A Woman's Ways and Means

A Woman's Ways & Means by Barbara E. Gray with Debra Regan Cleveland, 312 pages soft cover with photographs.

This is the compelling story of how a mother of four entered politics and rose to leadership in a Massachusetts State House dominated by males. Barbara Gray spent 24 years in the State House, but in 1972, she was one of only eight women among the 240-member body.

The book is excellent reading for everyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look into Massachusetts politics and government. It is especially inspirational reading for women of all ages and encourages them to get involved in government. A Woman's Ways & Means provides a mentorship for aspiring women politicians that Gray herself never had. According to Congressman Barney Frank, "Potential do-gooders seeking a how-to manual will find no better expert on this subject than Barbara."

Gray pulls no punches as she recounts an era of change in Massachusetts politics and the Massachusetts State House. She reveals the grit and determination required to bring about many of the significant laws supporting women's causes. Among the causes she successfully championed were prevention of domestic violence, a woman's right to choose, shelters for battered women, reducing prison overcrowding, gun control, gay rights, environmental issues, and seat belt laws. For her efforts recounted in this book, Gray was honored with the Abigail Adams Leadership Award by the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus.