Race Car Driver, Sarah Fisher, Shares Her Day at Work in New Book, “Water Cooler Diaries”

A new book of tell-all “day diaries”reveals what a day on the job is really like for women with glam careers to underlings with bosses from hell

Indianapolis, IN (February 28, 2008) – Sarah Fisher, IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 race car driver, is featured as a “day diarist,” in the acclaimed new book, Water Cooler Diaries: Women across America Share Their Day at Work (Da Capo Lifelong Press, pub. date: March 1, 2008). Fisher’s day diary is showcased along with 35 other entries from both regular and notable contributors, including model and actress Angie Everhart, celebrity chef Sara Moulton, blogger Heather Cocks and SnakeBabe, a.k.a. Maria Gara, billed the world’s sexiest magician.

Sarah’s day diary offers a great first-person perspective into the realities of being a world-class athlete and competitor in what is perceived as a man’s sport, says series creator and editor Joni B. Cole, who selected Fisher’s entry to feature in the book, and interviewed her as part of the project. Sarah is an inspiration, Cole adds. She’s not one to rest on her laurels. She makes opportunities happen through hard work and perseverance, as well as talent. And she’s just plain likeable, Cole offers with a laugh. You can see just from this intimate glimpse into one day in her life why her fans love her, and why women and girls see her as a role model.

Water Cooler Diaries evolved from a national pitch for 500 women across the country and from all walks of life to chronicle a single day in their lives March 27, 2007. The 35 full-length stories, offer glimpses of job highs and lows from every field and income bracket struggling in their own ways. Fisher’s day on the job was captured while completing her first test on a professional road course at Sebring International Raceway where she was testing for the then upcoming Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. In early reviews, Publisher’s Weekly calls the book, both fascinating and eye-opening. Booklist writes, Skimming through this collection is not a good idea. There are sentences that will make readers stop, laugh, tear up, nod, and otherwise savor common and out-of-the-ordinary experiences.

Being a part of this national book project was really neat for me, added Fisher, 27. I wrote in a diary as a kid and keep a notebook of my happenings for ESPN.com during the racing season. But with this project, it felt really personal and I felt comfortable sharing a bit more of what I was feeling. I was at Sebring in a road course car, something I wasn’t familiar with at all. In life, things change and evolve and we constantly have new challenges to concur and I think this book gives a nice snapshot into the many lives of working women. I’ll be interested to read about the other featured diarists and the obstacles that we might have shared.

In March, Water Cooler Diaries will share shelf space in the bookstores with the first two volumes of the series: This Day in the Life, Diaries from Women across America (2006); and This Day: Diaries from American Women (2004). In a starred review, Publishers Weekly wrote about This Day in the Life, There is not one piece in this compilation that is not captivating. People magazine concurred, The ensemble resonates with drama, humor and pathos. This is one unremarkable day you’ll wish could go on forever.