Review: American Original: The Life and Constitution of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

American Original: The Life and Constitution of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia by Joan Biskupic
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When I first started reading American Original, I hadn't really realized that it was written prior to Scalia's death. I had expected a biography of the man, which it is in part. What Biskupic really focuses on is Scalia's theory of Originalism; that is, interpreting the law the way the constitution was written. Each chapter focuses on a different topic and the cases about them such as civil, human, and women's rights, the Bush v. Gore election, religion, and cases where the justices should recuse themselves from certain cases. Biskupic's aim is to show that Scalia played the originalism card when it suited him. For the most part, he did follow his own theory. What did come across in the book is that Scalia was a likable person, whether or not you agreed with his politics and rulings. That is evident in the way he spoke and captivated his audience, and his strong friendships with people on both sides of the political coin. Although he stayed far to the right on his politics, he had a strong bond and friendship with Ruth Bader Ginsberg, his almost polar opposite on the bench.

Where the book was interesting and I learned a lot about Scalia, it didn't wow me. I did like how each chapter focused on the cases around noted topics, but I didn't feel the author was driving a particular point, other than "this is Scalia, he's an originalist, and this is how he ruled, and oh, by the way, he was a "character". I am curious, now, about his later years, just prior to and including his death. All in all, if you are interested in Scalia and his decisions in cases, it's worth reading. It is well written but it is not a page turner.

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Review: Unreasonable Men: Theodore Roosevelt and the Republican Rebels Who Created Progressive Politics

Unreasonable Men: Theodore Roosevelt and the Republican Rebels Who Created Progressive Politics by Michael Wolraich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unreasonable Men covers the rise of progressive politics at the turn of the century from the end of Teddy Roosevelt's tenure as President, during Taft's tenure and through the election of Woodrow Wilson. Roosevelt often butted heads with the likes of "Fighting Bob" La Follotte who led the progressive movement. This was an era of a decisive split among Republicans that certainly echo's today's political environment. So much can be compared to the 2016 election season.

Wolraich does a wonderful job of bringing the reader into the times and understanding the political climate of the Taft era when the unreasonable man tries to adapt the world to himself rather than adapt to the world. Definitely worth the read for anyone interested in politics today.

I received this book gratis from the History Book Club and our friends at St.Martin's Press


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Review: The Nonprofit Board Answer Book: A Practical Guide for Board Members and Chief Executives

The Nonprofit Board Answer Book: A Practical Guide for Board Members and Chief Executives by BOARDSOURCE
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BoardSource is a leader in nonprofit governance. Having worked with thousands of nonprofit organizations, BoardSource has become the go-to resource for board members, officers, and staff in leadership skills and effective board service. This is a quick read, meant as a reference for many topics that organizations may face. Topics include Basic Board Functions, Board Structure, Board Member Selections and Development, Board and Committee Meetings, The Board's Role as Fiduciary, Board-Staff Relations, and Organizational Change.

This should be required reading for all nonprofit board members and executive staff.

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Review: The Nightingale

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very haunting story of World War II from the perspective of two sisters at odd with each other, each trying to find their place and survive in Nazi occupied France. Their mother passed away when they were young and their father didn't know how to handle the grief and or the girls. Vianne creates her own life and family in Carriveau, France away from her father in Paris. A rebellious Isabelle was forced to move in with her sister once the Nazis occupied the area. Vianne and Isabelle are constantly under the eye of an SS soldier billeting in their home. Unable to stand by helplessly, Isabelle joins the Resistance under the code name The Nightingale. Vianne finds her own way of helping the cause.

This story is powerful. These two strong women defy odds to help the helpless, putting their lives at risk. You cheer their successes and your heart breaks for the loses. The story is at times graphic in its descriptions of the atrocities that occur, but is a page-turner to the end. Although this is a work of fiction, the reader should understand that there were brave women who risked their lives to help save many people who would have easily perished. It was a tough read and extremely sad at times. It is a different perspective from most other WWII stories out there. It was well worth the read.

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