Acknowledgments - The Daughters of Rosebud

It is a miracle that novels are written. The process is long. The elation and suffering are real. Like any birth, this book has been a community event, and it exists only through the support of the following people.

The one and only Molly Friedrich. From the moment I ran into your arms on Block Island, I understood. Swashbuckling, big-loving, direct, with a splash of impatience, you are my dream agent. Alex Greulich, who sees through the surface, writes beautiful things, and makes sure the trains run on time.

Megha Parekh. I am deeply grateful to you for your vision. You saw exactly what this book needed when no one else could and took a chance on me. Selina McLemore for helping me bring that vision to life. Angela Elson and the other talented professionals at Lake Union who worked behind the scenes to make publishing a dream experience.

Warren Wilson Wallies, past, present, and future. You are the smartest, kindest, most supportive and generous community of which I have ever been honored to be a part. The boundless support and love of my writing people: Elyse Durham, Chris Hathaway, Aaron Hauptman, Koye Oyedji, Liz Ross, and Annette Wong. And, most especially, Sasha Hom, the most brilliant of readers, who read every word of this book like it was her own and pushed me hard to express what my characters were feeling in their body and not thinking in their head.

Adrienne Celt, David Haynes, Caitlin Horrocks, and Vanessa Hua. I do not have the words to express my gratitude, affection, and respect for each of you. You are more than just my teachers and mentors. You are stuck with me for life.

My tribe. Kara Newmark for your willingness to discuss my characters and inner demons ad nauseam and always knowing exactly what I needed to hear and when I needed to hear it. Sole Van Emden, for our endless conversation about the mystic and the discipline required to make art. Emily Coen, Vicki Lander, and Kristin Redington, who think whatever I write, no matter how awful, is beautiful. Anne Bishop, Karen Handelman, and Nancy Tice for your steady love and support no matter the hour. (And all the boys, of course: Bobby, John, Matt, Jack, Jim, Marc, and Paul.) Susan Perabo, who is responsible for most everything in my writing career. Amy and Mark Rubin for Innsbrook. Mike Steinbaum, a true believer in the written word and in my ability to write a story.

My gratitude to Karen Engel, who taught me that second-grade teachers stand on their heads, and Paya Sample, who carries magic in her pockets, for helping me bring a second-grade classroom to life.

The Millers, especially Nancy Miller, who embody acceptance and support.

If behind every great man is a woman, then standing next to me is Emina Dedic, who enables me to have it all. My brothers, Rashid, Zahid, and Shahid. You made me this way. My sister Kim, who may be married to my brother but is really mine. Aunty Gago and Apa Pina, who have loved me completely, fiercely, and unapologetically from the day I was born.

My parents, who brought us to this country in its halcyon years and combined the struggle and hardship of being immigrants with bright-eyed wonder and adventure and for teaching me that anything is possible if you keep it in your mind’s eye—you gave me the world.

It is one thing when your parents believe you can do anything, it’s quite another when your children do. Anis, Casimir, and Shabir, you are the first of your names and always the first in my heart.

And, most of all, to Joey, the bookend of our little clan, the purveyor of goodness and patience and unconditionality. Without you, I would not have grown into who I am.

How lucky I am.