Chapter 1 Interpret what Notorious RBG is about

“Notorious RBG” is a book written by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik. It is a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a former associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. The book highlights Justice Ginsburg’s life and career, focusing on her legal accomplishments and activism for women’s rights and gender equality. The title “Notorious RBG” is a play on the rapper Notorious B.I.G.’s nickname, emphasizing Ginsburg’s strong and iconoclastic persona. The book celebrates Justice Ginsburg’s legacy and her impact on American law and society.
Chapter 2 Is Notorious RBG A Good Book
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik has received generally positive reviews from readers and has become a bestseller. It provides an insightful and comprehensive look at the life and work of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, including her impact on the Supreme Court and the feminist movement. If you are interested in learning about Justice Ginsburg’s life and her legal career, it could be a good book for you.
Chapter 3 Key Features of Notorious RBG
The book “Notorious RBG” by Irin Carmon is a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Supreme Court Justice known for her progressive opinions and powerful dissents. It takes its title from the nickname given to Ginsburg by her many supporters, comparing her to the famous rapper Notorious B.I.G.
The book starts with Ginsburg’s early life and upbringing in Brooklyn, including her experiences with discrimination as a Jewish woman. It then chronicles her time at Cornell University and Harvard Law School, where she faced further challenges due to being one of the few women in her class.
The biography goes on to explore Ginsburg’s early legal career, including her work as a professor at Rutgers Law School and her involvement with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). It highlights her role in arguing landmark gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court, where she began to make a name for herself as a fierce advocate for women’s rights.
The book also delves into Ginsburg’s time on the Supreme Court, where she has served since her appointment by President Bill Clinton in 1993. It discusses some of the key cases she has been involved in, including those related to reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and affirmative action. It highlights her reputation as a reliable liberal vote on the Court and her ability to write powerful dissents.
Throughout the biography, Carmon explores Ginsburg’s personal life, including her marriage to Martin Ginsburg and her close friendship with fellow Justice Antonin Scalia, despite their ideological differences. It also touches on Ginsburg’s battle with cancer and her determination to continue serving on the Court despite her health challenges.
Overall, “Notorious RBG” is a comprehensive and engaging biography that celebrates Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and legacy, highlighting her accomplishments as a legal trailblazer and champion for equality.
Chapter 4 Notorious RBG Author

