: if you were actually hoping to learn something about a really, really fascinating person, you came to the wrong place.
June 4, 2017
This was a selection of one of my book clubs. I admit it's not a book I would have chosen to read on my own. And it starts off very dry. Still, it does a good job of conveying her ideas on how the law should work and how it should be changed, especially why Roe v. Wade continues to be at risk of being overturned. So many of both the cases she argued and the ones she opined on concern women’s equality issues.
The Chapter on her marriage is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. And then a few tears. She was truly blessed to have Marty as a husband, as he was to have her as a wife.
The first time I read that at one point in time, women weren't allowed to tend bar, I found it interesting. But after I'd read the same comment from about the fifth time, I wanted to tell the author to find a new point to make.
This is a short book and can be read in a few hours. There seems to be more appendix than actual book.
The Chapter on her marriage is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. And then a few tears. She was truly blessed to have Marty as a husband, as he was to have her as a wife.
The first time I read that at one point in time, women weren't allowed to tend bar, I found it interesting. But after I'd read the same comment from about the fifth time, I wanted to tell the author to find a new point to make.
This is a short book and can be read in a few hours. There seems to be more appendix than actual book.
May 11, 2021
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a delightful biography with endearing photographs and graphics, and described as a collaborative process by Irin Carmon with Shana Knizhnik. The authors interviewed Ruth Bader Ginsburg as well as her family, close friends, colleagues and clerks, in addition to extensive research into the archives at the Library of Congress. There is also extensive research into the legal career of RBG and her continuous championing of equal rights for all of us. What comes through is that the justice is proud and humbled to be part of this movement, not only for women's rights but for civil rights that she began fighting, even as she graduated from Columbia Law School, and like former colleague Sandra Day O'Connor, faced gender discrimination in the legal field. Ruth Bader Ginsburg has long been one of my heroes and I continue to rely on her strong and inimitable voice on the Supreme Court.
"As a marshal cries 'Oyez, oyez, oyez!' watch Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, known around the court as RBG, as she takes her seat at the winged mahogany bench. Look around her neck. When the jabot with scalloped glass beads glitters flat against the top of RBGs black robe, it's bad news for liberals. That's her dissent collar."
"Announcing a majority opinion in the court chamber is custom, but reading aloud in dissent is rare. It's like pulling the fire alarm, a public shaming of the majority that you want the world to hear."
"As it sunk in that the court had, in the words of civil rights hero and Congressman John Lewis, put 'a dagger in the heart of the Voting Rights Act,' progressives felt a mix of despair and fury, but also admiration for how RBG had spoken up."
"Going through 'innumerable drafts,' the goal is to write an opinion where no sentence should need to be read twice. 'I think that law should be a literary profession,' RBG says, 'and the best legal practitioners regard law as an art as well as a craft.'"
**** As a postscript, my son and his lovely partner gifted me with a beautiful book for Mother's Day because of my love for Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It is a delightful copy that I can hold in my hands and look at not only all of the beautiful photographs but the most important text.
"As a marshal cries 'Oyez, oyez, oyez!' watch Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, known around the court as RBG, as she takes her seat at the winged mahogany bench. Look around her neck. When the jabot with scalloped glass beads glitters flat against the top of RBGs black robe, it's bad news for liberals. That's her dissent collar."
"Announcing a majority opinion in the court chamber is custom, but reading aloud in dissent is rare. It's like pulling the fire alarm, a public shaming of the majority that you want the world to hear."
"As it sunk in that the court had, in the words of civil rights hero and Congressman John Lewis, put 'a dagger in the heart of the Voting Rights Act,' progressives felt a mix of despair and fury, but also admiration for how RBG had spoken up."
"Going through 'innumerable drafts,' the goal is to write an opinion where no sentence should need to be read twice. 'I think that law should be a literary profession,' RBG says, 'and the best legal practitioners regard law as an art as well as a craft.'"
**** As a postscript, my son and his lovely partner gifted me with a beautiful book for Mother's Day because of my love for Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It is a delightful copy that I can hold in my hands and look at not only all of the beautiful photographs but the most important text.
August 5, 2016
It is hard to argue with Antonin Scalia when he described Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg as “an intelligent woman and a nice woman and a considerate woman—all the qualities you like in a person.” Add to that, she is a persistent person and a principled person and a fair person—all the qualities you want in a lawyer.
This work is an act of homage. When R.B.G. gave two dissents on one day, on June 25, 2013, fans of her opinions started drawing, composing songs, writing poems. She inspired many up-coming legal scholars but also many women trying to live their lives in the most fulfilling ways—without the constraints traditionally placed upon their gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. She is placed next to the rapper B.I.G. in the pantheon of stars because of the contrast: a large black man, young and flashy with strong opinions next to a slight white female octogenarian, restrained but with strong opinions. Both were looking for equal rights under the law.
