Armed and Female

Quigley, formerly an anti-gun lobbyist, explains in this disturbing, controversial book why she has undergone a complete change of mind. Her rationale: law enforcement officials cannot protect citizens from crime, hence a woman's best defense against sexual and other physical assault is a gun. Relating her own and others' experiences as victims of crime, the Los Angeles-based author argues that Mace and karate are ineffective protection, discusses the ethics of using weapons, how children can be kept safe from guns owned in the home, which gun to buy and the gun laws of each state. Her interviews here with rapists and victims reinforce her argument--and may convince additional numbers of women to acquire weapons. Major ad/promo; author tour. (May)