Recommendation

Over the course of her career, National Public Radio’s Nina Totenberg has built a distinguished journalism portfolio and a family of friends she describes with insight and warmth, including fellow journalists Cokie Roberts and Linda Wertheimer, and Supreme Court justices Antonin Scalia, Lewis Powell and William Brennan, as well as Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The author and Ginsburg began their careers in male-dominated fields at the same time. They connected when Totenburg interviewed Ginsburg for a story and embarked on a long friendship encompassing Ginsburg’s tenure as a Supreme Court justice. This engaging narrative covers many colorful personalities, Totenburg’s personal history with Ginsburg, and the importance of friendship and love.

Take-Aways

• The friendship between Nina Totenberg and Ruth Bader Ginsburg started with the lawyer explaining why the 14th Amendment should cover equal protection for women.
• Totenberg and Ginsburg both encountered discrimination in their professions.
• The two women built a close friendship.
• The Senate approved Ginsburg’s nomination to the Supreme Court in 1993.
• By 2010, two more female justices joined the court, changing the dynamics and making Ginsburg’s role more visible.
• Ginsburg’s health challenges made her more “steely and invincible.”

Summary

The friendship between Nina Totenberg and Ruth Bader Ginsburg started with the lawyer explaining why the 14th Amendment should cover equal protection for women.

The last time in their 50 years of friendship that Nina Totenberg saw Ruth Bader Ginsburg, they shared their regular dinner of bouillabaisse at Totenberg’s home. Their relationship predated Totenberg’s fame as NPR’s legal affairs correspondent and Ginsburg’s appointment to the US Supreme Court.

Ginsburg met Totenberg when she sought clarity about a Supreme Court brief Ginsburg wrote for the ACLU about the Reed v. Reed case. Ginsburg asserted that a law automatically giving men preference over women as “state executors” was unconstitutional, because the 14th Amendment guarantees “equal protection under the law to all persons,” and this law discriminated against women. In 1971, the idea of women as “persons” was revolutionary, but the Supreme Court sided with Ginsburg’s brief and for the first time declared that the equal protection clause covers women.

“We were outsiders to the world in which we operated.”

Although women could vote, banks and employers limited their economic power. Even female partners in large law firms had difficulty getting a credit card or mortgage. Because employers paid pregnant women less or fired them, Ginsburg hid her pregnancy from her Rutgers University colleagues until she’d signed her teaching contract for the following year.

After their initial conversation, Totenberg continued to call the professor to ask her to explain the archaic language of legal briefs and the law.

Totenberg and Ginsburg both encountered discrimination in their professions.

The two women’s backgrounds shared some similarities, but they took different paths. Both had immigrant Jewish parents. Totenberg’s father, Roman, was a famous violinist, while Ginsburg’s father never completed high school.

Ginsburg grew up in a lower income part of Brooklyn. Her mother, who died when Ginsburg was a teen, expected only the highest grades from her daughter. Ginsburg seldom talked about her childhood. She went to Cornell on a scholarship, and tried to fit in as one of the girls. But she was different, which Marty Ginsburg understood. He was the first man who was interested in her intelligence and opinions. After they married, Ruth Ginsburg had a child and graduated from Columbia Law. She was at the top of the class, and one of the few women.

Totenberg dropped out of college to be a reporter. She got a job in Boston reporting for the “woman’s page.” She moved to another paper, where she covered everything from cops to courts. On her own time, Totenberg covered the 1968 New Hampshire presidential primary. Her clips helped her get a job at The National Observer (a weekly publication of Dow Jones) covering the US legislative and judicial branches. Totenberg won awards while being paid less than her male colleagues.

“Being taken seriously was a major struggle for women, particularly when we were young.”

Though tied for first in her law school class, Ginsburg found it difficult to get a job. Finally, a professor called an alumnus judge, telling him if he didn’t hire her, he’d never get another clerk from Columbia. After her clerkship, Ginsburg taught at Rutgers. Years later, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor told Ginsburg that if a law firm had hired either of them, neither would be on the Supreme Court.