The book is a loosely chronological description of R.B.G.’s upbringing and early schooling. She met Marty, her husband of 56 years at Cornell and they decided to study law together at Harvard. When Marty graduated before her, she moved on to Columbia Law School to earn her degree. The two had a child already by then, but really expected that the two partners in the marriage would share the burdens and joys of parenting equally. Right from the start R.B.G. chose cases that would move the ball forward on rights for both men and women because gender discrimination hurts everyone. Women will never be free unless men are free of their traditional roles as well.
That angle, freeing men from the constraints of societal expectations, proved popular in the courts and made it a little easier for her to introduce the obvious “next step” into women’s expectations of equal opportunity. “Present the court with the next logical step,” she would urge her clerks years later. “Don’t ask them to go too far or too fast, or you’ll lose what you might have won.” In a marriage and in a workplace, “sometimes it helps to be a little deaf.” Anger, resentment, and envy are unproductive. Get over it.
The book has lots of pictures of R.B.G. at different stages in her career interspersed with the narrative of what was happening at the time. The authors also include portions of important decisions. R.B.G. was not flashy—in her dress or in her writing—but she did make great effort to write for clarity. She wanted interested people who were not lawyers to be able to understand the substance of what had been decided. She aimed for people to be able to read a paragraph once without the necessity of a reread to understand. That’s a great goal right there.
The cases the authors seed throughout the narrative are marked up with handwritten notes about what the case meant for plaintiffs, defendants, and ordinary citizens. The authors are out to make this a fun and informative read, and it is. The audio is enhanced: certain sections have added commentary that can be referenced for further information so that the momentum of the whole doesn’t flag. It’s interesting, especially since this kind of attention has never been paid to a Supreme Court Judge. She’s eighty-three, folks, and still going strong.
One of the more interesting short sections in the book is a description of R.B.G.'s workout routine. I am not going to tell you what it is that keeps her fit enough to carry on with a high pressure job that requires enormous intellectual wattage—you’ll have to go to the book for that—but it is im-press-ive. Anyway, I found the audio very listenable, but I’d have to say the photos and extras in the book itself were worth paging through. Big high five on the labor of love that reminds us of someone that has done so much to make a difference in the lives of so many.
This work is an act of homage. When R.B.G. gave two dissents on one day, on June 25, 2013, fans of her opinions started drawing, composing songs, writing poems. She inspired many up-coming legal scholars but also many women trying to live their lives in the most fulfilling ways—without the constraints traditionally placed upon their gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. She is placed next to the rapper B.I.G. in the pantheon of stars because of the contrast: a large black man, young and flashy with strong opinions next to a slight white female octogenarian, restrained but with strong opinions. Both were looking for equal rights under the law.
The book is a loosely chronological description of R.B.G.’s upbringing and early schooling. She met Marty, her husband of 56 years at Cornell and they decided to study law together at Harvard. When Marty graduated before her, she moved on to Columbia Law School to earn her degree. The two had a child already by then, but really expected that the two partners in the marriage would share the burdens and joys of parenting equally. Right from the start R.B.G. chose cases that would move the ball forward on rights for both men and women because gender discrimination hurts everyone. Women will never be free unless men are free of their traditional roles as well.
That angle, freeing men from the constraints of societal expectations, proved popular in the courts and made it a little easier for her to introduce the obvious “next step” into women’s expectations of equal opportunity. “Present the court with the next logical step,” she would urge her clerks years later. “Don’t ask them to go too far or too fast, or you’ll lose what you might have won.” In a marriage and in a workplace, “sometimes it helps to be a little deaf.” Anger, resentment, and envy are unproductive. Get over it.
The book has lots of pictures of R.B.G. at different stages in her career interspersed with the narrative of what was happening at the time. The authors also include portions of important decisions. R.B.G. was not flashy—in her dress or in her writing—but she did make great effort to write for clarity. She wanted interested people who were not lawyers to be able to understand the substance of what had been decided. She aimed for people to be able to read a paragraph once without the necessity of a reread to understand. That’s a great goal right there.
The cases the authors seed throughout the narrative are marked up with handwritten notes about what the case meant for plaintiffs, defendants, and ordinary citizens. The authors are out to make this a fun and informative read, and it is. The audio is enhanced: certain sections have added commentary that can be referenced for further information so that the momentum of the whole doesn’t flag. It’s interesting, especially since this kind of attention has never been paid to a Supreme Court Judge. She’s eighty-three, folks, and still going strong.
