Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Last Branch Standing:
Let’s see what’s under those robes.
Quick synopsis:
A look at the Supreme Court and what is really going on there.
Fact for Non-History People:
In the current SCOTUS configuration, a 6-3 ruling along ideological lines is one of the least likely outcome for a case.
Fact for History Nerds:
In the 2024-2025 term, 42% of the court’s cases were unanimously decided.
My Take on Last Branch Standing:
Who would have thought that at this time and place in American history, a book about the Supreme Court could be so utterly delightful to read. Yes, I am just as shocked as you, but here we are.
Sarah Isgur pulls off this amazing feat in her book Last Branch Standing. Obviously, if it is as delightful as I say it is, then she must completely ignore the evolving hellscape that is our current political climate. Wrong! She actually leans directly into it! Even more surprising is that the court (and probably the rest of our country if you stay off social media) is not nearly as divided across political lines as we think. Again, just stay off social media.
Isgur pulls this off with actual math. She looks at the cases and arrives at the astounding conclusion that the court is less 6-3 and more like 3-3-3. Oh, and everyone is big mad about it. Hilarity ensues.
I think the best part about this is Isgur infuses the entire narrative with humor but also positivity. Isgur has Republican leanings (which she never hides), but you won’t find a single line in this book mocking or denigrating anyone on the court. Her positivity is infectious, and it is a wonderful reminder that while there are very few requirements to be a congressperson, getting to the Supreme Court usually means you are very good at the law. You may not like how they do it, but you need to recognize they are good at it.
Do you want to get a positive break from politics and maybe even renew your faith in the system? You should read this. Do you think one side of the aisle is evil and that the court is broken? Then you really need to read this. Isgur has her own complaints (and solutions, how novel!), but they are presented in a way that everyone could get on board with.
(This book was provided as a review copy by Crown Publishing.)
Verdict:
A bright light in a dark time. Buy it here!
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