ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Although I was never particularly athletic, I have always liked watching and talking and writing about sports. I find everything about the game compelling: the shifts in momentum, the effort, the highlights, and of course, the characters. I appreciate the concept of team—that no one player can win the game alone. Certainly, that was true for this book. As I wrote and rewrote and re-imagined these characters and situations, there were many shifts in momentum and game plan. I required the humor and support and advice of many trusted friends.

My sincere gratitude goes out to my editor, Liz Waniewski, as well as Heather Alexander and the entire team at Dial Books. Thank you for loving and believing in Ari Fish from the very start. Your unwavering support and enthusiasm made this story stronger. Your confidence made me a better writer.

To my agent, Sarah Davies. Timing is everything. You asked me about “feet of clay” and look what happened—a great assist! Thank you.

Hugs and cheers to my friends who write, who took time out of their busy lives to read and critique this story: Kim Marcus, Zu Vincent, Kellye Carter Crocker, Elly Swartz, Ammi Joan Paquette, Cindy Faughnan, Bethany Hegedus, Margaret Bechard, Uma Krishnaswami, and Louise Hawes. For good conversations and fearless support: Nancy Werlin, Franny Billingsley, Toni Buzzeo, Kathi Appelt, Carolyn Coman, Tim Wynne-Jones, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Mary Atkinson, and the luckiest writers in the universe—the students and alumni of Vermont College. There is no better cheering squad than my writers.com writers—you inspire and stretch me—as well as the attendees of the eight (and counting) novel writing retreats at Vermont College. This book might still be a manuscript in a drawer if it were not for the encouragement, enthusiasm, and insight of Tami Lewis Brown.

For getting me away from my desk, sharing rides, and talking about anything but writing, thank you to my friends in Hanover, NH—Gail, Deb, Devora, Karla, Lisa, Marjorie, Jill, Sharon, and Sarah—and the entire staff at the Hanover Co-op. Thanks to John Kemp Lee, keeper of the Bill Buckner (everyone has a bad day once in a while) baseball card, and to Pam Takiff and Ethan Wilcox, who bravely read very early versions. I discovered a lot about Ari working with my fabulous dvar girls: Lizzie, Sydney, Sara, Bonnie, and Hannah. And Parker would not be Parker if it were not for one crazy carpool with Amanda Washington.

A big whopping hug to Tanya Lee Stone, for being present for every step of this crazy journey. I am so proud of everything you have accomplished. No sports analogies necessary. I am so grateful to have a friend like you.

To my family: Rich and Judy Aronson, Miriam, Anne, Brian, Rachael, and Aaron, who supplied necessary insider information. Massive hugs and kisses to Rebecca, Liz, and Ed for unfailing support, solidarity, love and humor, and making your parents look extremely competent! I am so excited to see what each of you will do next.

Dear Elliot: thank you for sharing your passion for history, as well as your interest in the presidents and presidential trivia. I don’t remember how or when you discovered Cormac O’Brien’s Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, but meals haven’t been the same since! Every day, you teach me something new. I really hope you like this book.

And last, to my husband, Michael. Thank you for embracing our family and giving us safety and music and happiness and stability. Your trust in me is the greatest gift. Every day I wake up knowing I am beyond lucky.