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Literature has always held an unparalleled power in shaping our perspectives and understanding of the world, and biographies have the unique ability to offer intimate insights into the lives of extraordinary individuals. In this comparative study, we delve into the captivating works of “Breaking Night” by Liz Murray and “Notorious RBG” by Irin Carmon, two biographies that shed light on the remarkable lives of their respective subjects—Liz Murray and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. While these books may seemingly belong to different spheres of influence, they remarkably share common themes of resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit.

Breaking Night” delves into the memoir of Liz Murray, a woman who rose from homelessness and despair to attend Harvard University. Born to drug-addicted parents in the Bronx, Murray’s story is one of immense struggle, highlighting the transformative power of education and determination. In stark contrast, “Notorious RBG” chronicles the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an iconic Supreme Court Justice whose battle against gender discrimination and dedication to equal rights reshaped the landscape of American jurisprudence. Through their diverse journeys, both Murray and Ginsburg embody the embodiment of strength and courage, inspiring readers across the globe.

As we explore these two gripping narratives, this comparative study aims to delve into the intricacies of their lives, examining the common threads that bind these remarkable women together. We will analyze the socio-cultural contexts in which they existed, the challenges they faced, and how their stories resonate with readers on a personal and profound level. Moreover, we will explore the writing styles of the authors, Liz Murray and Irin Carmon, and the ways in which they skillfully portray the essence of their subjects’ lives.

Through this comparative study, we seek to understand how socio-economic backgrounds, family dynamics, perseverance, and personal ideologies shape the journeys and eventual accomplishments of Liz Murray and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. By placing these two remarkable women side by side, we hope to uncover the underlying connections within their narratives and explore the universal themes of resilience, ambition, and societal change.

As we embark on this exploration of “Breaking Night” and “Notorious RBG,” we invite readers to join us on a thought-provoking journey where the spirits of two remarkable women collide, reminding us of the indomitable human spirit and the power of determination in shaping lives against all odds.

Breaking Night is a memoir written by Liz Murray, a young woman who grew up in the Bronx, New York. The book chronicles her difficult and extraordinary journey from homelessness to Harvard.

Liz’s parents were both drug addicts, and she was born into a chaotic and unstable environment. Her parents’ drug habits prevented them from properly caring for her and her sister Lisa. As a result, Liz frequently went hungry and lived in squalid conditions. She often had to resort to stealing and relying on the charity of others to survive.

Eventually, Liz’s mother contracted HIV and passed away, while her father went to prison, leaving Liz and her sister completely orphaned. The two sisters were placed into the foster care system but were later reunited with their father upon his release. However, his addiction continued to dominate their lives. Liz found herself caught in a cycle of neglect and abuse that seemed impossible to escape.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Liz was determined to change her life. She found solace in her studies and developed a deep passion for learning. With the help of caring teachers and mentors, Liz was able to turn her life around. She graduated from high school with honors and won a scholarship to attend Harvard University.

Breaking Night explores Liz’s incredible resilience and the power of education to transform lives. It is a powerful story of survival and hope, showing that through perseverance and determination, one can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. The book serves as an inspiration to readers, highlighting the importance of perseverance, education, and the belief in one’s own potential, regardless of the obstacles faced.

“Notorious RBG” by Irin Carmon is a biography that celebrates the life and achievements of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The book provides a comprehensive overview of Ginsburg’s career, starting from her early life and upbringing in Brooklyn to her trailblazing journey as a lawyer, advocate, and, ultimately, a member of the highest court in the United States.

Carmon delves into Ginsburg’s experiences with gender discrimination and the challenges she faced as a woman pursuing a legal career, both in academia and in the courtroom. The book highlights Ginsburg’s groundbreaking work as an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), during which she focused on gender equality and began establishing the foundation for her future work on the Supreme Court.

“Notorious RBG” also explores Ginsburg’s tenure on the Supreme Court, where she emerged as a reliable progressive voice and became known for her powerful dissents. Carmon elaborates on landmark cases and decisions Ginsburg was involved in, such as reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, affirmative action, and voting rights, illustrating her impact on shaping the legal landscape of the United States.

In addition to chronicling Ginsburg’s professional achievements, Carmon delves into her personal life, highlighting her deep and loving relationship with her late husband, Marty Ginsburg, as well as her role as a mother and grandmother.

Overall, “Notorious RBG” offers readers a compelling portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life, her determination to eliminate gender discrimination, and her legacy as a champion of justice and equality. The book serves as both an inspiring biography and an homage to Ginsburg’s immense contributions to American society.

Breaking Night by Liz Murray and Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon are two books that explore the lives of exceptional women who have overcome significant challenges and made a difference in their respective fields. Although the two books focus on different aspects of their subjects’ lives, there are several similarities between the great women depicted in both works.

1. Determination and Perseverance: Both Liz Murray and Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit an unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Liz Murray, facing immense poverty and homelessness during her childhood, managed to rise above her circumstances and earn a scholarship to Harvard University. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, facing gender discrimination in a male-dominated field, persisted in fighting for gender equality and became a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice.

