Liz Berman, your friendship and steady hand on my back throughout the writing of this book has been an infinite source of inspiration and support. I am grateful for your enormous heart as well as your exceptional talent.
Leslie Morgan Steiner, you shepherded me through my first professional writing job, becoming not only my mentor, but my trusted friend and confidante. You are one of the smartest, most talented women I know.
Barbara Abercrombie, friend, teacher, and grooviest of humans, you are an extraordinary teacher and writer who inspires all who are lucky enough to know you.
Jo Ann Beard, your miraculous book, Boys of my Youth, sent me racing to my computer to put my own story on paper. My profound thanks to you for showing me I was ready.
Beth Schachter, for encouraging me all those years ago to tell my stories and for sharing the tiniest living space possible in New York City and still loving me, I thank you. You are a true friend.
Steve Wall, I met you at a crucial juncture in my life and you changed the way I would feel about myself forever. I am eternally grateful.
To the precious Ceballos family, who took care of everything and everyone while I was in my office pounding the computer keys.
To my aunt and uncle who still live across from the old Methodist church. I love you and thank you for standing by me when no one else in the family was willing.
To my incredible circle of friends who bless me with their love, their undying support, and lots of snacks.
To that quirky, fabulous funereal family with whom I spent some of the happiest times of my life. Thank you for allowing me to write our story.
And lastly, thank you to the people of my hometown who took good care of me when all was not well, whether you knew it or not.
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Note to Reader
Dedication
Part I Dead Girl
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Part II Father of the Year
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Part III It’s My Turn
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Part IV Driving with Dead People
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Part V I Didn’t Know I Was Falling Until I Hit the Ground
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Epilogue
Driving With Dead People Page 30