Sex, money, pain. Mortal danger. Ballet fees.

Selected for their wit and style, five critically-acclaimed New Zealand essayists were given carte blanche for this collection; they all chose to write on subjects usually discussed only in private.

Blending compelling personal stories with insights into feminism, politics, family and capitalism, they offer wry humour, lively prose and deeply empathetic understanding – all within a covetable, high-quality hard-cover book splashed with colour.

"Reading their ideas is the intellectual equivalent of walking – or dancing – into a buffeting wind at the top of a volcano: energising, stimulating, bracing and fun."

Janet McAllister, editor.