TO AJ, WHO MAKES my heart go boom, thank you for your love and faith, especially during the darker moments of my journey with this book.
To my mom and my sister, who are always ready to lend a listening ear or keen eye. I’m damn lucky to have such a tight-knit family.
To my old man. Thank you for the man you were, for what you taught me before you left, and for your words and whispers that remain with me, showing me the way.
To Jason Frye, who is my confidante, collaborator, freelance editor, and most of all, my friend. I’m so damn grateful we found each other in the old office/insane asylum. This one is for you.
To my editor, George Witte, for the many years of support, wisdom, direction, care, guidance, and mentorship. I think our relationship is rare in publishing these days, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
To Jess Zimmerman and my entire team at St. Martin’s. You bring my work to light, and I’m so damn appreciative for everything you do. You rock.
To my agent, Julie Stevenson, for your wise insights and strong encouragement, for believing in and fighting for my work. I’m so happy to have you in my corner.
To Shaun Slifer, Kenzie New-Walker, and everyone at the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, whose direct, hands-on work underpins much of this story—thank you for welcoming this book with such open arms. Everyone please go visit them in Matewan!
To St. Martin’s art director Jonathan Bush, who created this incredible cover—it felt like a rare bit of destiny to learn that you also designed the museum’s journal, In These Hills.
To Leena Dbouk, who was kind enough to help me with Arabic language and dialect questions. “There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” —Khalil Gibran
To Ann Teaff, for all of her research into the family history, both at home and in Lebanon.
To the good people at The Bitter Southerner, who published the short story that inspired this book. You sing the song for a better South, and I’m proud to lift my voice with yours.
To all the booksellers across the country who put my work in the hands of readers. Getting to know y’all has been the unexpected treasure of this journey.
To my friends at Starland Yard, PERC, and Foxy, who help me stay well-caffeinated and hydrated while I work. Your daily smiles mean more to me than you know.
Last of all, to Heilan, Pumpkin, and Archer—my furry office mates, research assistants, and fellow nap-takers. May your water bowls always be full, and the squirrels just beyond your reach.