One of the more interesting short sections in the book is a description of R.B.G.'s workout routine. I am not going to tell you what it is that keeps her fit enough to carry on with a high pressure job that requires enormous intellectual wattage—you’ll have to go to the book for that—but it is im-press-ive. Anyway, I found the audio very listenable, but I’d have to say the photos and extras in the book itself were worth paging through. Big high five on the labor of love that reminds us of someone that has done so much to make a difference in the lives of so many.
February 7, 2017
This is a fun, informative examination into the life of one of my personal heroes. It doesn't give the kind of depth that an academic bio would provide, but it gets the job done with humor and admiration.
Now there's a coloring book, so I guess I'm gonna have to jump on that trend:
Now there's a coloring book, so I guess I'm gonna have to jump on that trend:
Want to read
November 30, 2019$2.99 Kindle sale, Nov. 29, 2019: bio of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. My law firm has about a dozen women attorneys in it, and we had a memorable evening last year when we went as a group to see the RBG movie about her life. Regardless of your political leanings, she's an intelligent, fascinating and accomplished lawyer and person.
September 29, 2020
The Notorious RBG is more of a tribute than a traditional biography. It provides a vivid portrait of an amazing woman, the first female Supreme Court Justice whose legal career made life better for women throughout the US.
The book is written in a light, lively style and provides an overview of her early life. It chronicles the obstacles faced by Ruth Bader Ginsberg (born in 1933) and the women of her era. The authors also give kudos to her husband, Marty Ginsberg, a maverick in his own right, who saw marriage as a partnership and encouraged and supported her aspirations.
While the authors idealize Ruth, Marty, and their relationship, they represent ideals worth fighting for. RBG's spirited battle for equality, scholarship, and integrity are characteristics we desperately need in our public servants. We will sorely miss her.
The book is written in a light, lively style and provides an overview of her early life. It chronicles the obstacles faced by Ruth Bader Ginsberg (born in 1933) and the women of her era. The authors also give kudos to her husband, Marty Ginsberg, a maverick in his own right, who saw marriage as a partnership and encouraged and supported her aspirations.
While the authors idealize Ruth, Marty, and their relationship, they represent ideals worth fighting for. RBG's spirited battle for equality, scholarship, and integrity are characteristics we desperately need in our public servants. We will sorely miss her.
November 11, 2015
https://guninactone.wordpress.com/201...
A few things I took away from this delightful book that should convince you to read about an amazing woman.
RBG is in her 80’s and does 20 push-ups a day. 20 PUSH-UPS A DAY. If that doesn’t tell you she’s a bad-ass that you should want to read about, read on.
This woman was a mother of a 1 year-old, 1 of 9 women in her class at Harvard law when her husband Marty was diagnosed with cancer. Marty was also a law student, a year ahead of RBG at Harvard. RBG came home from law school every day, spent time with her child, typed up the notes she had other students take for Marty while he was being treated and then did her own law school work. She’s super human.
RBG cooked her last meal in 1980. Her daughter is quoted as saying “Mommy does the thinking and Daddy does the cooking.”
RBG is an opera lover (something she shares with Justice Scalia in a truly fascinating friendship) and has said “If I had any talent that God could give me, I would be a great diva.” Notorious RBG, Supreme Court Justice to opera diva, amazing.
RBG and Marty had what appears to have been a true partnership. What an amazing couple. I cried an embarrassing amount on the train while reading his last letter to her after more than 50 years of marriage. I think everyone can only hope to be so lucky in love and friendship.
As an attorney she argued for equal gender rights not just for women, but for men – and this book shares her written opinions with legal commentary, not just her personal life. This is a fast read, but not all fluff. She taught law and worked for the ACLU before donning her judge’s robes. RBG has done amazing work to help to empower everyone – not just women.
You can’t spell Truth without RUTH.
Read this! If you haven’t had enough RBG check out the Tumblr site that was the inspiration for the book. You will soon find yourself shopping for Notorious RBG merchandise like me! My daughter calls my RBG tote my “King Bag” I need to work on reminding her that RBG is way cooler than a king!
5 stars!
Thank you Dey Street Books for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
All quotes taken from an uncorrected galley copy in advance of publication.
A few things I took away from this delightful book that should convince you to read about an amazing woman.
RBG is in her 80’s and does 20 push-ups a day. 20 PUSH-UPS A DAY. If that doesn’t tell you she’s a bad-ass that you should want to read about, read on.
