This book was a strange beast that emerged during a difficult time. I am forever grateful to Brittany K. Allen, Arif Anwar, Hannah Bae, Andrea Bartz, Jessie Chaffee, Claire Dunnington, Sara Faring, Mira Jacob, Luis Jaramillo, Angie Kim, Crystal Hana Kim, Jean Kwok, Krys Lee, Melissa Rivero, Alizah Salario, Leigh Stein, Boo Trundle, Yoojin Grace Wuertz, and Jung Yun for believing in what it might do.
Suzanne Gluck championed the project from the very start and David Ebershoff led me along the path to bring it into the world. The greatest agent, the greatest editor. I am so lucky to be with the teams at WME and Hogarth, who make the wildest dreams come true.
The book is here thanks to Hedgebrook, the Randolph MFA community, Pen Parentis, #1000wordsofsummer, and the New York Public Library’s Center for Research in the Humanities. Its most crucial support came from my family’s childcare providers, whose work makes my work happen. All my gratitude goes to Ms. Shevon, Ms. Madeena, Ms. Tiana, Ms. Janice, Ms. Jesse, and Ms. Melissa.
San Juan Island gave me so much. It took from me, too. For both, I am grateful.
Finally, and always, I thank Alex, Max, and Anna. You three are the home I wish for. You are the best of all possible lives. I love you.