It’s finally RBG day!
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a book inspired by the revered Supreme Court Justice, was released today. Written by MSNBC reporter by Irin Carmon and creator of the Notorious RBG Tumblr, Shana Knizhnik, the book follows the life of RBG, from her humble beginnings in Brooklyn to her seat on the Supreme Court bench.
Opening the book’s hardcover, the reader is immediately captivated by intimate images of RBG’s life and work—all framed by rapper Notorious B.I.G.’s lyrics. This almost polar paring presents itself seamlessly, as a delightful blend of contrast and compatibility. As Carmon eloquently states in Notorious,
To her (Knizhnik), the reference to the 300-pound deceased rapper Notorious B.I.G. was both tongue-in-cheek and admiring. The humor was in the contrasts—the elite court and the streets, white and black, female and male, ocogentarian and died too young. The woman who had never much wanted to make a stir and the man who had left his mark. There were similarities too. Brooklyn. Like the swaggering lyricist, this tiny Jewish grandmother who demanded patience as she spoke could also pack a verbal punch.
It is moments like this one when Notorious becomes less of a biography and more a quirky devotional by two fan girls to a woman they deeply respect. And we love it!
Of the many milestones in this activist, judge, wife and mother’s life, we’ve chosen to share with you 10 of our favorite moments from Notorious, along with some of the justice’s thoughts on everything from the law to love. Think of these as 10 (of many!) reasons to read this book.
Get Ms. in your inbox! Click here to sign up for the Ms. magazine newsletter.