This woman was a mother of a 1 year-old, 1 of 9 women in her class at Harvard law when her husband Marty was diagnosed with cancer. Marty was also a law student, a year ahead of RBG at Harvard. RBG came home from law school every day, spent time with her child, typed up the notes she had other students take for Marty while he was being treated and then did her own law school work. She’s super human.
RBG cooked her last meal in 1980. Her daughter is quoted as saying “Mommy does the thinking and Daddy does the cooking.”
RBG is an opera lover (something she shares with Justice Scalia in a truly fascinating friendship) and has said “If I had any talent that God could give me, I would be a great diva.” Notorious RBG, Supreme Court Justice to opera diva, amazing.
RBG and Marty had what appears to have been a true partnership. What an amazing couple. I cried an embarrassing amount on the train while reading his last letter to her after more than 50 years of marriage. I think everyone can only hope to be so lucky in love and friendship.
As an attorney she argued for equal gender rights not just for women, but for men – and this book shares her written opinions with legal commentary, not just her personal life. This is a fast read, but not all fluff. She taught law and worked for the ACLU before donning her judge’s robes. RBG has done amazing work to help to empower everyone – not just women.
You can’t spell Truth without RUTH.
Read this! If you haven’t had enough RBG check out the Tumblr site that was the inspiration for the book. You will soon find yourself shopping for Notorious RBG merchandise like me! My daughter calls my RBG tote my “King Bag” I need to work on reminding her that RBG is way cooler than a king!
5 stars!
Thank you Dey Street Books for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
All quotes taken from an uncorrected galley copy in advance of publication.
November 24, 2020
More panegyric than dispassionate biography, Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: an affectionate paean and lovingly composed tribute to a larger-than-life figure and era-defining jurist. Though admittedly I was at first looking for a conventional biography of the more boring and drily academic sort, reading this was so much more satisfying—a welcome tonic after the crushingly tragic loss of Justice Ginsberg last month. Published in 2015, it’s a fitting eulogy to a legend: the trailblazing feminist lawyer and later appellate court judge and Supreme Court Justice who became an unlikely pop-culture meme late in life and—far more importantly—a powerful and inspiring symbol for change; a woman who was a true heroine in the ongoing fight for justice and equality, a patient and tireless leader in the struggle for real and lasting progress.
As author Irin Carmon writes in the final passage of the book:
“Legacy is a topic RBG won’t linger on, because it has a note of finality. But she will take stock: ‘In my life what I find most satisfying is that I was a part of a movement that made life better, [and] not just for women,’ RBG says. ‘I think gender discrimination is bad for everyone. It’s bad for men, it’s bad for children. Having the opportunity to be part of that change is tremendously satisfying. Think of how the Constitution begins: “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union...” But we’re still striving for that “more perfect union,” and one of the perfections is for the “we the people” to include an ever-enlarged group.’
“ This expansion has been RBG’s life’s work, and it’s not over yet. ”
It’s not over yet.
What a perfectly fitting way to end a beautiful tribute to a tenacious, unfaltering, and heroic woman.
As author Irin Carmon writes in the final passage of the book:
“Legacy is a topic RBG won’t linger on, because it has a note of finality. But she will take stock: ‘In my life what I find most satisfying is that I was a part of a movement that made life better, [and] not just for women,’ RBG says. ‘I think gender discrimination is bad for everyone. It’s bad for men, it’s bad for children. Having the opportunity to be part of that change is tremendously satisfying. Think of how the Constitution begins: “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union...” But we’re still striving for that “more perfect union,” and one of the perfections is for the “we the people” to include an ever-enlarged group.’
“ This expansion has been RBG’s life’s work, and it’s not over yet. ”
It’s not over yet.
What a perfectly fitting way to end a beautiful tribute to a tenacious, unfaltering, and heroic woman.
September 17, 2024
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik is a biography that reviews the life, career, and impact of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The book brings attention to Ginsburg's legal achievements and icon. I don’t consider myself as a feminist. I do consider myself blessed to live in a progressive world more so than it was even 50 years ago. RBG was never a big interest to me. As I watch the US to progress even more for women I decided to gamble on this biography which is very enlightening along with educational.
December 29, 2018
Yes, she is our gal!
Notorious RBG is a very informative book about this wonderful, smart, just, remarkable, leader, and beautiful woman! This book takes you through her personal life, education, career, and achievements. It is also packed with pictures, man oh man, she was a beauty not just a brain! She is still very stylish! A true hero for women and men!
Notorious RBG is a very informative book about this wonderful, smart, just, remarkable, leader, and beautiful woman! This book takes you through her personal life, education, career, and achievements. It is also packed with pictures, man oh man, she was a beauty not just a brain! She is still very stylish! A true hero for women and men!
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