The End
Acknowledgments
THIS BOOK WAS MANY years in its making. It lost its fire for a while, then my daughter came home from high school with a disturbing report, “They’re banning books,” and the embers were re-ignited. Suddenly, my ideals as a writer ran smack against my protectiveness as a parent. I watched censorship challenge individual freedoms in our North Carolina town, cause a beloved teacher to resign, and prompt many of us to examine the sides we take in such conflicts.
According to the American Library Association, on average about five hundred books are challenged every year in the United States—and those are just the ones we know about. Some would say this is horrible. But I think if we didn't have a way to challenge the actions of others, we wouldn't be truly free. So I accept that challenges are necessary, but I also am happy when they fail.
I would like to thank those who have so generously given me their time, attention, and wisdom while writing this book: Marlys Dooley, Lois West Duffy, Miriam Karmel, Janet Hanafin, Jean Housh, Connie Szarke, Ann Woodbeck, and our talented leader, Faith Sullivan. You have made me an infinitely better writer. I am in awe of your work and feel so lucky to have you.
Thank you also to several mentors: Barbara Graybeal, who has always been a keen supporter and smart editor; Ellen Hart, who is unfailingly kind, a wonderful writer, and the first person to introduce me to Dennis LeHane's books; Mary Carroll Moore, who gave me detailed and excellent advice; and sculptor Jim Gallucci, who let me weld with him for a day.
To Suzanne Roberts and Sarah Roberts Delacueva, thank you for your love and energy, which brighten my every day. Also, I am grateful to Sarah for editing this book not once, but twice, and stunning me each time with her intelligent observations (and good catches). Finally, and most importantly, thank you to Tony—you never give up on me, never stop trying to inspire me, and never let me rest too long. Yes, I know there is always another mountain, and you are waiting for me, hand outstretched, ready to help me climb it. I'm there with you until the end of time.
About the Author
SHERRY ROBERTS IS THE author of a novel about art and creativity called Maud’s House, two nonfiction books on the city of Greensboro, North Carolina, and several short fiction pieces. She has contributed essays and articles to national publications such as USA Today. After years as a newspaper reporter and magazine editor, she started her own company with her husband, The Roberts Group, to provide editorial services and Web development. She lives in Minnesota, where she feeds the hummingbirds in the summer; walks in the snow in the winter; and writes, edits, and designs books as well as newsletters, marketing materials, and websites. She follows the Minnesota Timberwolves basketball team (much to her despair) and is trying not to get too attached to baseball and the Twins. She fears she might have a bit of her mother in her, who was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan and complained when they stopped taking her calls.
Visit Sherry’s blog is at http://www.sherry-roberts.com.
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