In 1975, Totenberg joined the program All Things Considered at National Public Radio (NPR), where she worked with journalists Cokie Roberts and Linda Wertheimer, who also became her lifelong friends.

“Ruth and I knew each other long before other people were paying attention to either of us.”

When Ginsburg applied to become a judge for the DC Court of Appeals, Totenberg made an exception this one time and “stepped outside” her reportorial role, writing an op-ed supporting Ginsburg’s appointment. When Senator Orrin Hatch met with Ginsburg, she “wowed” him, and she won confirmation in June 1980.

The two women built a close friendship.

Totenberg and her husband, the much older Senator Floyd Haskell, met frequently with the Ginsburgs for dinner or cultural events in Washington, DC.

Totenberg covered an era of changes in the Supreme Court. Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O’Connor to be the Court’s first woman member. The Senate unanimously approved Justice Antonin Scalia, Ginsburg’s DC Court of Appeals colleague. Their close friendship despite their differing views later inspired an opera.

Reagan next appointed Robert Bork, and that “changed everything,” according to the SCOTUSblog by Tom Goldstein, Totenberg’s former intern. Goldstein saw Bork’s selection as an attempt to shift the law drastically to the right. Liberal groups helped squelch Bork’s nomination. This contretemps led to today’s “ridiculous system,” in which nominees never say what they really think.

Totenberg saw a flaw in the confirmation process: It lacked complete background investigations. One judge, Douglas Ginsburg (no relation), withdrew his nomination after Totenberg found he’d smoked marijuana with his Harvard Law School students.

“The shared rhythm of our professional lives led us to be more personally in sync.”

Clarence Thomas’s 1991 nomination set off a firestorm, but he still became a justice. When then-Senator Joe Biden said at the hearing there would be no “personalizing this battle,” Totenberg smelled a story. She eventually unearthed the law professor Anita Hill, who said she would talk if Totenberg found a copy of the sworn affidavit detailing how Thomas had sexually harassed Hill. Totenberg interviewed Hill, breaking the story two days before the Senate vote. Hill’s Senate testimony garnered higher ratings than the World Series. The Senate confirmed Thomas with the thinnest margin in more than 100 years.

The next confirmation Totenberg covered was Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s.

The Senate approved Ginsburg’s nomination to the Supreme Court in 1993.

Ginsburg wasn’t Bill Clinton’s first or second choice, but when he interviewed her, aides said he fell for her “hook, line and sinker.” When Ginsburg got the call that Clinton would nominate her, she was overjoyed. Totenberg temporarily distanced herself from Ginsburg because she had to report on her. She was concerned their friendship might change, but they saw more of each other than they previously had.

Ginsburg’s nomination won Senate approval in 1993, and she became the Court’s second female member that August. Although she differed from O’Connor in voice, stature and opinions, lawyers repeatedly mixed up their names. When O’Connor retired, leaving Ginsburg as the sole woman on the court, observers saw her demeanor toward the good old boys club change. She didn’t want to play their games.Ginsburg had close male friends who held differing political and legal views from her own. She was especially close to Scalia, John Paul Stevens and David Souter.

“Even as Scalia’s views became more conservative…their friendship never wavered.”

The following year, Ginsburg underwent surgery for colon cancer. Totenberg’s first husband had died, and she was dating Dr. David Reines, who became Ginsburg’s medical confidant. Ginsburg officiated at their wedding in November 2000. The night before, she had been in the hospital due to an ongoing, lifelong cancer complication. She never let on until after the wedding dinner, when Ginsburg asked Totenberg if it was okay if she left the party before anyone else.

“She was a master at stuffing everything down and trying to present her best face.”

Ten years after Ginsburg’s first bout with cancer, doctors found a tumor on her pancreas. During a court recess, Ginsburg had significant, painful surgery to remove the tumor and her spleen. She recovered, but doctors then diagnosed her husband with inoperable spinal cancer.

