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A review by carolynrasp
Fight of the Century: Writers Reflect on 100 Years of Landmark ACLU Cases by Michael Chabon, Ayelet Waldman
5.0
The biggest takeaway one should have from this book is the constant reminder that just because something is "settled law" doesn't mean people won't find their ways around it (which if your eyes are even a little bit open to what's going on in the world, you'd know). Some cases overturn only partial points, something we need to remember.
Each writer (and what a diverse group of voices it was!) was able to take a case from the ACLU's 100 year history (the big ones and some you may not have heard about) and write something, however they chose to: some opposing the ACLU's stance, some summarized the story behind what lead to the case, and others wrote how the outcome of the case affected their lives or how it relates to their experiences.
Law, while I enjoy learning about it, isn't everything without full accountability at every level. The ACLU is always striving to uphold the constitutional rights of American citizens. This book does highlights missteps. It highlights the work the ACLU, and us, still need to do. But it also shows how far we've come, and that minds can be changed. If you have even the slightest interest in constitutional law, you'll probably enjoy this.
Each writer (and what a diverse group of voices it was!) was able to take a case from the ACLU's 100 year history (the big ones and some you may not have heard about) and write something, however they chose to: some opposing the ACLU's stance, some summarized the story behind what lead to the case, and others wrote how the outcome of the case affected their lives or how it relates to their experiences.
Law, while I enjoy learning about it, isn't everything without full accountability at every level. The ACLU is always striving to uphold the constitutional rights of American citizens. This book does highlights missteps. It highlights the work the ACLU, and us, still need to do. But it also shows how far we've come, and that minds can be changed. If you have even the slightest interest in constitutional law, you'll probably enjoy this.