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Notorious RBG summary
The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
25 mins
Brief summary
"Notorious RBG" by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik is a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a woman on a mission to fight for gender equality in the US justice system. It explores her life, legacy, and impact on American society.
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Notorious RBG
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Born in Brooklyn, RBG had a normal childhood but experienced tragedy in her family.
Known during her childhood by her nickname Kiki, Joan Ruth Bader was born in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood on March 15, 1933 – a time when prejudiced treatment of Jews was common, even among ethnic minorities who’d also recently arrived in the United States. Still, RBG remembers her childhood fondly.
RBG’s mother, Celia Amster Bader, was a first-generation American and one of seven children whose parents had fled the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Though Celia had graduated with top grades from high school, she didn’t go on to college. Instead, she was expected to be a loving wife, and her income as a bookkeeper was partially divested to fund her brother’s college tuition at Cornell. When it came to her own daughter, she instilled a love for learning and hoped that Kiki, at least, would attend university one day.
As a young woman, the popular but quiet Kiki spent ample time at the library and was especially fond of Nancy Drew mystery novels. She admired Nancy as an independent woman with a knack for adventure and a dominant role in her romantic relationship. Kiki also attended Camp Che-Na-Wah in the Adirondacks in the summer, and played the cello. It was a fairly normal childhood – so normal that no one at the time predicted the success she would go on to achieve.
But things weren’t always easy for Kiki. When she was two years old, her sister Marylyn died from meningitis, and her mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer when she was 13. Not wanting her friends to feel sorry for her, Kiki kept these facts about her family a secret. She also knew that she could make her mother happy by focusing on her studies. The work paid off, and Kiki was accepted into Cornell with multiple scholarships to her name. But Kiki didn’t end up attending graduation. The night before the ceremony, her mother tragically passed away.
Despite her early death, Celia remained an important inspiration throughout Kiki’s life. Kiki particularly held onto two pieces of advice from her mother: The first was to be a lady – meaning that she should never let herself be overcome by pointless emotions like anger or envy. The other lesson her mother had often repeated was to be independent. As it turns out, Kiki’s mother had exercised her own independence by saving an additional US$8,000 for her daughter’s education.
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What is Notorious RBG about?
Notorious RBG (2015) chronicles the life story of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. From her childhood in Brooklyn – when she was known by her nickname, Kiki – to capturing the public imagination with her scathing dissents on the bench, these blinks portray one woman’s relentless fight to give American women and men equal rights under the country’s legislation.
New York Times Bestseller
Notorious RBG Review
Notorious RBG (2015) is a captivating tribute to the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a fresh perspective on Justice Ginsburg's life and legacy, highlighting her impact on gender equality and civil rights in America.
- Through a compelling blend of interviews, photographs, and legal analysis, the book illuminates the fearless determination of Justice Ginsburg in advocating for justice and equality.
- With wit and charm, the authors celebrate the cultural icon that Justice Ginsburg has become and inspire readers to engage with important legal and social issues.
Who should read Notorious RBG?
- Millennials interested in the life of America’s most unassuming pop icon
- Students of US history, law, and politics
- Social activists and feminists looking for inspiration
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Notorious RBG FAQs
What is the main message of Notorious RBG?
The main message of Notorious RBG is the importance of fighting for justice and equality.
How long does it take to read Notorious RBG?
The reading time for Notorious RBG varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Notorious RBG a good book? Is it worth reading?
Notorious RBG is worth reading for its inspiring storytelling and insightful look at Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life and legacy.
Who is the author of Notorious RBG?
The authors of Notorious RBG are Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik.
What to read after Notorious RBG?
If you're wondering what to read next after Notorious RBG, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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