Before I Forget by Tory Henwood Hoen - 54
They say second novels are the most difficult to write, and it turns out, they’re correct. There were many moments when I feared this book would never find its way, and I am grateful to those who supported me as I figured out how to tell this story. To all the families, like mine, who have been affe...
They say second novels are the most difficult to write, and it turns out, they’re correct. There were many moments when I feared this book would never find its way, and I am grateful to those who supported me as I figured out how to tell this story.
To all the families, like mine, who have been affected by Alzheimer’s: I hope this book provides an escape, a balm, a laugh. Whatever you might need.
To my editor, Sarah Cantin: You elevate everything you touch. I am so lucky to work with you. Thank you for your patience and encouragement as I wrestled with this project. Thank you, also, to my team at St. Martin’s Press—Drue VanDuker, Olga Grlic, Michael Clark, Donna Noetzel, Erica Martirano, Jessica Zimmerman—for bringing this book to life.
To my agent, Erin Malone: It is such a gift to know that you’re in my corner. Thank you for the pep talks, the feedback, the unflagging belief. My gratitude to the team at WME—Rae Friedman, Suzy Ball, Hilary Zaitz-Michael, Laura Bonner—for helping this story find its audience.
I am much indebted to my cadre of trusted brainstormers, eagle-eyed readers, and steadfast cheerleaders: Frances Denny, Thyra Heder, Serena Roberts Houlihan, Robbie Henwood, Storrs Hoen, Tom Hoen, Darin Kingston, Callie Kant, Lizzie Bildner, Isadora Tang, Ethan Feirstein, Reid Cherlin, and Colin Mort.
Thank you to Rebecca Barry, Mikki Brammer, Jessica George, and Adam White for your kind words and beautiful writing.
Shout-out to my favorite libraries in the Upper Valley—the Howe Library in Hanover, the Tracy Memorial Library in New London, the Dunbar Free Library in Grantham, and the Norwich Public Library in Norwich—where I wrote and edited much of this project.
To Allie Amerson: This book would not exist without you. Period. Thank you for taking the best care of my Avery Girl so that I could get some work done.
To Nick, Oliver, Annie, Asher, and Eli—I love you.
To my mother, Caroline: You housed me, fed me, babysat, and otherwise made it possible for me to finish this book. All writers should be so lucky. Thank you, also, for taking care of Rat when he was sick with Alzheimer’s—a job no one wants, but one that you did with humor and grace.
Finally, to my daughter Avery—the big joy in my life. My whole world sparkles now that you’re at the center of it.