One Good Thing After Another

I started my book about the Glorious RBG, I Dissent, with this sentence: "You could say that Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life has been . . . one disagreement after another."

Carrying that rhythm forward, I have to join many observers in saying that this year, 2016, has been one disagreeable thing after another. But in one little corner of my life--in the RBG corner--it really has been one good thing after another.

There was the Elle magazine writer who included I Dissent in her article "How To Build A Feminist Library For Your Baby," and shared the delicious tidbit that her toddler calls Ruth Bader Ginsburg "Ruth Bagel Wonderwoman."

There were the kind reviews. (You can find links to some here, under "Praise.")

There were the I Dissent tote bags.

There were the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Halloween costumes.

There were the Indie Bestseller weeks. There were the year-end "best-of" lists, and even a couple of awards. (See 'em here, again under "Praise.")

There were the interviewers with the very good questions. (Under "More," here.)

There were the thoughtful teacher and parent guides to I Dissent. (Here; again under "More.")

There were the baby registries with I Dissent among the layettes and the onesies.

There was the pleasure of reading RBG's own book, with professors Mary Hartnett and Wendy Williams, collecting her speeches and writings on everything from dissents to diversity.

There were the unexpected, delightful social media shout outs.

There was the gratitude in the news that, thanks to the generosity of PJ Library, a special edition of I Dissent will land in the homes of thousands of children early next year. Justice Ginsburg enjoyed that news, too--here she is holding the PJ Library edition in her lace-gloved hands.

I can't say that all this agreeableness canceled out the awfulness that characterized so much of 2016. But it helped, and I am grateful to the readers, writers, teachers, librarians, parents, kids, publishing people, and enthusiastic friends who embraced this book and sweetened my year.