Thanks also to my editor for this book, Alex Craig – an absolute genius when it comes to cutting waffle. If it weren’t for Alex, this book might just be 1000 pages long.
Big gratitude to my agent Helen Breitwieser for loving and championing this book – I’m sorry about Robbie!
So many thank-yous to the artistic genius Alice Lindstrom, who came up with the beautiful cover for Lost Without You. I’m in awe of your amazing talent.
Thank you to the unsung heroes who are bookshop folks and librarians, for all you do to get my books in front of readers. I’m forever grateful.
As always, massive thanks to my writing friends, who are not only happy to brainstorm characters and plot but also put up with my whining when the words aren’t coming exactly how I want them to. Especially to Beck Nicholas, Emily Madden, Lisa Ireland, Amanda Knight, Sally Hepworth, Cathryn Hein, Scarlet Wilson, Fiona Palmer, Kelly Golland, Leah Ashton, Tess Woods, Anthea Hodgson, Fiona Lowe, Brooke Testa and Alissa Callen.
Thanks to Dr S who answered my million questions about kidney disease and how finding a donor and having a transplant works in Australia. As usual, any mistakes are my own. And also to my reader Jo McAulay who generously shared with me her feelings surrounding the adoption of her son and my lovely friend Lesley West who spoke openly to me about her grief and her role as a support person for others suffering loss.
The very first seed of this book came when I was listening to a Mamamia Out Loud podcast and Monique Bowley (no longer on the show) spoke about how she’d sold her wedding dress to a listener of the podcast. I think someone mentioned how it could be a travelling wedding dress – a bit like the trousers in The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants – and immediately my writer’s brain began buzzing. I started to think about a story that revolved around a group of women who had all worn the same wedding dress. The book you have read is quite different from this original idea, but thanks anyway to Monique for starting it all.
And last but never least, my at-home cheer squad – thanks always to Mum, Craig and my beautiful boys for your practical and emotional support. You are my world and I couldn’t do this without your support. xo
BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS
Do you have a favourite character? If so, why?
It’s said you never get over your first love – do you believe this to be true? Who was your first love?
Would you give your kidney to a friend, family member or stranger? Do you think Sol’s offer of his kidney to Rebecca is believable?
One of the themes of Lost Without You is friendship – especially those that come unexpectedly, such as friendships between different ages. Do you have any surprising friendships?
Music, and in particular songs, can evoke memories and nostalgia. Can you think of any songs that take you back to a specific time and make you laugh or cry?
There are many books written about adoption and how it affects birth mothers and children, but Lost Without You also looks at the long-lasting effects of adoption on a father. Do you think this portrayal was realistic?
Do you believe Hugh and Paige’s anger at Rebecca is warranted? Would you ever keep such a big secret from your family?
Was Gregg fair with Clara in his ultimatum?
One of the lighter parts of this book is the hunt for Rebecca’s wedding dress. Would you keep yours? How far would you go to recover a lost dress?
Lost Without You deals with some challenging themes and life events, including adoption, suicide, depression, missing persons, infertility and grief. Which of these affected you the most and why?
ISBN: 9781489261571
TITLE: LOST WITHOUT YOU
First Australian Publication 2018
Copyright © 2018 Rachael Johns
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