A Wild and Precious Life

"This trailblazer’s memoir isn’t captivating solely for Windsor’s reflections on the historic ruling nor her influential work developing software at IBM, it’s Windsor’s, along with friends’ and former flames,’ recollections of lesbian nightlife and community in pre-Stonewall Riots New York City—a moment in LGBTQ history both sometimes glossed over in a rush to the queer rights movement’s later, more formative years post-Stonewall and rarely published from a first-person perspective as fiery as Windsor’s—that kept this reader flipping page after page well into the night."—Austin Chronicle

“Windsor’s inspiring zeal for life and brave, fierce love are thoroughly gripping all on their own. Brilliant and unapologetic, Windsor navigates the mid-century immigrant community in Philadelphia, the lesbian scene of 1960s Manhattan, and the United States Supreme Court with flair, insight and, of course, incredible panache.”—Philadelphia Magazine

“The great pleasure of this book is in spending time with Windsor’s voice.”—Tampa Bay Times

“Windsor woos readers with breezy wit, racy love stories, and seemingly casual-not-casual, semi-nonchalant depictions of being a lesbian in the mid-20th century, telling us what it was like living in the shadows but flirting hard with the light.”—The Washington Blade

"[A] must-read for any young queers who want to know where our community came from."—Harper's Bazaar

"Captures both an epoch in mid-20th century LGBT history and a singular voice: brash, funny and brave."—NPR

“A captivating and inspiring story of a queer woman who believed in her right to take up space and be seen.”—BuzzFeed

“Perfectly encapsulates the essence of an amazing person and life.”—The Advocate

"Windsor’s story fighting for what she believed in is one that will leave readers inspired."—NBC OUT

"Lyon does an excellent job of making sure Windsor’s stirring and joyful voice shines through."—Rewire

“There’s so much more to Windsor’s story than her Supreme Court case that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. And if you learn anything from her memoir, I hope it’s her personal motto: Never postpone joy.”—Book Riot

“In a forthright and vivid memoir . . . Windsor reveals her early realization of her attraction to women and her long struggle to navigate homophobia among family members and at work, to live openly as a lesbian, and to marry the woman she loved . . . A candid portrait of an indefatigable woman.”—Kirkus Review

“A big-picture look at Windsor’s entire life, including her immigrant experience and childhood in Philadelphia; her enviable 1950s Greenwich Village social life; her relationship with Thea Speyer that began rocky and ended 44-years later when Thea succumbed to MS; her late-life yet intense activism; and her second marriage to Judith Kasen-Windsor. Most enjoyable in this telling is Windsor’s willingness to reflect and adjust.”—Booklist

“With many sparkling memories paired with materials from personal archival collections, this account enthralls with every turn of the page . . . Whether readers are seeking material on U.S. LGBTQ history, particularly regarding the pre–Stonewall era, or an enrapturing memoir, this work will satisfy . . . Don’t miss out on this essential read.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Insightful . . . a whirlwind tale spanning eight decades studded with glamour, bravado, and desire . . . Windsor’s memoir is passionately told and serves as a substantive look at her contribution to same-sex marriage.”—Publishers Weekly