Book Court - Where I'm the Judge and Jury

CHARGE (What is the author trying to say?): To write a biography of Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman justice of the US Supreme Court that strikes a balance between her personal relationships and her judicial philosophy.

FACTS: This is an excellent biography of Sandra Day O’Connor, based upon exclusive interviews and first-time access to her archives. She grew up on a ranch in Arizona, as her father’s pet, and graduated from Stanford and Stanford Law School as an excellent student. She was surprised to learn that no law firm would hire her, only being offered a position as a secretary. During law school I was surprised to learn she dated William Rehnquist, and he even proposed to her, but she ultimately married another law student, John O’Connor.

Through stints in private practice, the Arizona State Legislature, and the Superior Court bench, O’Connor raised three sons, was a member of the Junior League, and managed a household. Through snippets of actual conversations, news articles, and correspondence, the author tells a highly readable and credible story of the coming of age of female attorneys in the US.

When Ken Starr and Jon Rose came to interview O’Connor as a candidate for the US Supreme Court, she wowed them with her judicial knowledge, personality, and also her salmon mousse. Her nomination by President Reagan on July 6, 1981, gave women a glimpse into a future that had once been inaccessible to them. The book chronicles many of the cases which came before O’Connor on the court, including abortion rights and probably her most difficult – Bush v. Gore.

The author achingly describes her husband John’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, which ultimately led to her retirement from the court. Her brief time with John before his illness overtook him and her own Alzheimer’s diagnosis, work to end the book on a low note. Perhaps a more detailed recollection of her achievements would have brought the book to a less abrupt and more satisfying conclusion.

VERDICT (Was the author successful?): Guilty, as charged. This is a definitive biography of O’Connor and a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of the US Supreme Court.

#NetGalley #First

This book outlines the life and career of Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female Supreme Court justice. Although O'Connor is a fascinating subject, the book was a bit dry and repetitive. It had almost a defensive quality to it, as if the author was trying to justify or explain away O'Connor and her career. Overall, not a book I would re-read or recommend.

I really enjoyed this book so much. I love learning about the legal field and the supreme court is no different. Also biography\memoirs arey favorite genres. Wow she had a great life and acconplishments and of course rooting for the first woman supreme court justice was great.

This book is well researched and written. The author's writing style makes this an interesting read. It covers the life of the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court. The book does an excellent job of describing how O'Connor arrived at the opinions that she wrote and how she dealt with differing opinions within the court itself including some attacks that were more personal versus objective. Justice O'Connor was a trail blazer in many ways and it is unfortunate that the current make-up of the court has become increasingly political and positioned to undo much of the work that she did.

I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court or the more recent history of the court.

I received a free Kindle copy of First: Sandra Day O'Connor by Evan Thomas courtesy of Net Galley  and Random House, the publisher. It was with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my fiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook and Twitter pages.

I requested this book as I am interested in the Supreme Court and its history. I have read a number of books by the author.

I was very excited to receive a free copy from netgalley for an honest review.

Short answer- I loved this book!

Long answer- I grew up wanting to be this woman, and after studying law, and reading countless briefs written by her as well as seeing documentaries throughout my life, I felt like I knew a fair amount about who she was. But, this book showed what shaped her and how irreverent she was, but also showed how seriously she took her calling. There’s a difference in knowing what to do, and knowing how do do it effortlessly. I think anyone wanting to view challenges in their career, or how to give back after tacking those challenges should read this. She had heart, she had style, and she knew how to go on.

First: Sanders Day O'Connor, by Evan Thomas, is the first biography I have read about Sandra Day O'Connor. Clearly, a lot of research went into the book, but unfortunately the writing is disorganized and lacks focus.
The introduction of her early life, her wonderful marriage to John, and her early career is well done. Her upbringing and marital support gave her the fortitude to face the sexist challenges of her time.
But beginning with the Supreme Court appointment, the book breaks down. The narrative bounces around chronologically, and it is full of details of court cases that did not serve to tell Sandra Day O'Connor's story. I felt the author needed to choose between a book about case law, or a book about SDC.
There are interesting nuggets in each chapter, but I was often skimming after chapter 7.
The description of her post-retirement years is quite unflattering. While it's important to be truthful, I think some interview comments could have been left out for the sake of graciousness. iCivics is a wonderful program, and perhaps more could have been said about that and less about her bossiness and rudeness.

An advance copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley.

#first #netgalley

Sandra Day O’Conner is a true role model.A multifaceted woman a strong leader.I loved reading about her roots her accomplishments her real life story.Will be gifting this book to women friends who will be inspired.#netgalley #randomhouse.

Can't say enough about this in depth portrait of our first female Supreme Court Justice! As a female attorney myself, I was initially drawn to the title because of the many great acts Justice O'Connor was involved with while on the bench. But I gleamed so much more from this book. From her up bringing in Arizona, her time in law school as a female in a predominately man's world, to her care of her husband during their later years, I finished this book (in one sitting I might add) feeling inspired to accomplish more not only in my career but as a person as well. The author's vivid description paints such a clear picture of one of America's most inspiring women. Clear your schedule because you won't be able to put this biography down!