In literary circles, there’s a game of high-level chicken to see who can heap the highest praise on Tina Bennett. So, let me say, she is the sharpest, most insightful collaborator a writer could ever have. She willed Amanda into existence out of a brown paper bag passed on a street corner (literally). She knew how to prod and press and when to prop me up. One of the best parts of writing this book was getting to hang with her. (Your move, Malcolm Gladwell!)
I cannot imagine a more supportive family than the one I’m blessed with. During this arduous process, my husband Tim Lewis buoyed my spirits, offered keen advice, kept the kids’ schedules, and only occasionally asked why I hadn’t had time to organize a playdate. I love you for that and so much more. My children, Alessandra, Francesca, and Nathaniel, cheered me on and gave me excellent suggestions for the story line and cover art. And a huge thank you to Savi Sinanan, without whom none of this could have happened. My brother Andrew is always a steady sounding board. I’m also blessed with very cool in-laws: Catherine and Alex, Suzanne and John—as well as the awesome Sherman clan. My parents-in-law, Karen and Stan Lewis, act as my own personal fan club. Thank you for all of your love—the feeling is mutual. And to my biggest champion, now and always, my mother Elaine Camerota (who wants you to know she’s nothing like Amanda’s mom—and she’ll send you an article to prove it). Mom, your wealth of wisdom has guided me my entire life. You are a wonderful editor and mother. I wish my stepfather Mike were here to enjoy this. I hear him, along with Gram, Poppy, Eileen, and Dad, cheering from beyond.
ALISYN CAMEROTA is a journalist and coanchor of CNN’s morning show New Day. Prior to joining CNN, Camerota was cohost of FOX News Channel’s morning show FOX + Friends Weekend. She has been a national correspondent for NBC’s Real Life and the crime show America’s Most Wanted, and worked as a reporter at several local stations. She lives in the New York area with her husband and three children.
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Amanda Wakes Up Page 35
