Were C.S. Buzz Holling never to have inspired hundreds of scholars and teachers, myself included, I could never, ever have conjured the theory of change from which this story derives. I am indebted to him and the Resilience Alliance that continues to generate amazing science. I am more grateful than I can adequately express to Danielle Aubrey of Petra Books, whose steadfast support, incisive criticism, and openness to the premise of the novel and its myriad characters have been extraordinary. Closer to home, tons of thanks are due for the critiques of several readers of this novel in its formative life and for suggestions of other kinds that enriched and helped shape the story. Among those, I would first single out Ann Barr, who challenged and deepened our friendship through months and months of smart and tough-minded editing. Without her, I might well have relegated the project to the recycling bin.
Others who deserve accolades for grand as well as tiny but artful, even cunning, nudges include Jonathan Bernard, James Bernard, Geoff Buckley, Lois Carlson, Nedra Chandler, Joe Brehm, Eden Kinkaid, Lily Gianna Woodmansee, Kevin Hansen, Patricia Parker and Donna Lofgren. Especially Donna, who provided unfathomable daily acts of nurture and love, in spite of the ever-looming 400-page elephant in the room. Emily Apgar rendered the book’s cover with expertise and imagination. Emily, who was an Ohio University student at the time, was unerringly the fair-minded professional which undoubtedly derives from her gifted mentor, Professor Julie Elman. And finally, speaking of students, where would I be without the hundreds and hundreds over the years who prodded and challenged and inspired and befriended me? The answer to that is nowhere.