To the cheerleaders whose support made more of a difference than they knew: Raychel Ackley (who let me steal her name), Leila Austin, Lindsey Culli, Somaiya Daud, Laurie Devore, Debra Driza, Alice Fang, Maurene Goo, Susanne Hopkins, Michelle Krys, Amy Lukavics, Sarah McCarry, Veronica Roth, Heather Stout, Courtney Summers, and Kara Taylor, plus everyone at the Sweet Sixteens, the Swanky Seventeens, and Madcap Retreats, and especially to YA Highway, the yawning sloths, and my fellow bog hags.
To my high school crew, none of whom are in this story. Thanks for all the hikes and fun and ridiculousness, and for the bits of real life I borrowed—I’ll try to work the apple juice into a future book. I love you all, almost as much as you love Zach’s mom.
To my college crew, pretty sure.
To my entire family. Special thanks to my parents and my in-laws, whose help in sending me to retreats and conferences was a much-needed vote of confidence, and to my nieces Madelyn and Sydney, who patiently answered my questions about “the youths.”
To Flynn, who was proud of me for getting the beer (for which I paid in cash). I couldn’t have written this flawed friendship without yours as counterpoint.
To Catherine, who’s been reading it all since we were twelve. Best best friend ever.
To Thomas and William, who are extremely patient, not to mention excellent hikers and great at puns.
And to Joshua, for everything and always. You’re my favorite.