Celebrated NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg delivers an extraordinary memoir of her personal successes, struggles, and life-affirming relationships, including her beautiful friendship of nearly fifty years with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Four years before Nina Totenberg was hired at NPR, where she cemented her legacy as a prizewinning reporter, and nearly twenty-two years before Ruth Bader Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court, Nina called Ruth. A reporter for The National Observer, Nina was curious about Ruth’s legal brief, asking the Supreme Court to do something revolutionary: declare a law that discriminated “on the basis of sex” to be unconstitutional.

In a time when women were fired for becoming pregnant, often could not apply for credit cards or get a mortgage in their own names, Ruth patiently explained her argument. That call launched a remarkable, nearly fifty-year friendship. Dinners with Ruth is an extraordinary account of two women who paved the way for future generations by tearing down professional and legal barriers.

It is also an intimate memoir of the power of friendships as women began to pry open career doors and transform the workplace. At the story’s heart is one, special relationship: Ruth and Nina saw each other not only through personal joys, but also illness, loss, and widowhood. During the devastating illness and eventual death of Nina’s first husband, Ruth drew her out of grief; twelve years later, Nina would reciprocate when Ruth’s beloved husband died.

They shared not only a love of opera, but also of shopping, as they instinctively understood that clothes were armor for women who wanted to be taken seriously in a workplace dominated by men. During Ruth’s last year, they shared so many small dinners that Saturdays were “reserved for Ruth” in Nina’s house. Dinners with Ruth also weaves together compelling, personal portraits of other fascinating women and men from Nina’s life, including her cherished NPR colleagues Cokie Roberts and Linda Wertheimer; her beloved husbands; her friendships with multiple Supreme Court Justices, including Lewis Powell, William Brennan, and Antonin Scalia, and Nina’s own family—her father, the legendary violinist Roman Totenberg, and her “best friends,” her sisters.

Inspiring and revelatory, Dinners with Ruth is a moving story of the joy and true meaning of friendship.

In "Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships," journalist Nina Totenberg offers a heartfelt tribute to her cherished friendship with the iconic Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Rooted in shared experiences, aspirations, and unwavering support, their relationship transcends professional boundaries to reveal the power and depth of personal connection. Through intimate anecdotes and vivid recollections, Totenberg paints a rich tapestry of a friendship that thrived amidst challenges, offering an inspiring testament to the enduring bonds that shape our lives.

Friendships can become a source of strength and resilience in both personal and professional realms. Sharing personal stories fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the people who impact our lives. Women supporting women can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment.

Nina Totenberg an esteemed NPR journalist invites readers to explore her personal journey alongside Ruth Bader Ginsburg the renowned Supreme Court Justice. Their friendship is deeply rooted in mutual respect shared values and the courage to challenge societal norms. With warmth and sincerity Totenberg shares precious moments from their dinners and conversations.

In this memoir Totenberg unveils the layers of Ginsburg's personality—her wisdom humor and unyielding commitment to justice. Through engaging narratives readers are transported into a world of tenacity and grace that defined both their careers and lives. The book captures the significance of genuine connections in the face of adversity.

Dinners with Ruth" is not just an ode to their friendship but also an exploration of the broader implications of alliances formed in loyalty and love. Totenberg\'s storytelling highlights the strength found in vulnerability providing a poignant reflection on how friendships influence personal growth and social change. Totenberg's insights extend beyond her bond with Ginsburg revealing universal truths about the human spirit.

The memoir invites readers to reflect on their relationships and the profound impact that true friendship can have reaching far beyond the boundaries of the personal sphere. As Totenberg delves into her decades of memories she underscores the importance of unwavering support and the power of shared dreams. Her narrative serves as a reminder that friendships are cultivating grounds for empathy understanding and the courage to strive for a better world.

Through intimate storytelling and vivid recollections Dinners with Ruth" exhibits the deeply personal side of an iconic figure showcasing the authenticity of Ginsburg beyond her public persona. The memoir beautifully intertwines the historical context of landmark legal battles with personal anecdotes offering an insightful exploration of how relationships shape one\'s professional landscape. Totenberg\'s narrative enriches the reader\'s understanding of friendship\'s transformative power celebrating the unique bond between two pioneering women who inspired each other to challenge and redefine societal norms.