I would like to acknowledge the Bimini Biological Field Station in South Bimini, dedicated to the study and conservation of sharks, a place that inspired me to begin the novel with Maeve studying lemon sharks in Bimini.
I would also like to acknowledge the following intrepid women who have made contributions to ocean conservation and whose work has been both an inspiration to me and useful in the writing of this book: Sylvia Earle, “Her Deepness,” whose books The World Is Blue and Sea Change, and whose dedication to research and conservation endlessly inspired me and my character Maeve. She became not only a hero to me, but a presence in the novel. Julia Whitty, writer and environmental correspondent for Mother Jones, whose exquisite book The Fragile Edge caused me to see my relationships with the ocean and its creatures in profound new ways and sparked the idea for Maeve and Hazel’s exchange about the shark god Taputapua in the Tuamotus. Andrea Marshall, “Queen of the Mantas,” founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation in Mozambique, whose actions as a guardian of mantas worldwide inspired me to create a research center set in Mozambique at the end of the novel.
Finally, I would like to thank my family. I’m deeply grateful to my mother, Sue Monk Kidd, who read the manuscript as I wrote. I could not ask for a better reader or a better mother. My wonderful father, Sanford Kidd, whose love and support has always been unwavering. My brother, Bob Kidd, who looked for shark teeth with me when we were kids. My grandparents, Ridley, Leah, and LaVerne, for the constancy of their love and belief in me. My husband, Scott Taylor, for his support, his partnership, and for making a home where the surfing isn’t great. Luke and Lily, Hazel and Ty, for being the best of companions. And my son, Ben Taylor, inspiration for Hazel and sun of my life, whom I love more than anything.
Ann Kidd Taylor is the coauthor of the New York Times bestselling memoir Traveling with Pomegranates. She lives in Florida with her husband and son.
www.annkiddtaylor.com
AnnKiddTaylor
@AnnKiddTaylor
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The Shark Club Page 26
