As a first-time author, I would like to acknowledge Karen Wolny and the amazing team at St. Martin’s Press, who believed in this book and so capably guided me through the publication process. A special thanks to Emily Carleton and Donna Cherry for their editorial expertise. I am also grateful to Laura Apperson, Meredith Balkus, and Yasmin Matthew; and to Gabrielle Gantz and Christine Catarino in publicity and marketing. Thank you also to copy editor Bill Warhop.
For recognizing the potential in my manuscript and providing his expert guidance in seeing it to publication, I am grateful to my literary agent, Adam Chromy of Movable Type Management. I would also like to thank Michele Matrisciani of Bookchic, who first took note of my work and shepherded it into the appropriate channels.
There were many long years that preceded publication, and I am grateful to so many who cheered me on. First, I would like to acknowledge my mother and my father, who listened to my endless stories about Rikers and encouraged me to write this book. I am proud to say they were my first editors. My great sadness is that they are not here to see it published, yet somehow I believe they know.
For their love and support throughout this journey, I would like to thank John, Charlie, Danny, Thomas, Peter, Mary Lou, and “Aunt Mary Lou.” A special thanks to Mary Farry and my Ohio ’cuz, as well.
To the readers who so generously gave of their time in reading earlier versions of the manuscript (and encouraged me to keep going!): Mary Lou Buser, Anne Ashley Quinn, Kathy Loughlin, Helen Burguiere, Dominick Bencivenga, Liz Weber, Kelly Caldwell, the late Harry Cronin, and Evelyn Neleson.
To my dear friends who’ve been with me through the highs and lows of this process: Susan Reeves, Karen Goldman, Karen Cassidy, Janet Cocchi, Evelyn Soto, and Wolfgang and Patricia Demisch. For her friendship and expert advice, a special thanks to Bettina Faltermeier.
My coworkers have also been so helpful and supportive—thank you to Jeanne Logan; her father, Jerry Logan; to Robin Rich, Erin Sherwood, Lanethia Spence, and Rich Thomas.
Sister Marion Defeis, Rikers Island chaplain and activist of twenty-three years, has been an indomitable force in seeing this story told. Thank you, Marion!
Finally, a theme of this book is the importance of listening and being heard. I don’t know if I could have written this book were there not someone to listen to me. For believing in my ability to tell this story, even when I couldn’t always see it, I am eternally grateful to Janet Lee Bachant.