What Girls Learn

by Karin Cook

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I am enormously grateful for the support of The MacDowell Colony, The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, the Millay Colony, and the Creative Writing Program at NYU.

  For their constancy and invaluable literary contributions, I thank my novel group—Patricia Chao, Stephanie Grant, and the late Kenneth King—trusted readers and dearest friends. I have great respect and admiration for my mentor, Mona Simpson, whose even-handed guidance and generosity were such gifts during the writing of this novel. For essential lessons in craft, community, and above all, continuing, I thank Frank Bergon, Beverly Coyle, E. L. Doctorow, Kathleen Finneran, Allan Hoffman, and Jacqueline Woodson.

  Of matters related to publication, I’d like to thank Liz Manne and Emily Rosenblum for making the connection, Terry Tempest Williams for making the suggestion, Jordan Pavlin for making the time, and my incredible agent, Heather Schroder, for making things happen again and again.

  I have never met anyone as clairvoyant as my editor, Robin Desser, who took this book into her heart and guided me toward closure with tremendous grace and wisdom.

  I thank my teachers for their earliest encouragement, particularly Muriel Auerbach, Mr. Atkins, Dr. Lemonedes, Dr. Davis, and Ann Imbrie. I appreciate, too, the opportunity to work with the writers of the In Our Own Write workshop and reading series at The Lesbian and Gay Community Center.

  Special thanks to Michaele White and Kathleen Connolly for supporting me in my attempts to fashion a life that balances meaningful social and creative work. And to the young people and staff of The Door and Unity High School, from whom I learn something each and every day.

  I am fortunate to share my life with incredible women who inspire and sustain me with their strength and talent: Andrea Askowitz, Christine Arbesu, Laura Bowery, Alex Carter, Ida Dupont, Chrisse Harnos, Kim Hawkins, Eliot Kennedy, Leslie Nuchow, Jeanne Tift, Hope Reese, Victoria Reese, Coleen Stevens, Stephanie Whittier, and Fran Willing.

  My family has been very supportive and long ago created an extra place at the table for my imagination. Special thanks to my grandmother, Ruth, for giving so much love, to my father, John, for lessons in willpower, and to Janis and James for creating the Harrington Colony and inviting me home to write.

  All my grace goes to Melinda Daniels for capturing my heart with both passion and promise.

  Finally, I’d like to honor my magical sister, Jennifer, and my mother, Joan, the creative and spiritual forces behind everything I do.