The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

When it takes you ten years to write a book, you have many people to thank. My immense gratitude goes to:

My husband, Jed Rothstein, for telling me when a scene wasn’t working, no matter how awkward it made dinner; my agent, Michelle Tessler, for believing in this book when it was just a handful of scenes; my best friend and partner in crime, Alison Hart, whose countless comments over the years made this smarter and sharper with every pass.

My mother, for instilling my early love of books, politics, and food; my brother, for instilling my early love of heavy metal. Also, thanks to both of you in advance for not smacking anyone who makes the regrettable mistake of thinking either of you are Kamala or Akhil. (And sorry about that.)

My family around the world, the Seattle Jacobs, the Rothsteins, the Cheriyans, the Abrahams, and the formidably charming Eliamma Thomas. My “family in this country, anyway”—the Koshy/Avasthi/Kulasinghe/Weissman/Mangalik/Kurians — most especially Anita Koshy, who provided invaluable medical expertise, and Koshy Uncle, who chased after obscure facts with the diligence of a bloodhound.

Sean Mills, who gave me a space to write and a series of great conversations when I needed them most; Jacob Chacko, who read this book and then answered more questions than any person should have to without getting a cash prize afterward.

My fantastic readers throughout the many stages of this book: Amanda McBaine, Chelsea Bacon, Joanna Yas, Alice Bradley, Karla Murthy, Sara Voorhees, Emily Voorhees, Monica Bielanko, Deborah Copaken Kogan, Noa Meyer, Garrett Carey, and Abigail Walch. Mentors Dani Shapiro, Abigail Thomas, Honor Moore, Sylvia Watanabe, Diane Vruels, and Robert Polito. David Dunbar and his City Term classes.

My editor, Kendra Harpster, for her sharp eye and enthusiasm; Susan Kamil, Karen Fink, Kaela Myers, and the entire team at Random House for their incredible efforts; Diya Kar Hazra and Helen Garnons-Williams of Bloomsbury for their thoughtfulness and input.

John D’Agata, for his essay “Collage History of Art by Henry Darger.”

Everyone at Building on Bond who kept me fed and caffeinated while I wrote, especially Norman Lynn Vineyard.

Andy McDowell, Dave Thrasher, all the fine folks at Pete’s Candy Store, and every single reader who ever graced our stage.

My son, for turning it up to eleven.

My father, Philip Jacob. I still see you everywhere.