Элисон Скотч: The Theory of Opposites

Thank you to Theodore Brackton, for finding me on Facebook and changing everything.

Thank you to my mother, who told me that changing everything isn’t the end of the world.

Thank you to Nicky, who waited for me on a deserted mountain because he knew that I wouldn’t quit.

Guts.

Live free or die.

What’s next?

We’re ready.

The general rule is that the more books you write, the shorter your acknowledgments should be. (Cool factor and all of that.) But I have a lot of people to be thankful for, people who encouraged me to write this book and to hold steady in my path and to, at the risk of repeating myself, follow my own map. I’m so fortunate to have been touched by their kindness and advice and counsel and just general goodness. So I’m ignoring convention.

Here goes:

Elisabeth Weed: how lucky am I to have you as my partner in crime? Eight years later, I still love you as much as when I said I do.

Laura Dave: you remain ever so wise and wonderful.

Allie Larkin and Claire Cook: what an ambitious, supportive trio we have made. Thanks, ladies.

Jon Cassir, Jessica Jones, Jenny Meyer, Jennifer Garner, Juliana Janes Joudi, Liz Pearsons: it’s an embarrassment of riches to work with you all.

Robin Beerbower, Liz Egan, Kimberly Hitchens, Jess Riley, Michelle Visser, you guys as well. You went out of your way for me for no reason other than your immense generosity. Leslie Wells, thank you for such insightful editorial advice. Jennifer O’Connor, thank you for a brilliant cover.

Unconditional and devoted thanks to my mom, who proofread this manuscript with a red pen and unrelenting eye more times than even a mother (well, really anyone) should have had to. And to my dad, who read an early draft and called me to announce that I’d “written The Catcher in the Rye of my generation.” What more could a daughter ask for?

My kids and husband, who are always my Point North, and also my sun and moon and stars.

And you guys: the readers. There was a time not too long ago when I, much like Willa, sat on my figurative mountain and thought I should quit. You all sustained me; you all reminded me why I love what I do; you all encouraged me – whether you realized it or not – to take a left when it might have been wiser to take a right. I’m grateful; I’m indebted; I’m so very fortunate. Who knows if we make our own luck or if everything is truly meant-to-be. But no matter what, I’m damn appreciative of where the universe has landed me. Thanks to all, for all, for everything.

The Department of Lost and Found

The One that I Want

The Song Remains the Same