I received an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my Goodreads page.

Born Equal: Remaking America's Constitution (1840–1920) is the second installment in a planned trilogy tracing the evolution of the U.S. Constitution. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, and this follow-up is equally strong—perhaps even stronger. It picks up the story in the antebellum era, moves through the Civil War, and concludes with the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which secured women’s suffrage. There are some detours backward to earlier history as well for context.

Blending history, biography, and legal analysis, this book offers an accessible yet deeply informative account of constitutional transformation during a pivotal period. While it could easily be categorized as academic, the prose is highly readable, and I believe both casual readers and scholars alike will find much to appreciate. The author lays out complex legal developments with clarity, making intricate topics feel approachable and engaging.

The standout sections for me were those covering the Reconstruction Amendments. The author does an excellent job clarifying the original intent behind these landmark constitutional changes—something that is often misunderstood or oversimplified in modern discourse. I only wish there had been more detail on the 19th Amendment, though the author acknowledges that space constraints likely played a role in limiting some areas.

Overall, this is a compelling and thoughtful read, and I look forward to adding it to my collection when it's released on September 16, 2025. I also look forward to the final book in a few years!