Acknowledgments

I marvel at the generosity of spirit that has been shown me by so many people. The support I have received from everyone has been truly humbling. First of all, I must thank Dover’s science teachers and plaintiffs, especially Steve Stough, Bryan and Christy Rehm, and Barrie Callahan—but most of all Cyndi Sneath. They have all shared with me moments of beauty and inspiration. I hope I have done them justice in my recounting.

I’d also like to thank the plaintiffs’ attorneys for their willingness to take the time to help me understand the issues of the case, as well as their openness and candor in relating what this case meant to them. Thank you Steve Harvey, Richard Katskee, Vic Walczak, and especially Eric Rothschild, whose enthusiasm never waned no matter how many times I forced him to recount, just one more time, a key event, legal nuance, or personal reflection. His knowledge and fact-checking expertise also saved me from more than a few embarrassing mistakes. I am indebted.

Greg Bowers, an assistant professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, hates the phrase, “writing coach.” But I can think of no better description of him in this instance. In the past year, he has talked me down from more than a couple of ledges, and he has given me some great ideas when I was truly stuck. He has spent years doing his best to teach me to write. I sincerely hope I haven’t let him down. I’d also like to thank John Wallingford (“a verb please”), a terrific copy editor at the Tacoma News Tribune and a ruthless scourge of the passive voice.

I am grateful to Bill Buckingham, a wonderful storyteller and aficionado of great bluegrass music, for our countless conversations. I hope he still considers me to be his friend.

In addition, I must thank my family, especially my brother Todd, who shouldered the family’s burdens and asked for nothing in return. I also thank my husband, Jefferson Pepper, whose eternal patience has been sorely tested, and whose songwriting talent and creativity will always remain my greatest source of inspiration.

I must thank the many scientists who patiently answered all my uninformed questions, especially Nick Matzke and Kevin Padian. Their advice and guidance were invaluable. I’m thankful for the long philosophical conversations over coffee with Burt Humburg, who helped me understand that there can be a place in this world for both science and faith.

I am terribly grateful to The New Press and my wonderful editor, Ellen Adler, who took a chance on an inexperienced writer. I also thank Sheila Kinney, who looked out for me, even though she didn’t have to.

Additionally, I’d like to thank all the good folks at the science blog Panda’s Thumb (Please do not feed the trolls); the Racehorse Tavern; the York Dispatch (the “scrappy” newspaper); and all my friends at the York Daily Record. Finally, I thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster, without whose spiritual guidance this book would not have been possible.