Acknowledgments
FROM ANNE COON
We simply could not have written this book without the stories and
insights of the women we have identified as “Cohort 25.” The thought-
fulness, candor, and enthusiasm of these twenty-five women continu-
ally inspired us, and we are deeply grateful to each of them for their
contributions to the book. We also appreciate the generosity with
which they gave of their time to meet and talk with us on several occa-
sions, to travel and attend focus group sessions, and to engage in
follow-up conversations. They were active participants in a complex
and recursive research process, and we thank each one of them for
her commitment to this project.
A sincere thank-you as well to the editors who played a critical role
in refining this manuscript, especially Hilary Claggett, of Praeger,
ABC-CLIO, and Joanie Eppinga, of Eagle Eye Editing & Writing. Molly
Q. Cort, of RIT Press, provided essential editorial and publishing advice,
and the Authors Guild offered very helpful and timely guidance.
I am especially grateful for the early encouragement of Mary Cather-
ine Bateson, whose work I have long admired, as well as the ongoing
interest and support of many friends: Marcia Birken, Franlee Frank,
Nicholas DiChario, Linda Garsin, Janet McOmber, Evelyn Brister,
Kathy Vernam, Andrea Weinstein, Babak Elahi, and Sarah Collins.
A special thank-you to Deborah Hughes for her thoughtful advice
and introductions to interview subjects and to Diana Nyad for her
enthusiastic support and inspiration.
