Today's Read Contributor In 2025, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s influence remains felt not only through her landmark decisions on the U.S. Supreme Court but also in the hearts and minds of millions who admired her relentless pursuit of justice. Sarah Miller’s biography, Becoming Ruth, which was published in June 2025, offers an intimate and comprehensive look at the life and legacy of one of the most revered figures in modern American history.
Ginsburg’s journey from a young Jewish girl growing up in Brooklyn to one of the most powerful legal minds in the country is nothing short of remarkable. But Becoming Ruth delves deeper than just the public persona; it examines the woman behind the icon, her struggles, her relationships, and the quiet determination that fueled her tireless fight for gender equality, civil liberties, and social justice.
A Deep Dive into Ginsburg’s Early Life
Miller’s biography begins by tracing Ginsburg’s early years, focusing on her formative experiences growing up in Brooklyn. The book highlights Ginsburg’s close relationship with her mother, who was a significant influence on her intellectual development and her sense of justice. Her mother’s untimely death just before Ginsburg graduated from high school was a defining moment that shaped her determination to succeed in a world that often underestimated her because of her gender.
As a student at Cornell University, Ginsburg excelled academically and went on to attend Harvard Law School, one of the few women in a class of more than 500 men. Miller chronicles Ginsburg’s experiences at Harvard, where she faced the added challenge of balancing her studies with caring for her newborn daughter, Jane. It was during this time that Ginsburg’s commitment to fighting for gender equality began to take shape. Her experiences at law school, coupled with the sexism she encountered in the legal profession, fueled her lifelong mission to challenge gender-based discrimination.
Ginsburg’s Relationship with Martin Ginsburg
One of the most fascinating aspects of Becoming Ruth is its exploration of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s marriage to Martin Ginsburg, her lifelong partner and staunchest supporter. Their relationship is depicted not just as a love story but as a partnership built on mutual respect and intellectual camaraderie. Martin Ginsburg, a prominent tax attorney, was deeply supportive of Ruth’s career, often sharing the burden of family life and encouraging her to pursue her professional ambitions even when it meant taking risks or challenging societal expectations.
Miller’s portrayal of their relationship offers readers a unique insight into the personal side of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life, showing how their partnership was integral to her success. The Ginsburgs’ relationship was a model of mutual respect, where both partners were equally committed to their careers and their shared values.
The Legal Revolution: Ginsburg’s Fight for Justice
Ginsburg’s tenure at the U.S. Supreme Court was defined by her unyielding commitment to fighting for justice, equality, and the protection of civil rights. Miller examines Ginsburg’s landmark decisions, such as her work on cases like United States v. Virginia, where she helped strike down the Virginia Military Institute’s male-only admissions policy, and Olmstead v. L.C., which expanded the rights of individuals with disabilities.
But Miller also delves into Ginsburg’s quieter contributions, like her work on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and her advocacy for gender equality throughout her career. Through meticulous research and interviews with colleagues, family, and friends, Becoming Ruth paints a portrait of a woman who, despite the often contentious political environment, was able to bring about lasting change through perseverance, diplomacy, and a profound belief in the Constitution.
Legacy and Influence
Becoming Ruth ends with a reflection on Ginsburg’s enduring influence. Her death in 2020 marked the end of an era, but her legacy continues to inspire future generations of women and men committed to fighting for equality and justice. Miller’s biography also discusses Ginsburg’s posthumous impact, with the cultural icon’s image inspiring movements, films, and educational programs dedicated to her work.
Through Becoming Ruth, Sarah Miller provides a deep, humanizing portrait of one of the most influential figures in modern American history, ensuring that Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s story will continue to inspire for generations to come.
