Was 2018 the year of Ruth Bader Ginsburg? With a new biography, a documentary, a biopic, and so much more, the 85-year-old Supreme Court Justice dominated the pop culture landscape this year. On her 25th anniversary of being appointed to the Supreme Court, she’s not slowing down anytime soon. (Not even broken ribs can stop her!)
As 2018 year winds down, we’re looking back at the year in RBG. All the movies, books, and yes, even podcasts can be overwhelming to navigate. We know you’re busy — even the most ardent Ginsburg fan has just so much time — so we’ve sorted them for you.
FOR FAMILIES
If you’re looking for a movie to watch together…. On the Basis of Sex, the biopic written by her nephew, is the heartwarming tale of Ginsburg and her husband, Marty. It focuses on a moment early Ginsburg’s career when she and Marty litigated a tax case together — the first case of sex-based discrimination she took on. Featuring Felicity Jones as Ruth and Armie Hammer as Marty (which RBG herself approves of!), the movie is authentic, inspiring, and the perfect feel-good tale. Plus? The justice herself has already seen it three times.
If you like documentaries that make you cry…. RBG premiered in theaters in May, and is now available to stream on Hulu. The film focuses on her legal legacy and her status as a pop culture icon. It also explores her life, love story with Marty (cue the tears), and her family.There are interviews with Ginsburg herself, her children Jane and James, her granddaughter Clara, and famous figures such as Gloria Steinem and Lily Ledbetter.
If you’re a podcast fiend… “RBG: Beyond Notorious” is from the same team that brought you the RBG documentary. A six-part (!) series, it starts in the present day and works back in time. Like the doc, it features interviews with Ginsburg herself, in addition to her family and colleagues. It kind of takes you behind-the-scenes of the film — but you don’t need to have seen the documentary to listen to the podcast!
FOR ADULTS
If you like diving into a very meaty biography…. Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life is the first definitive biography of the justice. Written by Jane Sherron de Hart, it covers into everything from her connection to Judaism to her unique parenting style. Clocking in at 540 pages (723 including the bibliography & notes!), this isn’t for a casual reader. But it is so worth the read.
If you like books that are perfect for the coffee table… The Unstoppable Ruth Bader Ginsburg: American Icon is a combination of 130 photographs and inspiring quotes. It covers a mix of her private life and public life, covering her childhood in Brooklyn through her appointment to the highest court in America.
If you’re interested in legal and feminist analyses…. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy of Dissent: Feminist Rhetoric and the Law examines her contributions to “reshaping the rhetoric of the law.” It focuses on her impact on late 20th century feminism, and the “unique contributions” of RBG’s legal rhetoric and how she’s “shifted the boundaries of legal language.” Definitely a more scholarly read, but if you’re into that type of thing, this is definitely for you.
FOR KIDS
For your baby or toddler… I Look Up To… Ruth Bader Ginsburg: part of the “I Look Up To” series, which introduces inspiring people to young ones. This book explains in simple way how Ginsburg is admirable because she’s smart and strong.
For your pre-teen…. Female Force: Ruth Bader Ginsburg tells Ginsburg’s story comic form. Who can resist a good comic book?
For your artsy teen…. The Ruth Bader Ginsburg Coloring Book! This here is a a “quirky collection of original illustrations by noted cartoonist Tom F. O’Leary.” It’s great for teens — and just about everyone.
FOR EVERYONE
Who doesn’t want a RBG calendar? Did we say 2018 was the Year of Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Perhaps we were off by a year. After all, in 2018, two RBG calendars came out for 2019: The Ruth Bader Ginsburg 2019 Wall Calendar or The RBG Workout 2019 Wall Calendar.
Happy Year of RBG!