In June 2010, Marty Ginsburg died, leaving a note extolling the love and admiration he felt for his wife of more than 50 years.

By 2010, two more female justices joined the court, changing the dynamics and making Ginsburg’s role more visible.

Ginsburg held the senior spot among the Court’s liberals, which then included Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Elena Kagan. In 2013, when the court reviewed the Voting Rights Act, Ginsburg foretold what discriminatory states would do if released from the act’s requirements. That year, at age 80, Ginsburg became known as the “Notorious R.B.G.,” a name that first appeared on a Columbia University student’s blog.

“She understood that she had become an important role model for women – young and old.”

Ginsburg became the first Supreme Court justice to officiate at a same-sex marriage. Even when she attended the opera in disguise, people gave her a standing ovation. Totenberg interviewed Ginsburg on public panels, often to sold-out audiences.

As The New York Times later revealed, President Barack Obama lunched with Ginsburg in July 2013, to hint that she should retire to allow another, younger Democratic appointment to the court. Ginsburg demurred. During these years, Totenberg and Reines often took Ginsburg to dinner, and invited her to parties and holiday celebrations. Because Ginsburg frequently worked until nearly dawn, they knew never to call her before noon.

At the end of the Court’s 2016 term, Ginsburg stepped out of her normal judicial role in several interviews. She indicated how detrimental to the country and the courts she thought Donald Trump would be as president. By the third interview, she called Trump “a faker.” Major newspapers criticized her, as did Trump on Twitter.

“I was shocked that she would make such statements publicly.”

Totenberg was a bit put out that Ginsburg hadn’t shared her thoughts with Totenberg on the record. Ginsburg “expressed regret” about making the comments, but not about what she said.

Steadily deflecting questions about her health and retirement, Ginsburg fractured several ribs in November 2018. When Totenberg publicly asked how she was, Ginsburg said her health was “fine.” Although Reines knew the truth, Totenberg didn’t. A CAT scan indicated Ginsburg had lung cancer. Reines helped schedule the surgery in 2019, telling Totenberg the night before. She wept for her friend.When the Court issued a press release the next day, Totenberg had prepared background information for a story. Ginsburg called her that night to explain she hadn’t wanted Totenberg to feel caught between their friendship and her job.

Until Ginsburg’s death, Totenberg opted for friendship over her job. She called it the “best choice” she ever made. Although doctors told the justice to cancel her engagements, Ginsburg rebooked them for later in the year.

“In that time I saw her incredible determination, her complete unwillingness to shirk or disappoint.”

Ginsburg acknowledged that her work kept her alive during that time. In August, she underwent radiation for another tumor. She kept up her schedule, including going to a play where she met her Saturday Night Live impersonator, Kate McKinnon.

Ginsburg’s health challenges made her more “steely and invincible.”

The last year of her life, Ginsburg fought to live until the 2020 presidential election, in spite of weekly medical issues. She worked without complaint or showing her pain. She hid her thinness with padded jackets and shawls, and wore crocheted gloves to hide the IV marks on her hands.

“I do not think that Ruth would have fought so hard to live if Trump were not president.”

When the COVID-19 lockdown went into effect, Totenberg’s house was Ginsburg’s only refuge other than her apartment. Because COVID-19 caused her to cancel her schedule and restricted her exposure, it likely prolonged her life. Ginsburg always chose Reines’s bouillabaisse over any other dish when she came to their scrubbed, sanitized house for dinner. Totenberg delivered entertaining tidbits of information as her husband cooked.

In the last two months of her life, Ginsburg knew she was unlikely to make it to the end of the year. After she returned from a hospital stay in September 2020, Totenberg and Reines brought the bouillabaisse to her. Ginsburg nodded off during dinner. The last time Totenberg saw Ginsburg alive was as Reines helped her to her room. Ginsburg died within a week, on the evening of the Jewish holy day Rosh Hashanah.

