 Interesting, but biased against the conservatives on the court
2008-05-16
I enjoyed the first few chapters, but it soon became plain that the author was not going to be evenhanded on his critiques of the justices. I think he overdid his adulation for Sandra Day O'Connor, and his dislike for the conservative justices ruined the last chapters of the book. His contempt for President Bush was evident, and when a writer fills his pages with snide comments, he shows that he cannot be objective. Put this one down after you reach the middle of the book.
 Disappointing
2008-05-15
This started as a wonderful account of the Supreme Court. In later chapters, it became a bashing of President Bush and the Republican party. As a result, it cannot be considered a scholarly text, but a biased view of one reporter, under the guise of history.
 not boring
2008-05-10
A quick review of Jeff Toobin's "The Nine"...fascinating. And who would have thought that of Supreme Court Justices? But Toobin held my attention by revealing the personalities and proclivities of the justices via the cases presented to them. The reader got a double dose of info and a well-written, engaging look into the inner workings of the Supreme Court. Those nine people are actually human beings like you and I. Altho Toobin casts a liberal's slant, the reader still cannot quite hate the conservatives. A good read.
 Excellent and Scary
2008-05-07
While others may have a positive impression about Alito, Roberts, Thomas and Scalia, I have a negative view of them, reinforced after reading this book.
This book is to the recent Supreme Court history what "The Brethren" was to the Warren Burger court.
Excellent book and well written. And timely for this year's presidential election.
The Personalities Who Mete Justice2008-05-05
I consider myself to be a reasonably educated American. I have a reasonably good working knowledge of the branches of government. Still, of the three, I would have to say that my knowledge of the judicial branch is the weakest. In theory, I know about the function of the Supreme Court, but I knew very little about the specifics of the people and the workings of the Court now, other than tidbits I'd pick up from the news and magazines. Now, having finished Mr. Toobin's excellent book, I feel like I know much more.
The Nine is not a comprehensive history of the Supreme Court. Instead, it is a look at the current make-up of the Court, particularly in the transition from the Rehnquist Court to the Roberts Court. It blends information on the history and personalities of various justices, a look at important rulings in their various tenures, and offers insight into how the Court might trend in the future. In laying this before us, Toobin gives us a nice overview of the last fifty years or so of American jurisprudence.
In particular, I feel I have a much better sense of these people who have shaped our culture in such powerful ways. Of course, by nature of their impact, some personalities stand out more than other. Sandra Day O'Connor, due to her position as a powerful swing vote on the Court, seems to come through most powerfully, though I feel Rehnquist, Scalia, Thomas and Kennedy are also much clearer to me. I also have to admit, I enjoyed learning about Souter's eccentricities. The newer justices, like Roberts and Alito, don't get the depth of treatment due to their short tenure but Toobin takes their impact into account.
Overall, I was extremely pleased by this book. It is very easy to read and informative. There is an undercurrent of concern about how the direction of the Court changes with the appointment of new justices; however, I didn't feel this overwhelmed the flow of the narrative. That is, after all, how the Court changes. As much as we'd like to believe justice is impartial, it very much depends on the people who are meting it out. Mr. Toobin has given us a great look at how this is currently happening in the United States. Every American should read it.
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