by Joan Biskupic
William Morrow, 2023
416 pages
Audio edition narrated by Kristen Potter
Harper Audio, 2023
13 hours and 11 minutes
This is an excellent book! Joan Biskupic has presented us with a well-researched, comprehensive, and objective look at the Supreme Court from the period following Antonin Scalia's death in February 2016 (when the senate chose not to take up Barak Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland because it was too close to a presidential election), to the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg in September 2020 and the confirmation of her replacement just days before a presidential election, and through last year's Supreme Court term.
Regular readers of this blog know I'm a Supreme Court junkie. I've read several biographies (including two by Biskupic) of different justices, as well as a few other books about the court in general. This book has a broad focus as Biskupic chronicles both the work of the Court and events surrounding the Court.
Events surrounding the Court include death and retirement of justices, selection and vetting of new candidates, the confirmation process, the Covid pandemic, the working relationship between justices, and more.
The work of the Court delves into specific cases. Biskupic provides relevant background information, including the path cases take prior to appearing on the Court's docket. She covers oral arguments, behind the scenes negotiations ahead of rulings, Court decisions with vote counts, and significant quotes from judgements and dissents.
There is a lot of information here to absorb and digest. I found that a read/listen combination worked best for me as I read the book slowly, over a longer period of time.
Most of the information in this book is not new. It has been extensively presented over the years - in books, newspapers, magazines, online news sources, as well as podcasts and on television. Sometimes though, unless you're paying very close attention, it can be hard to wade through the content, put it all in context, and see trends as they develop. Reading through this history, thoroughly and logically presented in one book, was eye-opening.
This is an important book. It may require some patience and dedication to get through, especially if you are unfamiliar with the specific cases discussed, but I found it to be an interesting and extremely worthwhile read. Very highly recommended.
This sounds super interesting and it covers a time that was so frustrating for me with all the postponement of appointing a new justice, etc.
ReplyDeleteHelen - That was certainly a frustrating time! The book was fascinating and well worth the effort.
DeleteNot my usual type of read but it does sound interesting. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteVicki - I've loved reading about the Supreme Court since my twenties, but am not sure how that particular interest developed.
DeleteSounds like a bit of a difficult read but well worth the effort. I have wondered for a while why Bader insisted on dying on the job when it seemed obvious that her health was most likely keeping her from doing the job. It was a risky strategy, I thought, and it led to the exact opposite of what she hoped for.
ReplyDeleteSam - This book certainly was worth the effort! I think RBG's decision to stay on was a horrible miscalculation on her part. She surely thought (along with almost everyone else) that Hilary Clinton was going to be elected in 2016. The outcome couldn't be any further from what she'd hoped and planned.
DeleteI've been eager to hear your thoughts about this book. I read The Nine some time ago, and I thought it was a fascinating book. I am adding this one to the list of books I'd like to read. Thank you, JoAnn.
ReplyDeleteDeb - I've followed the Court for ages, but The Nine is the first book I read about it - so, so good! Then I went on to biographies. Nine Black Robes was well worth the effort if you decide to give it a try.
DeleteThis book has been on my radar this spring. I have read at least three of the Supreme Court books that you have highlighted in the past. This one seems ultra-important, and I've always liked the way an author with expertise in this area puts things into perspective historically, politically, and otherwise. I'll be reading it! Best wishes to you, JoAnn!
ReplyDeleteJudith - Biskupic is so good at what she does and her perspective is invaluable when it comes to putting the pieces into context. I'm glad you're going to read this one and will be interested in your thoughts!
DeleteSo glad to hear that this satisfied the Supreme Court junkie in you. In light of the current rulings, I know this is an important book but I also know I would find if frustrating and depressing.
ReplyDeleteJaneGS - You're right about that! My husband was pretty glad when I finally finished reading it... he said I'd been cranky ever since I picked it up.
DeleteNicely reviewed. So glad you are our S.Court expert. It's so important and I believe it deserves a lot of criticism lately ... with its right wing decisions and for the ethic failures of its judges. How do they get away with all these free trips and such. Congress isn't allowed it etc. I'm mad at its rulings lately and its far right slant. It's dangerous!! I worry how bad it will get. I think Biskupic is on the pulse of all what's going on with the court & will not give it a free ride. I hear her on CNN and she seems right on. The court deserves heck right now!
ReplyDeleteSusan - So much about the Court has changed and it's hard to tell where it will stop. Biskupic certainly knows her stuff and I appreciate her perspective. This book made me pretty angry... my husband was glad when I finally finished!
DeleteExcellent review JoAnn! I'm intrigued by this one and think it sounds like an important read to gain a better understanding of our judicial system. Will be adding it to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Iliana... this was such a thorough and important read.
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