For years, when I fantasized about publishing a novel, one of the things I was most excited about was writing the acknowledgments. Whenever I sit down to read a new book, the first thing I do is turn to the acknowledgments page. I love hearing about a writer’s community because it reminds me that, although only the author’s name appears on the front cover, so many other people have contributed to the process through their encouragement, wisdom, hard work and faith. For me, this novel has been a labor of love, and I simply could not have done it without the insight and enthusiasm of my teachers, friends and family, as well as all of the wonderful people I’ve met along the way.
Thank you to my incredible agent, Stephanie Cabot, her equally incredible assistant, Ellen Goodson Coughtrey, and everyone at the Gernert Company. To the magnificent trio at Park Row Books: Erika Imranyi, who took a chance on me, and my tireless editors, Liz Stein and Natalie Hallak. And to Shara Alexander, publicist extraordinaire. Words cannot express how fortunate I feel to have had such smart and kind women working with me on this project.
Thank you to my thoughtful readers and talented fellow writers who helped me through the messy first drafts: Lynn Elias, Alexandra D’Italia, April Dávila, Corey Madden, Erin La Rosa, Jackie Stowers, Kelly Morr, Will Frank, Yance Wyatt, Tatiana Uschakow, Mary Menzel, Lauren Herstik, Taiwo Whetstone and Jessica Cantiello. To the talented Amanda Treyz for her beautiful photographs and for many talks over many meals. To Katie Frichtel and Troy Farmer at raven + crow studio for the awesome website and their awesomeness generally. To Kevin Doughten for his editorial insights and support from day one, probably even before day one.
To all of my wonderful instructors and mentors at USC, especially to Judith Freeman, who was the first person to see promise in this idea, and to Aimee Bender, who has encouraged me in more ways than she knows. To my colleagues in the Writing Program—through you, I’ve found a nurturing and supportive home at USC.
Thank you to Steve Salardino at Skylight Books for giving me an insider’s glimpse into independent bookstores and to Eoghan O’Donnell for sharing stories of his dad’s used bookstore. Independent bookstores have been a vital part of my reading and writing life. Whenever I travel, I make sure to save a good chunk of time—and luggage space—for browsing local bookstores. I’m constantly inspired by the celebration of books, ideas and reading that persists in our communities through these bookshops. Prospero Books is my ode to you and your shelves.
To my family: the Meyersons, the Perrottas and the Chans. A special thanks to my parents, who encouraged me without ever seeing a page (now’s your chance!). To my brother, Jeff, for his advice and support through the process. To Lindsay and Jan Perrotta for their enduring enthusiasm. To Jessica Chan for her sage medical advice and to Jen Chan for her social media savvy. And to my exceptional friends; I am indeed very lucky to have such a vibrant and inspiring community.
Finally to Adam, who always believes in me, even when I don’t believe in myself.