2. Overcoming Adversity: Both women faced significant challenges in their lives. Liz Murray grew up in extreme poverty and faced homelessness, drug addiction, and the loss of her parents. Ruth Bader Ginsburg encountered gender discrimination throughout her career, facing obstacles in both academia and the legal profession. Despite these hardships, both women managed to overcome their adversity and achieve remarkable success.

3. Inspiring Others: Liz Murray and Ruth Bader Ginsburg serve as sources of inspiration for others. Liz Murray’s story of resilience and determination has motivated individuals from all backgrounds to believe in the power of their own potential. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s tireless efforts to fight for equality and justice have inspired countless women and men to advocate for change. Both women’s stories show the transformative impact a single individual can have on society.

4. Societal Impact: Liz Murray and Ruth Bader Ginsburg have made a lasting impact on the world around them. Liz Murray’s story brings attention to the issue of homelessness and the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s groundbreaking legal work and jurisprudence have significantly advanced women’s rights and contributed to shaping the legal landscape of the United States. Both women have left a lasting legacy by influencing the lives of others and making significant societal contributions.

In conclusion, Breaking Night by Liz Murray and Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon share similarities in the representation of great women who have overcome challenges, exhibited determination and perseverance, inspired others, and made a significant impact on society. These women serve as powerful role models, demonstrating the potential for change and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

Breaking Night by Liz Murray and Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon are both biographies that focus on remarkable women and their journeys. While both books celebrate the achievements of these great women, they diverge in terms of the challenges they face, the spheres in which they make an impact, and their influence on society.

Breaking Night tells the story of Liz Murray, who transforms her life from being homeless to becoming a Harvard graduate. It explores the challenges Murray encounters growing up, including her drug-addicted parents, unstable living conditions, and struggles with poverty. Liz Murray’s journey primarily revolves around personal resilience and overcoming external obstacles to secure a better future for herself. The book is primarily an exploration of her individual triumph over adversity.

On the other hand, Notorious RBG tells the story of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, focusing on her remarkable career in the legal sphere and her impact on gender equality. This biography delves into Ginsburg’s pioneering work as a lawyer and judge, fighting against gender discrimination and advocating for women’s rights. Carmon’s book portrays Justice Ginsburg as a champion for gender equality whose influence expands beyond her personal life and directly impacts society.

The divergence in these books lies in the different spheres where these great women make their impact. Breaking Night focuses on Liz Murray’s personal journey, highlighting her triumphs and struggles on an individual level. In contrast, Notorious RBG underscores Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s significant contributions to the legal and political landscape of the United States. Carmon’s book emphasizes Ginsburg’s work in shaping gender equality laws and her role as a Supreme Court Justice, making her impact reach far beyond her personal story.

Another significant divergence lies in the societal implications of the women’s narratives. Breaking Night highlights the perseverance, resilience, and hope that can propel individuals to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. It serves as an inspiring tale of human determination and the ability to rise above challenging circumstances. While Murray’s story undoubtedly resonates with readers, its societal impact is primarily through individual inspiration rather than systemic change.

In contrast, Notorious RBG explores how Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legal career significantly impacted gender equality laws and shaped the rights and opportunities available to women in the United States. It demonstrates how one woman’s voice and advocacy within the legal system can influence and change societal norms and structures. Carmon’s portrayal of Ginsburg’s work highlights the broader implications of her accomplishments and emphasizes the role of legal activism in achieving progress for women.

In summary, while both Breaking Night and Notorious RBG celebrate the achievements of great women, they diverge in terms of the challenges faced, the spheres in which the women make an impact, and their influence on society. Breaking Night focuses on Liz Murray’s personal struggles and triumphs, highlighting individual resilience. In contrast, Notorious RBG explores Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legal career, emphasizing her impact on gender equality laws and societal change.

Both “Breaking Night” by Liz Murray and “Notorious RBG” by Irin Carmon are highly acclaimed and widely enjoyed books. It ultimately depends on individual preferences and interests when deciding which book is more worthy of reading.

“Breaking Night” is a memoir written by Liz Murray, detailing her incredible journey from being homeless as a teenager to becoming a Harvard University graduate. It offers a compelling and inspiring story of resilience, determination, and overcoming adversity. If you enjoy reading memoirs with a focus on personal growth and triumph, “Breaking Night” might be the more fitting choice for you.

On the other hand, “Notorious RBG” provides a comprehensive and engaging biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a renowned Supreme Court Justice. It delves into her life, accomplishments, impact on American society, and her role as a feminist icon. If you have an interest in law, politics, or social justice, and are intrigued by the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Notorious RBG” could be the book you’d find more worthy of reading.

Ultimately, the decision between these two books relies on your personal interests and what themes and stories you find more compelling. Both offer valuable insight and powerful narratives, so it may be worth considering the subject matter that resonates most with you.