Ginsburg had two services, one at the Supreme Court and one at the Capitol. She was the only woman among the 34 people who’ve had that honor. However, Senator Mitch McConnell, who had cast one of the 96 votes approving her appointment, refused to allow the placing of her coffin in the Capitol Rotunda between the House and the Senate.

While people knew her for her strongly held beliefs, Ginsburg believed in reaching “common ground and consensus.” In her words, the Court might “rock the boat from time to time,” but it “couldn’t go too far beyond public opinion.”

About the Author

NPR’s legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg has won numerous journalism awards, American Bar Association awards for excellence in legal reporting, and more than 24 honorary degrees.

Review 1

“Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships” by Nina Totenberg is a heartfelt and captivating book that explores the profound impact of friendship, specifically focusing on the author’s relationship with the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Totenberg, a well-known journalist and Supreme Court correspondent, shares intimate anecdotes and personal reflections on her friendship with Justice Ginsburg. Through their regular dinners together, the book delves into the deep bond they formed and the life lessons they learned from each other.

One of the key strengths of this memoir is Totenberg’s ability to convey the warmth and authenticity of their friendship. She paints a vivid picture of their shared experiences, conversations, and the support they provided to each other throughout the years.

“Dinners with Ruth” not only offers a glimpse into the personal lives of these two remarkable women but also explores the broader themes of resilience, justice, and the power of friendship. Totenberg recounts stories of Justice Ginsburg’s determination, her unwavering commitment to equality, and her impact on the legal landscape.

The book also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the Supreme Court and the challenges faced by Justice Ginsburg as a trailblazing woman in a predominantly male-dominated field. Totenberg provides insights into the personalities and interactions among the justices, offering a unique perspective on the workings of the highest court in the land.

Furthermore, Totenberg reflects on her own growth and personal transformation through her friendship with Justice Ginsburg. She shares the wisdom she gained from their conversations and experiences, highlighting the importance of perseverance, empathy, and the pursuit of justice.

Overall, “Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships” is a touching and inspiring book that celebrates the power of deep connections and the profound impact of friendship. Totenberg’s storytelling, combined with her unique perspective as a journalist and friend, makes this memoir a compelling read for anyone interested in the lives of these influential women and the enduring value of meaningful friendships.

Review 2

Sure, here is a brief review of the book Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships by Nina Totenberg:

Dinners with Ruth is a memoir by Nina Totenberg, a legal affairs correspondent for NPR. The book tells the story of her friendship with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late Supreme Court justice.

Totenberg and Ginsburg met in 1971, when Ginsburg was a lawyer arguing cases before the Supreme Court. Totenberg was immediately impressed by Ginsburg’s intelligence and determination. The two women became fast friends, and they would meet regularly for dinner to discuss their work and their lives.

Dinners with Ruth is a warm and intimate portrait of a friendship that spanned four decades. Totenberg writes candidly about her own life and career, and she also shares stories about Ginsburg’s personal life and her work on the Supreme Court. The book is a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of mentorship.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the book:

• Friendship is a powerful force that can enrich our lives in many ways.
• Mentorship is essential for success, and it can be found in unexpected places.
• It is important to be true to oneself, even when it is difficult.
• It is never too late to make a difference in the world.

Overall, Dinners with Ruth is a heartwarming and inspiring book that celebrates the power of friendship. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever been touched by the power of friendship.

Here are some additional thoughts on the book:

• I appreciate that Totenberg is so open and honest about her friendship with Ginsburg. She writes about the ups and downs of their friendship, and she does not shy away from the difficult moments.
• I also appreciate that Totenberg shares so many personal stories about Ginsburg. These stories help to humanize Ginsburg and make her more relatable.
• I think the book is well-written and easy to read. It is a joy to spend time with Totenberg and Ginsburg as they share their stories and insights.

