New York City's fiscal crisis and the library's decline in the late 1970s

Children's varied emotional responses to John McCain's illness

McCain's approach to grooming and dress standards at the Naval Academy

Warren Buffett's "circle of competence" philosophy and creature of habit tendencies

Childhood heroes and early exposure to AI's founding figures

Role as an early reader and providing marginal notes on Jon's manuscripts

Avon's founding mission of economic empowerment for women

Passion and perseverance during the early years of Chez Panisse

Risks to sources and personal safety while reporting in China

Unwavering commitment to the search for Jim Foley during captivity

Decision to become a US citizen and the opening of Spago

The Bork hearings as a turning point in partisan polarization

Being rejected by Harvard Business School and accepted to Columbia

Learning that father was shot down and captured in Vietnam

Continuing to cut Obama's hair through the presidency and visits to the White House

First meeting Barack Obama and early political aspirations

Early years building Patagonia's clothing line with Yvon Chouinard

Proof of life and location obtained through a released fellow detainee

Katharine Graham and Ben Bradlee's early partnership in building The Washington Post

Turning life's wounds and painful lessons into wisdom and intuition

Growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood with immigrant factory workers

Google's IPO and the culture of staying focused on work

Introduction to Google through a mentor's recommendation and a subsequent interview invitation

Appealing to both homemakers and career women through writing and publishing

Mother's serious illness and major surgery

Leaving Wall Street to pursue homesteading, gardening, and catering in Connecticut