Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder (44 page)

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I
am indebted to an enormous circle of very smart and generous people who made this book possible. My deepest appreciation to Gail Ross, my agent at the Ross Yoon literary agency, and Hilary Black, my editor at National Geographic Books, for their support and guidance throughout this fascinating journey.

From the start, Hilary buoyed me with her enthusiasm, patience, wisdom, deft editing, and championing of this book. I lucked into a most wonderful partnership. Many thanks also to National Geographic associate editors Anne Smyth, who diligently worked on the early stages of the book, and Allyson Dickman, who helped get me to the finish line with her abundant cheer, masterly deadline schedules, and editorial prowess.

My research for this book relied on many great minds, past and present. I am extremely grateful to the mental health scientists and clinicians who stepped out of their busy lives to share their expertise and to guide my understanding of extraordinarily challenging terrain. Although I could not quote everyone I interviewed, all informed my knowledge and contributed to the whole immensely. A special tip of the hat to those who were uncomfortable discussing “patients” they did not know but were nonetheless
willing to talk about these 12 conditions in the spirit of educating the public. If we recognize ourselves and the people we love in these pages—and I certainly did—you have served us well and, I hope, moved us one step closer to eradicating stigma and embracing empathy.

Reading about celebrated lives in history is one of my favorite pastimes; writing about them is supremely daunting. I could not have begun to craft the chapters in this book without the cadre of authoritative biographers whose works brought these 12 individuals to life. I am obliged to these writers for the biographical nuggets that I was able to share. On the subject of biographies: a shout-out to public libraries everywhere and especially to my local branch, Beatley Central Library in Alexandria, Virginia, where I spent many hours scouring the shelves and interacting with a wonderfully good-natured and helpful staff.

I am extraordinarily privileged to be the daughter of two loving and adventurous parents who are exceptional writers and thinkers. My mother Phyllis's graceful and reflective writing inspired my love for language early on, as did my father Bernard's insatiable curiosity, wit, and literary flair. My mother read early drafts, offered sage suggestions, and listened patiently and compassionately during moments of writerly angst. My father helped brainstorm, cheered me on, and, much to my delight, provided reporting. While I was researching Frank Lloyd Wright, he mentioned that he had interviewed the architect in the fall of 1953 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. In a matter of minutes, I Googled his column, “The Author: Frank Lloyd Wright,” and found the reporting gems I needed to wrap up the chapter. Bernard Kalb is the
Saturday Review
writer who makes an appearance. Nothing could be more humbling and gratifying than drawing on my father's esteemed journalistic work for my own.

Several individuals offered immense guidance, input, and support. My sister Marina enthusiastically and generously read chapter drafts, made each one better, and bolstered my confidence. I cannot possibly thank her enough. Ongoing conversations with Joanna Spiro, friend and dedicated mental health professional, provided both sustenance and wise counsel as she answered complicated questions and walked me through challenging material. Steve Fainaru, loyal comrade and exemplary journalist, helped me navigate my entrée into book writing and provided ongoing encouragement, as did mentor extraordinaire Larry Tye, whose books have inspired me and who cares as deeply about the good work of others as he does about his own.

A coterie of friends and colleagues, many of whom I had the tremendous privilege of working with at
Newsweek
, helped in immeasurable ways. Lucy Shackelford cheered me on from the beginning, took on the critical task of fact-checking with her exacting eye, and answered my many “one last question” e-mails with unbounded patience. Pat Wingert graciously stepped in at the end, read the full manuscript with great care, and made many welcome improvements. Other generous souls talked through profile candidates, suggested sources, made introductions, provided information or expertise on specific subject matter, read a chapter draft, or offered much appreciated support along the way. Enormous thanks to: Ruth Arkell, Sharon Begley, Hannah Bloch, Bob Cohn, Sophia Colamarino, Nancy Edson, Yonit Hoffman, Dottie Jeffries, Barbara Kantrowitz, Fred Kaplan, Catherine Karnow, Anna Kuchment, Kevin Peraino, Stanley Rabinowitz, Joan Raymond, Debra Rosenberg and David Lipscomb, Karen Springen, Jamie Stiehm, Steve Tuttle, Anne Underwood, and Katie Waxman.

My 17 years at
Newsweek
steeped me in the best of journalism—deep reporting, thoughtful analysis, and compelling writing—and
provided a vast network of exceptional colleagues. My deepest gratitude to Ann McDaniel for her generous and steadfast guidance, counsel, and friendship throughout my journalistic journey. Much appreciation to Jeff Bartholet, Dan Klaidman, John McCormick, Jon Meacham, Lisa Miller, David Noonan, and Mark Starr, who supported my career in countless ways. On the health team, special thanks to Alexis Gelber and a salute to Geoff Cowley, gone much too soon and greatly missed. And to many others who have inspired me throughout the years, a collegial thank-you to all.

My family members provided welcome support and much needed distractions along the way. Abundant love and gratitude to my sisters and their families: Tanah, Hilmar, Max, Talia, and Camila; Marina, David, Elijah, and Wolf; Sarinah, Jaron, Leo, Susannah, and Bella. Big thanks to Hilmar for a superfun photo shoot and for sharing his great talent. For their ongoing and warm encouragement, many thanks to my aunt and uncle, Mady and Marvin Kalb, and to my cousins Deborah and Judith and their families. Debby's terrific blog about books and authors provided inspiration. Judy and her husband, Alex, talked Dostoevsky with me; Judy reviewed the chapter and, among many other helpful suggestions, explained the intricacies of Russian names. Much love to my cousins in New York, London, Mexico, and Argentina, and a special tribute to my grandparents and aunts and uncles who are deeply missed and with whom I would have loved to share this book.

Wonderful friends have provided companionship and fortification throughout my writing career. Heartfelt thanks to: Susan Berfield and Tim Brewer, Alex Bernstein and Sonia Daccarett, Katherine and Tim Dilworth, Jack Flyer and Winnie Hahn, Trina Foster, Beth Fouhy, Trent Gegax and Samara Minkin, Carmen MacDougall, Dan McGinn, Susan McKeever, Norah McVeigh and Peter Szabo,
Cindy Peterson, and Jessica Portner. I am blessed to have a large circle—beyond those named—and offer my gratitude to every one of you.