I highly recommend Dinners with Ruth to anyone who is looking for a heartwarming and inspiring read. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Review 3

Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships by Nina Totenberg is a captivating and heartfelt account of the author’s long-lasting friendship with the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Totenberg, a renowned journalist and legal affairs correspondent for NPR, shares her personal and professional experiences with Ginsburg, from their first meeting in 1971 to their last dinner in 2020. The book reveals the remarkable bond between two women who shared a passion for law, justice, and feminism, as well as a love for food, wine, and opera. Totenberg paints a vivid portrait of Ginsburg’s life and legacy, highlighting her intellect, integrity, courage, and humor. She also offers insights into the inner workings of the Supreme Court and the challenges faced by women in the legal profession. Dinners with Ruth is more than just a memoir; it is a tribute to a friendship that transcended politics, ideology, and generations. It is a book that will inspire and delight readers who admire Ginsburg’s achievements and values.

Review 4

“Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships” by Nina Totenberg is a heartfelt and illuminating exploration of the author’s personal connection with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, underscoring the significance of deep and transformative friendships. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, reflections, and insights, Totenberg provides an intimate portrait of her friendship with the late Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg, showcasing the lasting impact of their bond.

The book is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of friendship, public service, and legal history. Totenberg’s writing is sincere and engaging, drawing readers into her experiences and emotions while highlighting the profound influence of Ginsburg on her life.

One of the book’s standout qualities is its emphasis on the power of human connection across professional and personal realms. Totenberg eloquently captures the essence of her relationship with Ginsburg, showcasing how their shared values, intellectual curiosity, and mutual support fortified their friendship over the years.

“Dinners with Ruth” delves into the multifaceted nature of Ginsburg’s character, revealing her warmth, wit, and dedication to justice. Totenberg’s stories offer a rare glimpse into the personal side of the iconic Supreme Court Justice, showcasing her love for opera, her unwavering commitment to gender equality, and her ability to foster deep connections with those around her.

The book also highlights the importance of mentorship and role models. Totenberg shares how Ginsburg’s guidance and wisdom influenced her professional decisions and contributed to her growth as a journalist and legal commentator. The memoir serves as a reminder of the profound impact that mentors can have on one’s career and life journey.

In conclusion, “Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships” by Nina Totenberg is a touching and insightful tribute to the enduring friendship between the author and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Totenberg’s candid storytelling, mixed with her profound admiration for Ginsburg, creates a captivating narrative that resonates with readers. By highlighting the profound impact of transformative friendships, the book offers a poignant reminder of the significance of connections that transcend time, distance, and professional roles. Whether you are interested in legal history, friendship dynamics, or the legacy of remarkable individuals, this memoir delivers a heartfelt and illuminating perspective on the power of enduring relationships.

Review 5

“Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships” by Nina Totenberg is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the profound impact of friendships, as seen through the lens of the author’s personal experiences with the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Totenberg, a renowned journalist and close friend of Ginsburg, takes readers on an intimate journey, delving into the deep bond they shared and the transformative power of their friendship. Through a series of engaging anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Totenberg paints a vivid picture of the extraordinary woman behind the iconic judicial figure.

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in Totenberg’s ability to provide a multifaceted portrayal of Ginsburg. She skillfully captures the justice’s intellect, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice, while also revealing her warmth, wit, and capacity for deep friendship. Totenberg’s personal anecdotes offer a unique perspective on Ginsburg’s character, showcasing her as a mentor, confidante, and source of inspiration.

The memoir also serves as a testament to the enduring power of friendship. Totenberg skillfully weaves together stories of her own personal and professional challenges, highlighting how Ginsburg’s unwavering support and guidance played a pivotal role in her life. Through their shared dinners and conversations, Totenberg demonstrates how friendships can shape and empower individuals, providing solace, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

Furthermore, “Dinners with Ruth” offers valuable insights into the inner workings of the Supreme Court and the legal landscape of the United States. Totenberg’s expertise as a journalist shines through as she provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at Ginsburg’s role in shaping landmark decisions and her tireless advocacy for gender equality.

