Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops,
the Law, and Cooking for RBG
Coming April 4, 2023
Available for pre-order now!
In this true-life Julie and Julia meets Notorious RBG mash-up, former attorney Leslie Karst recounts how finagling her way into hosting an intimate dinner party for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg sent her on a journey of culinary and personal discovery—and, ultimately, completely changed her life.
Justice is Served is Karst’s light-hearted, earnest account of the journey this unexpected challenge launched her on—starting with a trip to Paris for culinary inspiration, and ending with the dinner itself. Along the way, she imparts details of Ginsburg’s transformation from a young Jewish girl from Flatbush, Brooklyn, to one of the most celebrated Supreme Court justices in our nation’s history, and shares recipes for the mouthwatering dishes she came up with as she prepared for the big night.
A heartfelt story of simultaneously searching for delicious recipes and purpose in life, Justice is Served is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to discover—and follow—your deepest passion.
Praise for Justice is Served
Justice Is Served is a suspenseful, exhilarating memoir; Karst relays her determination to serve the “perfect” meal to RBG alongside an uplifting, enlightening portrayal of one of the most admired justices in the history of the Supreme Court.
-Foreword Reviews (starred review)
A savory stew of memories and entertaining anecdotes about a dinner with Ruth Bader Ginsburg.... [this is] a delightful memoir...[w]ith affable, enthusiastic prose [and a] smooth, charming writing style.... Home chefs and Ginsburg fans will find this culinary adventure exquisitely delectable.
-Kirkus Reviews
[T]his lively read...deftly interweaves the life and achievements of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Karst’s quest for meaningful, satisfying work in life, and the pleasures of connecting at the table. The book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more.
-Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine
Leslie Karst’s account of preparing a home dinner for a very distinguished guest...is refreshingly candid, and studded with telling nuggets from RBG’s life and work. Entertaining, informative, and recipes included!
-Harold McGee, author of
On Food and Cooking and Nose Dive
Engaging, entertaining, and enlightening.... What starts as an offhand invitation becomes the most important dinner of Karst’s life when it evolves into a journey of self discovery.... A must read!
-Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling
author of Wait For It
The highest of recommendations for this unique and gorgeously written recipe for happiness. Surprising, captivating, and as delicious as a perfect meal, I love this book beyond all reason.
—Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today
bestselling author of Her Perfect Lie
[A] delectable page-turner...part memoir, part culinary odyssey, and part historical account of an extraordinary evening. I was salivating from beginning to end.
—Reyna Grande, author of
A Dream Called Home
[A] delightful romp through a daunting culinary challenge [and] an homage to family bonds, committed partnership, and the hard-won battles that move society forward inch by inch. Even if you’ve never spent the better part of a year—or a day—planning a meal, you will relate to Leslie Karst’s quest to prepare a perfect dinner for a thrillingly formidable guest. You’ll also feel like you’re right there at the table. How lucky we are to be invited.
—Meghan Daum, author of The Unspeakable:
And Other Subjects Of Discussion
[D]elicious and delightful.... Whether you love food or the law—or both!—you will savor every page.
—Adam Winkler, author of We the Corporations,
National Book Award finalist
Leslie Karst’s celebration of women’s progress wrapped up in the tale of one stupendous and life-changing dinner is . . . chef's kiss. Quietly patriotic, passionate, and oh-so readable, this book is a feast.
—Catriona McPherson, Anthony and Agatha
Award-winning author of In Place of Fear
[A] captivating chronicle of one woman’s commitment to the law, to the culinary arts, to family, and to finding her life’s purpose.... Karst has masterfully woven her own story with that of the beloved Supreme Court justice, creating a narrative of two inspiring women whose paths cross for one special night.
—Elizabeth McKenzie, author of The Dog
of the North and The Portable Veblen
A literary meal that’s heartwarming, suspenseful, humorous, and entertaining.... An absolute delight.
—Ellen Byron, USA Today bestselling author of the
Cajun Country and Vintage Cookbook Mysteries
Verdict: A delicious and soul-satisfying read, the perfect recipe for anyone hungry to discover her passions and follow them, one bite at a time. Laced with tempting tidbits of cooking advice and insights into Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and career, Leslie Karst’s Justice is Served will show you another side of the justice and her husband, make you hungry, and leave you plotting your way to get invited to the author’s home for dinner!
—Leslie Budewitz, attorney and Agatha Award-
winning author of the Spice Shop Mysteries
Leslie Karst delights and tempts your appetite in this lovely memoir.... Justice is Served is a dish you’ll savor and enjoy.
—Edith Maxwell (aka Maddie Day), Agatha Award-
winning author of the Country Store and Cozy
Capers Book Group Mysteries
For readers who love food and admire the fascinating life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Karst’s book is an irresistible and loving look into not only cooking the big dinner itself, but also her exploration of what this dinner meant and how it changed her life.
—Lucy Burdette, author of A Dish to Die For
Leslie and Ruth
(Photos: Robin McDuff)
Leslie at the US Supreme Court
RBG speaks about Leslie's late father, Kenneth L. Karst
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