The Next To Last Mistake

by Jahn, Amalie

  Our time together proved that unique bonds of friendship can be created when trust crosses racial lines. Those bonds continue to be amazing sources of strength for us, and it’s an honor to pass along the lessons we shared from the years we spent together. During my TED Talk in 2015, I spoke about the many ways people are more alike than we are different and encouraged listeners to seek out those commonalities as a means of connecting with others. While the friendships portrayed in The Next to Last Mistake embody these ideals, as the connections between Leonetta, Tess, Alice, and Summer strengthen throughout the book, the girls also begin to recognize the importance of their differences. It’s the appreciation and understanding of these differences which ultimately solidify the bonds of trust between them.

  At its core, The Next to Last Mistake is a celebration of the love between four friends and the complex beauty of interracial friendship. Here are the three amazing women who taught me all those years ago not to shy away from the unknown, to seek the truth, and to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Thank you, Johnisha, Susie, and Holly from the bottom of my heart for trusting me to tell our story.

  Acknowledgments

  Much like raising a child, bringing a book into the world is not a solitary endeavor. From those who sparked the idea which ignited the first pages into fruition to the publishing house that delivered this book to the shelves, so many hands and hearts have gone into bringing Tess, Leonetta, Alice, and Summer’s story to life.

  First and foremost, a huge thank you to my husband, Drew, for providing a life where dreaming big is encouraged. Thanks for picking me up when I fall apart, for knowing dessert is the very best way to celebrate milestones, big and small, and for giving me the time and space to explore the path in front of me. I love you, and I’m grateful for you every single day.

  So much love to my in-house YA fiction aficionado, Molly, for being the first set of eyes on my terrible early drafts. Thank you for eagerly awaiting new chapters, crying at all the right parts, and keeping me updated on all the current lingo. I still maintain ‘lit’ doesn’t always mean what you think it does.

  Hugs and kisses to my sweet Brody for being my most enthusiastic cheerleader. Thanks for telling all your teachers and school librarian I’m a Newberry Award winner—even though I’m not. The fact you think I could be means the world.

  For inspiring me with your love and kindness, a huge shout-out to the faculty, staff, and students at LBES. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Johnisha Bagby, Susie Brown, and Holly Ank—I am humbled and thankful you trusted me to tell our story. Wishing you nothing but happiness and a world free from triflin’ heifers.

  A big HOOAH to my fellow Army wives, April Pedersen, Holly Ank, and Monique Everson, for being on call when I needed help remembering specific military jargon and Ft. Bragg intel. Thank you all for your service.

  Special thanks to Anne Zirkle, for tackling the initial round of edits, and to my family, friends, and critique partners who helped polish the first chapters before querying began. I truly appreciate your honesty and willingness to be a part of the journey.

  Love to Heather Skinner, for brainstorming with me in the eleventh hour and pushing me to go on when I was ready to throw in the towel. Your friendship means the world to me.

  Because authentic representation was paramount in this project, extra special thanks go out to Leslie & Summer Boyd, Lisa Yarrow, Kennedy Lightfoot, Christina Chisholm, Crystal & Kenzie Cofie, Kim Lindstrom, Noa Aviles, and Julie Rauschenplat for giving your time and experience to ensure every character was accurately portrayed.

  Thank you to Julius Tillery for allowing me to include your amazing company, Black Cotton, as part of Alice’s narrative.

  To my editor, Elizabeth Turnbull, and the team at Light Messages, I’m so grateful to you for not only taking a chance on me but for seeing the potential in this quiet friendship story.

  And, finally, to each of my readers who cheered me on in anticipation of the next big thing, thank you. I hope The Next to Last Mistake is all you hoped it would be.

  About the Author

  Amalie Jahn is a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 8 young adult novels, including The Next To Last Mistake, her latest release (Light Messages Publishing 2019).

  Amalie is the recipient of the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal for her debut novel, The Clay Lion. She is a contributing blogger with the Huffington Post and Southern Writers Magazine, as well as a TED speaker, human rights advocate, and active promoter of kindness. She lives in the United States with her husband, two children, and three overfed cats.

  When she’s not at the computer coaxing characters into submission, you can find Amalie swimming laps, cycling, or running on the treadmill, probably training for her next triathlon. She hates pairing socks and loves avocados. She is also very happy time travel does not yet exist. Connect with her right here in the present day at these social media sites:

  Websites: amaliejahn.com and

  lightmessages.com/amalie-jahn

  Facebook: facebook.com/AmalieJahn

  Twitter: @amalieJahn

  Instagram: @amalie.jahn.official

  Visit amaliejahn.com to join Amalie’s FREE Readers Group and, in addition to receiving promotional discounts, sneak peeks, and monthly newsletters, your membership will now grant you exclusive access to bonus material (shorts and novelettes) delivered right to your inbox!

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