The book’s prose is elegant and accessible, making it an engaging read for both legal enthusiasts and general readers alike. Totenberg’s storytelling prowess keeps the narrative flowing smoothly, effortlessly blending personal anecdotes with historical context and legal analysis.

If there is one minor criticism, it is that at times the book may feel slightly biased due to the author’s close relationship with Ginsburg. However, Totenberg’s transparency about her friendship with the justice helps mitigate this concern, allowing readers to appreciate the depth of their connection while still maintaining a critical perspective.

In conclusion, “Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships” is a captivating and insightful book that offers a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Nina Totenberg’s personal anecdotes and reflections provide a heartfelt tribute to their friendship while also shedding light on the profound impact of friendships in our own lives. This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of law, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of one of America’s most influential jurists.

Review 6

Here is my brief review of the book Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships by Nina Totenberg:

Dinners with Ruth is a book that recounts the personal and professional friendship between Nina Totenberg, a renowned journalist and legal affairs correspondent for NPR, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a legendary Supreme Court justice and icon of women’s rights. The book is based on the author’s intimate and candid conversations with Ginsburg over the course of three decades, as well as her own observations and insights on Ginsburg’s life and legacy.

The book covers various topics, such as:

• The history and evolution of Ginsburg’s career, from her early struggles as a law student and professor to her groundbreaking achievements as a lawyer and judge.
• The role and influence of Ginsburg’s family, friends, and colleagues, such as her husband Marty, her children Jane and James, her fellow justices, and her clerks.
• The themes and issues that Ginsburg championed and addressed, such as gender equality, civil rights, constitutional law, and judicial independence.
• The personality and character of Ginsburg, such as her intellect, humor, courage, grace, and resilience.

The book explains each topic in detail, with practical examples, anecdotes, quotations, and photographs. The book also provides a self-assessment tool that helps readers evaluate their own knowledge and admiration for Ginsburg and her work. The book is not a theoretical or academic treatise on law or journalism, but rather a practical and engaging guide that draws on the author’s extensive research and experience in covering Ginsburg and the Supreme Court. The book is based on solid research and data, but also on real-life stories and experiences that illustrate the points and arguments. The book challenges some of the common myths and misconceptions about Ginsburg, such as her aloofness, frailty, or partisanship. The book argues that Ginsburg was not a saint, but a human being who made a difference.

The book is a valuable and informative read for anyone who wants to learn more about Ginsburg and her impact on American society, whether they are new or experienced, individual or team-based, product or service-oriented. The book provides a comprehensive and balanced overview of Ginsburg’s life and work, as well as actionable tips and tools for understanding and appreciating her legacy. The book also offers a visionary and optimistic outlook on the future of law and justice, which is changing rapidly due to technology, globalization, and customer expectations.

Review 7

I have read the book [Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships] by [Nina Totenberg] and I will give you a brief review of it.

The book is a heartfelt and humorous memoir of the author’s friendship with the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away in 2020. The author, who is a renowned NPR legal affairs correspondent, met Ginsburg in 1971 and became one of her closest friends and confidants. The book recounts their shared experiences, conversations, and insights over the years, especially during their monthly dinners with a group of other women lawyers and journalists. The book reveals the personal side of Ginsburg, who was not only a brilliant and influential jurist, but also a warm, witty, and generous friend. The book also celebrates the power and importance of female friendships, which sustained and enriched both the author and Ginsburg throughout their careers and lives.

The book is well-written, engaging, and informative. The author uses anecdotes, interviews, and case studies to support her arguments and illustrate her points. The author also explains complex concepts and terms in simple and accessible language. The book is not only informative, but also inspiring. It challenges the reader to rethink their own understanding of the role and legacy of Ginsburg, and to appreciate the value and joy of friendships. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in law, politics, history, or biography.