Title: The Hungry Heart: A Woman’s Fast For Justice:

Author: Zoe Ann Nicholson

Publisher: Lune Soleil Press, Newport Beach, California:

ISBN: 0972392831

The following interview was conducted by NORM GOLDMAN:  Editor of Bookpleasures &CLICK TO VIEW  Norm Goldman's Reviews

To read Norm's Review click >>> HERE

 Thanks Zoe for accepting Bookpleasures’ invitation to be interviewed.

Norm:

 Zoe could you tell us something about yourself and when and why did you become involved in the ERA battle?

 Zoe:

There never was a moment that I thought girls were less than boys – less in any way.  When I heard that girls were not included in the U.S. Constitution, it seemed mysterious.  It became political as I got older and understood the reasons.  Maybe it is obvious when a person actually believes that men and women should be paid different amounts for the same work, that insurance is more expensive for women or that the U.S. ranks 59^th in the world in women in leadership.  You can imagine, I was a handful in 8^th Grade Civics!

Norm:

 When you first contemplated fasting, what were you most concerned about and why?

 Zoe:

I had no time for contemplation.  The phone rang, Sonia Johnson asked me to come to Springfield for a fast, I said yes and hung up the phone --no time to fuss or worry probably was a very good thing.  I was 32 and my personal hero was and remains Gandhi.  Given all of the possibilities, fasting sounded like the right thing to do. 

Norm:

Could you tell our readers what were the most challenging experiences you encountered during the 37 days? As a follow up, what were the most disappointing and satisfying?

Zoe:

The fasting itself was not as difficult as one might imagine.  Socially we were insulated from food and eaters.  Physically, some women had more difficulty than others.  I remember all of us being cold all the time.  For me, the difficulty was that the activity wasn’t contagious; I truly thought that hundreds (thousands) would be joining us as the deadline approached.  I thought that the legislature would be transformed by the action and step up to vote for the ERA on the grounds that it is moral and just. 

Norm:

Why did you decide to write your memoirs concerning the experience and how long did it take you to write your book?

Zoe:

I wrote in my journal everyday from May 24, 1982 – June 30, 1982.   At the time, the diary was a method of protection.  It was always with me and if someone approached who was hostile or rude, I could just put my head down and write. 

Norm:

Could you tell our readers what is the status of the ERA today and do you think it will ever be the law of the land?

Zoe:

It never occurred to me that 23 years later, the ERA would be both controversial and vetoed (Illinois – the current session).  Alice Paul, the author of the ERA, died after spending 57 years trying to get it passed.    The recent movie, Iron Jawed Angels about her life, showed Alice victorious and happy.  The facts are that she worked tirelessly in get women included in the U.S. Constitution.  I do believe it will be passed.  The biggest roadblock is that most Americans think that it did! 

Norm:

 Whom do you most admire and why?

 Zoe:

There are so many people I admire; men and women.  I am enchanted by Gandhi.  His book, My Experiments with Truth, is one of the linchpins of my life.  This one person, through the intent of his spirit, was able to inspire others.  He used every aspect of his life to invoke change and in the end it was he who changed.  Apartheid continued for a century, Pakistan and India remain in conflict and India’s scars from the British are still being uncovered – but Gandhi taught a nation and the world that change comes from prayer and heart, not guns and war. 

Norm:

What are your plans for the future pertaining to the ERA?

 Zoe:

I hope that the release of The Hungry Heart will add a little fuel to the fire for women to require equality from their government.  Some might think I am naïve or an idealist but that is a part of me that I protect and sustain.  I want the U.S. to be #1 in the world of women in leadership! It has to begin with the Constitution.  Today men and women are killing to ensure an Iraqi constitution – I wonder if women will be in theirs.

Norm:

 Although you are not leaving us, how do you want people to remember Zoe Ann Nicholson?

 Zoe:

My life boils down to one word; seeker.  I am a seeker who never tires of the journey.  I seek in everyway, every avenue, and every day.  I am a Buddhist and when I leave, I hope to be back shortly to get back to my work.

Thanks Zoe and good luck in all of your future endeavours.

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