One of the interesting people I have read about
935887
This is a very interesting read from start to finish.  I was not aware of so many things of this Supreme Court Justice.  You never hear a word about him in the media.  He is one of the most interesting people I have read about.  This is a great book.
1027769
Such an interesting person. There was lots of things I did know about her. Who knew she wasn't Jewish? Read the book it will hold your interest.
3855257
Fascinating.  I recently wrote a post (I'm a psychologist) for my psychologytoday.com blog referring to this book.  My point was that a person can be relatively handicapped, or at least out of the mainstream of what most people think of as emotionally normal, and still be a highly positive contributor to his family and countryand even a great American President.  Gives me hope for President Trump.
3115276
I have an interest in the time period of 1850 to 1870. Having said that, I found this book to be an interesting biography about a man I knew very little about.
2956727
I enjoyed reading about the life of Irma Grese, I know there are lots of books written about her. There are ongoing studies and documentaries about her; however, I doubt that she's a notorious woman as opposed to what others think. Her life is so interesting and I admire that she strongly handle her childhood days. Like her, I was a victim and barely did well at a school. In this book, her father joined the Nazis when she was 14 years old and there are still no findings why Alfred Grese joined the party. However, I am slightly assuming that Irma joined too because she was influenced by her father.
1660267
I liked reading this book, though perhaps not for the same reasons that others might give. Reading this book was gripping because I felt like I was sitting across from a new friend. This fascinating man was telling me about his life and how his work reflects his life.

Writing is an interesting topic to me (I enjoy it, I'm not good at it), so I liked hearing from this man as he told me how he got there. The trials and tribulations involved. The joys and highs that came with following his passion. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's inspiring or reaffirming. It IS helpful. Perhaps the best way to view this book is a session with a very long-winded teacher that goes off on tangents. There are some nuggets in here that make it well worth the read.

Totally worth it.
1536568
I saw this author interviewed on The Daily Show.  The author was engaging and the book sounded interesting.  After reading it I believe I have an increased wareness and insight in to the Pashtun culture of a thousand years - and though it seems somewhat neanderthal to me it seems logical in many ways - thanks to the author's personal insights and explanations.  She is uniquely qualified to explain to westerners her native lands culture and customs.  A few times while reading about her relationships I thought she was somewhat self-involved and polyana-ish about men and their feelings - but all in all it was a good and interesting read.
589617
I wish that Gene Stratton Porter was well known, and that her books were more popular than they are today.  This book sheds some light on her unusual and interesting personality and life.
1994465
I enjoyed reading this book about one of my favorite musicians.  I learned that Billy Ray made a lot more albums and movies then I ever knew.  I will have to look up some of them and catch up.
4775622
I wanted to buy this book because it is about a good friend of mine's mother and how she had to live her life.  From what I have read so far this is a remarkable woman.
382932
I liked this because I did not know these facts about these inspiring people until I read this. This book really gives you a good look into the history of the people that you know about that also lived amazing lives. I think this book will be great for someone who is interested in introverts and history.
3998826
A very good book that contains more than I thought.  I have never heard of some of these people.  Enlightning.
66031
I always enjoy learning about special people, of whom little is known.  I have read about several situations regarding the Code Talkers and seen the monument at the Burger King in Keyenta, Arizona, but learning about Philip Johnson was most interesting.
1388032
I've known Bill for a number of years and haven't heard many of the stories that are mentioned in the book.  What's interesting is that many of the stories can't be verified because the people are deceased. So, I guess you'll have to take Bill's word for it.  What's interesting is the stuff that's not in the book.  I guess he had a really fun life but there was a price to pay for many of the people that knew the real "Bill" Anyway, read and enjoy but count on a lot of it as being windy.
456673
I am part way through and find the book easy to read, I think there are some interesting ideas behind his findings.
4451522
I will admit I have not finished the book.  I am a little over a hundred pages into it.  In fact, I am at the point of his appointment to SCOTUS.  I am also a liberal, and came into this endeavor not a big fan of Scalia's.  However, as a result of reading this biography I find myself liking the man.  Don't get me wrong, I am not a convert, however, it is hard not to respect and admire his intellect and sharp legal mind.  I am not an originalist either, but I do find myself fascinated by his approach to constitutional interpretation, an approach that has to be taken seriously.  It may be premature to write this, but I felt compelled based on some of the reviews that I think are just unfair.  One reviewer made the assertion that the book is not well researched.  I respectfully disagree.  The endnotes are extensive and Murphy used a wide range of sources, both primary and secondary.  He spent 8 years researching the book.  Keep in mind this is an intellectual biography focusing in on Scalia's jurisprudence.  The author looked at the dozens of public interviews with Scalia, the dozens of speeches and public appearances, and the endless number of opinions he wrote as a justice and circuit court judge.  Most of this material is open source material and part of the public record.  Not sure a personal interview with the author would shed any more light on his judicial philosophy.  Anyway, for what its worth, that's my take thus far.
2122190
I just finished reading this book.  I read the reviews prior to purchasing it & was concerned that I may be disappointed but I love reading so I decided to make a decision about it for myself.  I'm glad that I did.  I really enjoyed it.  It's a look at her life from the beginning and how she got to where she is today.  She worked hard for what she has achieved.  I can only imagine that the negative reviews of this book come more from political motivations than the book itself.  If you have already decided you can't stand the sight of her then don't buy this book.  However, if you want to read a book about an interesting life this is a good one to read.