We couldn’t have written this particular book without the help and insights of our son, Eric. During many road trips throughout the West and living room discussions, he spoke honestly about himself and the people his age. In nonfiction books, you always need at least one person to guide you into the subject matter and who’s willing to give you the time you need. Eric did that and pointed us in the direction that allowed us to think about the mass-shooting phenomenon in a broader and more social context. His voice became the first one of his generation to assist us. We thank him and all the other millennials who later agreed to share their perspectives. We also deeply appreciate those in the medical/psychiatric fields and the other professionals who took the time to share their knowledge and experience with us.
We’re grateful for the book’s editor, Dan Smetanka, who did a tremendous job of helping us shape and refine the narrative. He understood what we were trying to do in The Spiral Notebook, and his encouragement and enthusiasm inspired us. His deft touch with a manuscript is everywhere in these pages, as is his critical thinking and his ability to see the larger subject in this story. Finally, our agent, Mel Berger of William Morris Endeavor, put us together with Dan and Counterpoint Press. It’s been a very rewarding collaboration.