The book “Notorious RBG” is co-authored by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik. Irin Carmon is a journalist and commentator, while Shana Knizhnik is a lawyer and creator of the Notorious RBG blog. The book pays tribute to the life and work of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“Notorious RBG” was first released on October 27, 2015. Apart from this book, the authors have not collaborated on any other publications.
Irin Carmon has also authored another book called “She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World” in collaboration with Chelsea Clinton. It was published on May 30, 2017, and celebrates the achievements of trailblazing women throughout history.
In terms of editions, the first edition of “Notorious RBG” is often considered the best edition as it captures the initial enthusiasm and impact of the book. However, multiple editions have been released subsequently with additional content, such as more recent developments in the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her work on the Supreme Court. These subsequent editions might be preferable if one desires the most up-to-date information.
Chapter 5 Key Concept of Notorious RBG
Notorious RBG Meaning
“Notorious RBG” by Irin Carmon is a book that celebrates the life and accomplishments of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Supreme Court Justice. The title is a play on the name of the legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G, and it showcases Ginsburg’s status as an influential and tenacious figure in the legal world, much like the rapper was in the music industry.
The book explores Ginsburg’s early life, her struggles against gender discrimination, her time as a law professor, and her groundbreaking work as a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). It sheds light on her various legal battles, including her successful advocacy for gender equality before the Supreme Court.
The phrase “Notorious RBG” has become a popular nickname for Ginsburg, inspired by a Tumblr blog of the same name. The nickname reflects her fearless and outspoken nature, as well as her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It became a symbol of inspiration for many young people, especially women, who saw her as a role model and champion of women’s rights.
Overall, “Notorious RBG” by Irin Carmon seeks to capture the essence of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s remarkable life and legacy, showcasing her as a trailblazer and an advocate for equal rights.
Notorious RBG Theme
The theme of “Notorious RBG” by Irin Carmon is the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, particularly her role as a champion for women’s rights and a progressive voice on the Supreme Court. The book explores Ginsburg’s journey from her early days as a law student to becoming a groundbreaking lawyer and eventually a Supreme Court justice. It highlights her tireless efforts to fight against gender discrimination and her impact on shaping constitutional law. Additionally, the book delves into Ginsburg’s personal life and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, showcasing her resilience and determination. The theme of the book celebrates Ginsburg’s influence as an iconic figure and her relentless pursuit of justice and equality.
Chapter 6 Other Accessible Resources
1. Book: “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik – This is the original book that explores the life and impact of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
2. Documentary: “RBG” (2018) – A documentary film that provides an in-depth look into Justice Ginsburg’s life and career, based on the book “Notorious RBG.”
3. Website: Notorious RBG – An official website dedicated to the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, featuring articles, interviews, and resources related to her.
4. Podcast: “More Perfect” – An episode titled “The Political Thicket,” produced by Radiolab, delves into the life and judicial philosophy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
5. Newspaper Article: The New York Times – The newspaper has covered Justice Ginsburg extensively, offering various articles and opinion pieces about her life and work.
6. Magazine Article: TIME – TIME magazine has featured articles on Ruth Bader Ginsburg, including interviews and profiles that explore her influence on American society.
7. YouTube: Talks at Google – A video recording of a discussion with Irin Carmon about the book “Notorious RBG,” where she shares insights into Ginsburg’s life and achievements.
8. Online News: CNN – The news network has published numerous articles about Justice Ginsburg, chronicling key moments in her career and examining her impact on the court.
9. Social Media: Twitter – Follow the hashtag #NotoriousRBG for updates, discussions, and quotes related to Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her enduring legacy.
10. Academic Journals: Law Reviews – Various law reviews and legal journals have published scholarly articles analyzing Justice Ginsburg’s jurisprudence and the impact of her decisions on constitutional law.

Chapter 7 Memorable Lines of Notorious RBG
Notorious RBG quotes as follows:
1. “What did it matter whether protest came from within the system or was external to it? A change agent could work from any position, RBG argued, as long as she had that unwavering commitment to equality.”
2. “I dissent, she said firmly. Not just against the court, but against the status quo, against complacency, against injustice.”
3. “Real equality means not just passing laws, but changing the hearts and minds of individuals.”
4. “There will never be enough women on the court until there are nine.”
5. “I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability.”
6. “Do the best you can in every task, no matter how unimportant it seems at the time. Because later on, you never know what sparks will ignite a much bigger flame.”
7. “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
8. “Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.”
9. “You can disagree without being disagreeable.”
10. “People ask me sometimes… ‘When will there be enough women on the court?’ And my answer is: ‘When there are nine.’ People are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.”
Chapter 8 Similar Books Like Notorious RBG
1. Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover – This captivating memoir tells the remarkable story of Tara Westover, a woman who grows up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho. With sheer determination, she escapes her isolated upbringing and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University. “Educated” is a powerful exploration of the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit.
2. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari – In this thought-provoking book, Yuval Noah Harari takes readers on an enlightening journey through the history of humanity, exploring our origins, key developments, and the challenges faced by our species. With his engaging writing style, Harari seamlessly brings together science, history, and philosophy, providing an unforgettable perspective on the story of Homo sapiens.
3. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot – This deeply moving and thought-provoking true story delves into the life of a woman named Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her knowledge and have since played a vital role in groundbreaking scientific research. Through Henrietta’s story, Rebecca Skloot confronts ethical questions surrounding medical research, race, and human rights, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and ethics.
4. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn – In this inspiring work, Pulitzer Prize-winning authors Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn shed light on the myriad challenges faced by women across the globe and the incredible resilience they exhibit in overcoming adversity. “Half the Sky” offers readers a call to action, urging us all to work towards creating a more equitable and just world for women everywhere.
5. Becoming” by Michelle Obama – Michelle Obama’s memoir is an intimate and honest account of her life, from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years in the White House as the First Lady of the United States. With grace and wisdom, Obama shares her personal journey, highlighting the importance of persistence, determination, and authenticity. “Becoming” serves as an inspirational tale, reminding readers of the power of hope and the ability to create change.