Surrender (32 page)

For holding back laughter at the idea, sending me amazing books, and cheering me on: the Bookanistas.

For raising me with the belief that I can do anything: Jeff and Donna Watkins.

For making me more beautiful than I actually am: Carol Johnson, Mary McBride, Amy Harris, Penny Welch, Jessica Cottle, and Brigitte Ballard.

For keeping me sane: all my blog readers, especially those whose comments buoyed me up during the floods, made me smile, or helped me take one more step. You know who you are.

And to my first teen readers, Haley Gallegos and Fabiana Fonesca; may there be many more like you.