I must acknowledge the tenacity, passion, and extraordinary work of Jessica Regel, who helped to shape this book in ways that far exceeded anything I could’ve ever imagined or expected from an agent—thank you, Jess, for believing in this book and fighting so hard to make sure it saw the light of day!
Sincerest thanks are also due to my editor, Rūta Rimas, for being such an incredible partner on this journey, for taking a leap of faith on a new author, and most of all, for your sensitive, thoughtful, and discerning work on this book—thank you for being one of those rare people who just gets it.
And an extended shout-out to all the wonderful, dedicated, and talented people at Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon & Schuster, and Foundry Literary + Media, who have helped to turn what was once a dream into reality.
I am infinitely indebted to my family, to my inspiring and supportive friends, and to Holly, my best friend and the brave soul who graciously served as this book’s first reader way back when.
Lastly, I am grateful for life’s many mentors and guides, for the good and the bad, for the never-ending ebb and flow.