Author(s): Kay Douglas

NZ Non-Fiction

What motivates Merepeka Raukawa-Tait to speak out so strongly against child-abuse? Why did Theresa Gattung make a point of wearing suits to university lectures? How did Melissa Clark-Reynolds make the transition from an 18-year-old solo parent with no assets to a 35-year-old millionaire owning a highly successful company? Living Life Out Loud is an exploration of the lives of twenty-two inspirational New Zealand women who have achieved success over a wide range of areas - on the sporting field, in the political arena, in business and in the arts. On a personal level, many have also overcome prejudice, disadvantage or abuse before finally achieving their dreams. In a series of thoughtful and well-researched interviews, Kay Douglas has helped each woman explore her own inward and outward journey, skilfully drawing out their individual messages, with a helpful commentary on the themes which emerge from their stories. In a specially written final section, Personal Reflections, the author has distilled the insights and messages within the stories for readers wishing to reflect on the pursuit of their own goals and dreams.