Conversations with RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Life, Love, Liberty, and Law

This is a somewhat unique book where a sitting Supreme Court Justice conducts a number of public conversations touching on a variety of topics revealing her views on the law, her colleagues, the role of dissents, and how celebrity has impacted upon her as "The Notorious RBG.". One reason these conversations come off so well is that RBG and Jeffrey Rosen have known each other for decades, and she seems comfortable speaking with him. The format involves Rosen setting up each conversation with the legal and historical background, so that when cases are discussed the reader knows the territory.I found several of the chapters especially interesting and valuable. In chapter 3 RBG really gets into the Roe abortion decision, and why she was not happy to have the decision based on privacy rather than equality. Her criticisms of the decision led to many attacks upon her by feminists; she continues to maintain that state legislatures rather than the Court should have made the decision. In chapter 5 she discusses the impact of having women colleagues on the Court, especially Sandra Day O;Conner. On occasion, she is likely to throw in discussion of tangential topics such as here where she discusses cancer, her famous gym workouts, and whether her critics were correct that she should have stepped down from the Court.One surprising thing I learned was her warm relations with William Rehnquist; her comments regarding CJ Roberts are not nearly as affectionate. Also her discussion of how celebrity has impacted her was very helpful. In several chapters she discuses the role of dissents and how they should be done; Justice Stevens as a primary role model; and her views of originalism and judicial activism. 9 is a particularly interesting chapter where the discussion concerns cases she would like to see overruled: Citizens United, Obamacare, Shelby County, partial birth abortions and the Fisher affirmative action decision. I don't think I have ever seen such a question thrown at a sitting Justice, and certainly not such candid responsesThere is lots more: gender equality; the "MeToo" movements likely impact; unconscious racial bias; the VMI decision; and her love of music. Rosen has done a fine job in putting all this together in book form. He has even attached helpful notes to supplement the presentation. This is indeed a rare event in my experience: a sitting senior Justice responding to candid questions with pretty straightforward responses. Inside tales by sitting Justices are indeed rare; this one is to be savored because that Justice is RBG.

Although I am right of center and strongly disagree with many of her positions on major issues, I cannot help but admire and respect her. She is so well spoken, so forthright, so even handed, that you cannot help but give everything she says serious consideration. She is also a remarkable person - successfully battled cancer multiple times, working at one of the most demanding job imaginable well into her upper 80s, who does that? I was also pleased to see how many points of jurisprudence we agree on. Our country and the Court will be diminished when she steps down. P.S. The 4 stars are a reflection on the interviewer not RGB.

I consider Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to be an icon, and a wonderful example for anyone (male or female) to pattern themselves after. In this book Jeffrey Rosen (law professor, author, legal journalist, and CEO of the National Constitution Center) shares a lifetime of conversations with Justice Ginsburg that cover … well, they cover the whole gamut of life! As the cover states, she literally talks about life, love, liberty, and law.I have lived through much of the time that she is discussing, so it is very real to me – the names, the people, the places, the topics. Considering that on a daily basis we are being bombarded with happenings on very high levels that we would have never believed would occur, it is very grounding to read this book and be able to find a sense of balance.I came to understand why Rosen refers to Justice Ginsburg as a “minimalist”, and why that is a good thing. I loved being able to view her as a complex individual, with a great sense of humor (and a love for opera!), as well as being the exact person that we need at this time on the Supreme Court. My thanks go out to her for continuing to serve her country, when she could have retired a long time ago.It is interesting to try and understand her viewpoint on Roe v. Wade, and on the #MeToo movement. My personal views have been fine-tuned after reading her thoughts. You have to love the “Notorious RBG”! It is also interesting to see what she sees for the future as far as it relates to the justice system. It is a privilege to see the behind the scenes action on the court’s decisions.Rosen writes in a very straightforward manner, and with great clarity. The reader feels that they are in the room with RBG, sharing coffee and conversation. This is a book that I will certainly reread – many times!

I had high hopes for this book and it came through! RBG is one who puts much thought into what she does and says. To have her discuss her thought process on various issues is a gift to the world, whether we agree with her or not! She is one who is willing to listen to the reasoning of others and expects the same of others. Probably my favorite part was the Atwood chapter. Amazing how these 2 ladies see the past 100 years and how they see the future!

Reading about RBG in a conversation format was excellent in terms of getting to know Ruth Bader Ginsburg better, but the organization of the text included a lot of repetition of thoughts. Especially today, I am glad to have read this book. She made an incredible impact on women's rights. Ginsburg's drive, intellect and heart made a true difference in changing America for the better over the course of her career.

I bought this for my granddaughter's birthday. I could not resist dipping into it from time to time in the 3 weeks before the day. In the end, I just gave up dipping, kept the original, and bought her another copy!

"Conversations with RBG" was purchased as a gift, but I have the digital version.The book provides intimate revelations of a brilliant mind brought to you by a skillful interviewer and a very competent easy-reading author. Most of the subjects included would be of interest to most people and provide fascinating insights into the arguments underlying rulings of the Supreme Court - and some insights on some of RBG's favorite, and not so favorite operas!

RBG is most deserving of admiration and, so far, I'm enjoying the read. Opinionated, direct, and an open champion of human rights, RBG's life and career is well worth delving into.

It is what it says, "conversations" with RBG. But it makes for choppy reading, disjointed. Preferable to get into a deeper, more coherent and brilliantly organized read such as Jane Sherron DeHart's biography.

Very enlightening. A must share.