She was a wealthy debutante groomed for a gilded life in moneyed Houston, but Molly Ivins reinvented herself as one of the most provocative, courageous, and influential journalists in American history. Based on intimate knowledge of Molly, interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues, and access to a treasure trove of her personal papers, Molly Ivins it is at once the saga of a powerful, pugnacious woman muscling her way to the top in a world dominated by men a fascinating look behind the scenes of national media and politics and a sobering account of the toll of addiction and cancer. Molly Ivins adds layers of depth and complexity to the story of an American legend,a woman who inspired people both to laughter and action.