"My Own Words" by Ruth Bader Ginsberg

This authorized biography of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a fascinating collection of her writings and speeches on gender equality, free speech, and women’s rights to name a few.  It tells of the inner workings of the Supreme Court: when they meet, how they decide which cases to rule on, how ruling opinions and dissenting opinions are assigned, etc.  RBG had great influence on the laws of our country and this book tells us a little about her upbringing and the values that were instilled in her as a child – values that shaped her opinions and led her to practice law and then become a judge. 

What I thoroughly enjoyed were the tales she related about herself and her relationship with Justices on the other side of the aisle, notably Justice Antonin Scalia.  The two of them were usually of differing opinions – she being a liberal and he being a conservative.  But these two developed a respect for each other that bonded into a lasting friendship.  RGB tells of the many cases in which they were on opposite sides, but voices were never raised, and harsh words never spoken.  At the end of the day, the Justices put aside their differences and ate dinner together.  Today’s Congress would benefit by following her example.

Some of the book can get bogged down in the actual writings and speeches, but for the most part it was entertaining.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars.