I came of age with Adrienne Rich as my constant companion: surprising, delighting and fortifying me with each new essay and collection of poetry. This brilliant biography of a brilliant, brave, lesbian feminist writer brings back all of my passion, and my need, even, for Rich's insights and inspiration when I was in my teens, twenties, and thirties. In particular, Dreams of a Common Language; On Lies, Secrets, and Silences; and Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence provided fascinating analyses and beacons of hope in those early days of feminism and the lesbian rights movement. Holladay's deft and detailed treatment of Rich as a whole person; her references to Rich's numerous, luminous poems, essays, and speeches; and her depictions of Rich's large, full, imperfect life fulfill me in a way few books ever could. It's a romp through writers I have leaned on for strength and sustenance, as Rich did: Michelle Cliff, Susan Brownmiller, Rita Mae Brown, Lucille Clifton, Alice Walker, Judy Grahn, Robin Morgan, Audre Lorde, Catharine MacKinnon, Barbara McDonald, Phyllis Chesler, etc. Kudos to the author for infusing this icon with new life. I have told everyone I know they must go read this. A perfect book.