Thank you to:
My parents, Sylvia and Richmond, for everything. Mom, I never take for granted all the ways your life has made room for my own. My brothers, Howard, Chadwick, and Chase, for making me funnier and smarter all the time.
Alanna for your encouragement, belief in me, and commitment to being a hater, which inspires me in all that I do. Bill, for editing every draft of this book, assuaging my (many, many) anxieties, and keeping me full to the brim with workshop goss. Daisy for naming this book, answering all my FaceTimes, and changing the course of my life. Al for being my hype woman and the straw that stirs the drink.
The friends who have kept me upright throughout this long process: Jen, Ann-Marie, and Marral.
Absolutely everyone who has read a draft or excerpt of this book, whether in book club, for ad hoc workshop, or just for fun. This book has taken so many forms, and you all helped it get to the final one.
Karen and Anton for late-in-the-game edits.
My agents, Deborah Schneider, Penelope Burns, and Rachel Mann, for guiding me and advocating for me. Dan Ehrenhaft for acquiring and believing in this book. Alyea Canada and Ember Hood for your patience and careful edits. Sarah Riedlinger for the beautiful cover design.