“She was born in 1930 in El Paso and grew up on a cattle ranch in Arizona. At a time when women were expected to be homemakers, she set her sights on Stanford University. When she graduated near the top of her class at law school in 1952, no firm would even interview her. But Sandra Day O’Connor’s story is that of a woman who repeatedly shattered glass ceilings–doing so with a blend of grace, wisdom, humor, understatement, and cowgirl toughness.”  -Goodreads description

This biography takes readers on a journey that spans eight decades and chronicles the life of the first women to ‘break up the boys club’ in the U.S. Supreme Court. Sandra Day O’Connor’s journey from a gritty, beloved childhood on a ranch to a prolific Supreme Court Justice is told with honesty. The author takes great care in researching and Sandra’s personal and professional life. The book shows a wide scope of Sandra’s life by pulling from interview transcripts, her husband’s diary, personal writings, published court opinions, and speaking engagements.

The author, Evan Thomas, accurately portrays Sandra’s conviction concerning the law along with her willingness to see multiple perspectives before making a judgement. Sandra’s life is not ‘sugar coated’; this book takes an candid and at times humorous approach to her journey. The book strives a strong balance between Sandra’s role in groundbreaking Supreme Court cases and her journey as a wife, mother, friend, author, and national inspiration. I rate this biography 5/5 stars and would recommend it to any reader who enjoys non-fiction, feminist, and intellectual writing.  

If you are interested in reading this book and are part of the Lindenwood community, you can check out the audiobook through OverDrive. Check out your local library if you would like an e-book.