Paddle This: Learning to Cope with Life's Backhands

Riley Quinn was determined to live life on her own terms. Born in the 1950's, she came of age at a time when higher education and career choices for women were limited. Societal norms still encouraged women to be mothers and homemakers or join the labor pool in "support roles" for men and society. Without independent careers or hobbies, many women in the suburbs defined their successes based on the successes of their spouse or children. In 1971, there were still many functions and clubs where women were excluded.

Quinn had no intentions of following tradition, and went on after college to finish law school. She entered the workforce with guns blazing, demanding to be paid the same as her male counterparts. In this brave and witty memoir, she recounts the struggles of raising a family while practicing law full-time at prestigious firms. As life got more chaotic and challenging, she discovered Paddle, a sport that became a constant joy in her life and the one thing she wouldn't forego, no matter what obstacles and crises she faced at home or work.

Reflecting on her choices over the years, Quinn shares the wisdom gleaned from managing the demands of marriage, raising four children, and running several successful businesses. "Having it all" is possible, but maybe not all at once. We must look inward, understand our strengths and play to them, and use our gifts and talents in order to evolve. We all suffer tragedies in life, and at times we all fall down. The key is having the grit to pick ourselves up and resolve to forge ahead.