The Heavy (28 page)

Thanks to Susan Corcoran and Alison Masciovecchio for deftly handling publicity—no small task on this project.

Humble thanks to Libby McGuire for believing in me, for understanding why this book is important, for wanting to publish it even before it became controversial, and for her unwavering support when it did.

A million thanks to Marnie Cochran, who has spoiled me rotten as my editor by not only being great at what she does, but also cool and fun to work with. She has gone above and beyond as an advocate, mentor, and friend. She made my words a book, and me a writer.

Thanks to the various extended family members without whose support and approval I would have lacked the courage to write this book: Bonnie, Norman, Jackie, and Carolyn Weiss, and related spouses and children; Tata and Yossi; Michael and Judith; and the Kaufmann family and its offshoots.

Without Abigail Pogrebin this book would have remained a far-fetched idea in my brain: her steadfast confidence, helpful introductions, assiduous reviewing and editing of my work, and generous allocations of time and love made this project a reality. I am forever grateful for her friendship.

And finally, “thanks” doesn’t begin to approach the debt of gratitude I have to my husband and children. Their thoughts, encouragement, love, pride, and laughter are what made this book possible. They are amazing people. I am lucky and honored to call them my family.