Without the energy, conviction, and skill of literary agent Elizabeth Copps, it is likely this book would still remain on my hard drive. I can’t thank you enough, E.
Laura Brown, my editor, works incredibly hard. Thank you for lending your inimitable talents to this book. It is an absolute joy to be one of your authors.
Thank you, as well, to Maria Carvainis and the MCA crew: Martha Guzman, Bryce Gold, and Samantha Brody. Thank you to everybody at HarperCollins, particularly Jonathan Burnham, Amy Baker, Cal Morgan, Kathryn Ratcliffe-Lee, Keith Hollaman, and Joanne O’Neil. Julie Hersh, as well, thank you.
Huge thanks to my dear friends and early readers: David Parker, Michael Pitre, Chrys Darkwater, Andrew Ervin, Kelcy Wilburn, Riley Sise, and Julian Zabalbeascoa. Each of you offered invaluable insight and your own, unique brands of encouragement. I love you all.
Joseph Boyden and Amanda Boyden: as far as I’m concerned, I lucked into your workshop many years ago, and everything else has followed. This novel benefited beyond measure because I’ve known you as teachers, mentors, and friends. Much love to you both.
Danny Goodman: model reader, writer, friend. Without you, buddy, none of this goes.
Ryan Rogers, how often did we talk about this book? Thanks for everything, my man.
I’m also grateful to Scott Collins, Charles Broome, and Jeffrey Marx for enthusiastic reads and indispensable advice.
Nicole Martin, Kate Stastny, David Pomerleau, Marc Paradis, Andre Bohren, Erin Walker, Jamie Amos, Spider Stacy, Louise Stacy, and Casey Lefante: y’all are the best.
Ronald Avila, Roy Kesey, Javi Sanchez, Michelle Sanchez, and Jessica Viada: thank you for your expertise and your generosity.
Special thanks to Adam Sargent, Skip Horack, Colin Walsh, Brian Sullivan, Tim Sise, and Ellen Barker.
I also counted on Tom Crane’s boundless encouragement. Thanks, Uncle T.
To everybody in the Creative Writing Workshop at the University of New Orleans, especially Rick Barton, Randy Bates, and Joanna Leake: thank you, for so many things.
I’m sorry if I’ve forgotten to mention anybody. Many wonderful people helped, in one way or another, over the years.
Mom and Dad, you made sure I dreamed. A long time ago, when I told you I wanted to write, you did nothing but love and support me, as always. Alex, Sami, and Tommy, I’m grateful for you guys every single day. I’ve learned so much from you. And all my family, thank you.
Kate, the inspiration you provide never ceases. I can’t imagine this book existing without you being my partner first. I write for you.
Jonathan, little guy, I’m so glad you are here.