An author gets to put her name on the cover of a book but an enormous number of people help bring that idea of a book into a reality, and I will do my best to thank everyone who has helped this one come into existence. If I have forgotten anyone, I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart.
First thanks go to my editor, Maddie Caldwell. She believed in my idea and helped make it so much better and so much more book-like. I am grateful for her patience, thoughtfulness, and generosity during this process. Many thanks also to Jacqui Young, who helped so much with image permissions and more. And thank you to Liz Connor who designed the beautiful, perfect cover for this book—you realized the spirit of this book exactly.
Second thanks to my agent, Holly Root. I couldn’t ask for a better partner and guide through the book-writing world.
Third, I need to thank my family for so much I barely know where to start. Thank you to my dad, Steve, who takes every single phone call, no matter the time of day or what he’s doing, and then gives the best advice about what to do; to my brother, Jacob, who gives me such love and support and the gift of the best sister-in-law in the world, Olivia. To Olivia, the sister I’ve gained, the person I turn to whenever I need a boost of confidence, and writing advice—our family is so lucky to have you. And Mo, as I’m writing this, I haven’t met you yet but you’re coming so soon and I know you’re going to be the best nephew ever. Finally to Leah, my sister, my business partner, my best friend, the person who is always there and who I will always be there for, I do not deserve you.
A million thanks as well to my extended family of Cohns, Connors, Doctoroffs, Donnellys, Duboises, Kochs, Liebmans, Milches, and Tuckers. I am so lucky to have a family that always shows up for each other.
Like my family, my friends deserve too many thanks to put here, but I will try. Rebekah and Sarah, who have shared so much life and writing advice on so many couches, and so many episodes of Love Island, I’m so lucky to have such generous and brilliant writers who are also amazing friends. Lizzy, who has been my biggest cheerleader forever, and both Emmas, and Louisa, thank you for your support for so many years. Miranda and Lily, so much has changed since college but your friendship and love remain a constant that I’ll always be grateful for. Emma Straub, you are such a generous friend and guide through our extremely bizarre, specific intersection of life—thank you.
I started dating someone a few months before my book was due, which I would not recommend. But Blake, you were so worth it. You’ve taught me that things happen at exactly the moment they are meant to. Thank you for your unbelievable support, patience, and understanding during this process. I love you more than I can really say.