YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP: Tales From a Judicial Diva

by Vanessa D. Gilmore

Is it possible to be a judge and have a sense of humor too? Judge Vanessa Gilmore shows us that the answer is a resounding yes! In this humorous, autobiographical collection of short stories, Judge Gilmore reveals a glimpse of life on and off the bench. A master storyteller, and a lover of all things funny, Judge Gilmore would often regale her friends at parties with tales of her life. When she related a story about a criminal defendant who was flirting with her as she took his plea, and another who dressed as king during his trial, her friends insisted that these stories could not be true. To which she replied, "You can't make this stuff up." This book shows us that life really is stranger and funnier than fiction. From hilarious tales of flirting criminals and fighting lawyers, to heart warming stories of time spent mentoring young girls, we see it all through the eyes of a judge. Vanessa found humor when a man in a restaurant insisted that she should stop saying she was a federal judge because it just sounded too far fetched and vindication when her young son asked if boys could be judges too. This book will leave you laughing and asking if life as a judge can really be this much fun.

96 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2010

Reviews

[Tish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this cute little collection of indignant stories because my friend is working for Judge Gilmore. I'm sure she's a marvellous lightning bolt of fun and fireworks in real life, but this book seems to be aimed at young girls (possibly to inspire them, as she is pretty heavy on mentorship) and most of the stories are forgettable, partly because she takes a slightly patronizing, simplified voice that adult readers won't dig and partly because she doesn't give any names or enough specificity to bring the crazies to life for me.

My favourite story by far is "I'm a Federal Judge". Anyone who's ever been underestimated for their appearance will get a kick out of it.

[Sherri]

Most lawyers, especially criminal lawyers, will appreciate the wit and humor of this book. A fun, fast read.