I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Love Wins by Debbie Cenziper, Jim Obergefell Narrator: George Newbern
Length: 8 Hours 10 Minutes
Published by HarperCollins on June 14th 2016
Genres: Biography & Autobiography, LGBT, History, United States, 21st Century, Political Science, Civil Rights
Pages: 304
Format: Audiobook, ARC
Source: Library, Publisher
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The fascinating and very moving story of the lovers, lawyers, judges and activists behind the groundbreaking Supreme Court case that led to one of the most important, national civil rights victories in decades—the legalization of same-sex marriage.
In June 2015, the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage the law in all fifty states in a decision as groundbreaking as Roe v Wade and Brown v Board of Education. Through insider accounts and access to key players, this definitive account reveals the dramatic and previously unreported events behind Obergefell v Hodges and the lives at its center. This is a story of law and love—and a promise made to a dying man who wanted to know how he would be remembered.
Twenty years ago, Jim Obergefell and John Arthur fell in love in Cincinnati, Ohio, a place where gays were routinely picked up by police and fired from their jobs. In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government had to provide married gay couples all the benefits offered to straight couples. Jim and John—who was dying from ALS—flew to Maryland, where same-sex marriage was legal. But back home, Ohio refused to recognize their union, or even list Jim’s name on John’s death certificate. Then they met Al Gerhardstein, a courageous attorney who had spent nearly three decades advocating for civil rights and who now saw an opening for the cause that few others had before him.
This forceful and deeply affecting narrative—Part Erin Brockovich, part Milk, part Still Alice—chronicles how this grieving man and his lawyer, against overwhelming odds, introduced the most important gay rights case in U.S. history. It is an urgent and unforgettable account that will inspire readers for many years to come.
Why Did I Listen To Love Wins by Debbie Cenziper and Jim Obergefell?
Love Wins: The Lovers And Lawyers Who Fought The Landmark Case For Marriage Equality by Debbie Cenziper and Jim Obergefell is a physical book that I requested because 1) it sounded really interesting, 2) I care about gay rights, and 3) non-fiction is one of my low key favorites. Of course, when I saw the book listed on Overdrive, I knew I had to listen to the audiobook. It was the fastest way I could get to this fascinating book, plus I am pretty sure I read it around the same time frame as Missoula and so, my brain was all about those audiobooks.
What’s It All About?
So, the title of Love Wins along with the subtitle basically tells you what Debbie Cenziper and Jim Obergefell’s book is all about. It’s absolutely about the background of Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court case that legalized gay marriage in all fifty states. We learn about Jim Obergefell and his relationship with John Arthur. We learn about how John Arthur has ALS. The two lived in Cincinnati and spent twenty wonderful years together. Eventually, they go to Maryland to get married because that is a place where gay marriage is legal. They come back to Cincinnati and unfortunately, Ohio does not recognize their marriage. Ohio will not even list Jim as the surviving spouse on John’s death certificate. And well, that’s really where the case begins. It also goes into the story of lawyer Al Gerhardstein, who takes on the case for civil rights and begins the litigation.
What Did I Think Of It?
Frankly, I highly,highly 100% absolutely recommend Love Wins by Debbie Cenziper and Jim Obergefell. So, one of my favorite classes in college was Constitutional Law where we basically spent the entire semester reviewing Supreme Court cases. It’s just something that really catches my interest. I loved listening to this book and learning the whole foundation of the gay marriage case. The book even goes beyond Obergefell. I think that if you have a passing interest in law and also human rights, you certainly should read this book. It’s very well written and just completely engaging.
How’s The Narration?
The narration of Love Wins is perfection. George Newbern is the narrator and he absolutely has the most appropriate voice for this audiobook. This is an audiobook that does not have boring narration. Nor is the narration over the top or awkward to listen to. I think that if you like audiobooks, non-fiction, and want to give this book a shot but are short on time, you need to get the audiobook either via your library or audible or however else people obtain audiobooks these days.
Other reviews of Love Wins by Debbie Cenziper and Jim Obergefell:
- Bookfoolery – “the emotional impact is huge“
- Doing Dewey – “well told and well organized“
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