There are many people who have made this book possible.
Trish Lee, who is from Hawaii, first told me this incredible story.
John Boyle, professor of Asian history at California State University, Chico, combed the manuscript for accuracy and spelling and kindly contacted friends who supplied me with important details.
My fellow Grotto member, writer Lisa Margonelli, volunteered early on to read a draft and I took her up on it. She gave me wonderful advice and even a pom-pom cheer. Michelle Tessler, whom I’m lucky to have as an agent, is the perfect combination of business savvy and compassion. Thank you for your unwavering belief in this story.
Jennifer Brehl took all the stress out of the final edits by being perceptive and kind at once. Thank you for your work. Elaine Pfefferblit read an early version and gave me invaluable advice that set me on the right path, as always. Zoe Rosenfeld was wise and patient and made me a better writer. Alan Holbrook was generous with his time and advice (and savvy about guns and radios).
Allan Beekman, Ruth Tabrah, Gavan Daws, Chris Cook, Rerioterai Tava, and Moses Keale Sr. wrote some of the many books I consulted for my research.
Eric Martin and Melanie Gideon struggled with me through every incarnation. If there were medals for that, you’d both get the one for valor AND the one for wounded in action. Thank you for all your help.
The Grotto continues to be a major force in my life. It was an inspiration to write in an office filled with such great talent. Thank you for the camaraderie during the dark days. And please keep the roof deck neat.
Mom never stopped telling me how proud she was of me and this work, which made all the difference. My brother Jonathan clued me in to the Zero’s fatal flaw, as well as made me laugh way too hard during our title brainstorming (thanks also to Ian Murray and Bill Britt for that). My twin sister, Alexandra, has the kind of absurd faith in me that makes me think I can do anything, and as always was the first reader I relied on. My father lived only long enough to see me struggle with the writing of the book, but if there’s a bookstore where he is, I know he’s first in line.
Mindy Ross found me a vintage warplane to fly, so I could better understand its magic. Thank you, Mindy, for all your faith in my writing, in East Wind, Rain, and in me.