Never Too Late: A Memoir

Chronicling the transformation of a socialite to powerful politician and diplomat, this account of a nonagenarian's unexpected career demonstrates that it is never too late for a determined woman to make a difference. The trajectory of Anne Blair Clark's life took an unexpected detour into politics late in her life. Born into a wealthy and reserved American family, the first 50 years were lived in a predictable fashion—as an heir to the Coates & Clark thread fortune, she was raised in rarified atmosphere. Summoned home from Smith College after her freshman year—since her father did not approve of educated women—she did not become politically active until her 50s when she observed firsthand the injustices of the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. While serving in the New Jersey senate, she developed a reputation as a no-nonsense politico who refused to let outdated stereotypes or old-boy alliances deter her. During the Carter administration she became involved at the national level, serving in several positions including director of the office of U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Relief, and as President Carter's appointee as the first female ambassador to New Zealand.