Susie Ferguson

Bloody Minded

'A story of grit and determination from a woman who writes the way she lives - fiercely, with passion and in full colour.' - Michele A'Court 'There are times, admittedly rare, when a book comes along that needs only one word to evaluate it. In the case of Bloody Minded, that word is "WOW"... Unquestionably it must be a hot contender to top its category in the next book of the year awards.' - Jill Nicholas, NZME 'A gripping, page-turning memoir, both due to Ferguson's incredible career, but also due to her grasp of what makes a compelling story: drama, a touch of humour, and a theme to tie it all together. In this case, it's how the bodies of women are as much a battlefield as an actual war zone...' - Claire Williamson, Kete Early in her radio career Susie Ferguson became a war correspondent. The only woman among hundreds of soldiers, in a helmet and flak jacket she was one of the boys. None of them knew she was taking fifteen painkillers a day and relying on opioids to stem the burning and stabbing pain in her uterus. Even bloody-minded grit couldn't have prepared Susie for womanhood. More than your body's betrayal, it's the vicious bullying only girls can do. It's waiting years for surgery because your pain doesn't matter. It's the threat of violence in countries where a woman is either property or the spoils of war. It's going overnight from a high-powered career to a stay-at-home mum. It's the doctor who says you're wasting his time. But it is also friendship, love and having the strength to carry on - and to do it smiling. 'If you've ever wanted to eyeball a doctor and demand the treatment you need and deserve, this is the book for you.' - Lotta Dann.