The smoke finds a way inside me. It clears away the parts I want to forget. I stand closer to the fire, letting them know I’m ready.
Ready to say yes.
Acknowledgments
I am grateful to Kate Lee and Tina Wexler for their encouragement and wise insight, and to my editor, Brian Farrey-Latz, whose vision for this book helped me discover its shape. Thanks also to Sandy Sullivan, Mallory Hayes, and everybody at Flux. Big hugs to the Chappell family, Team 305, Jonathan (“the moon followed him”), Mom and Dad for always being there, and Harlan, who listens when I need it most. I am very thankful to Dr. Bill Rothman, Professor Ed Talavera, and to Ranaria for our conversations about film and philosophy. Buffalo Tiger: A Life in the Everglades by Buffalo Tiger was helpful to my research. Finally, I owe many thanks to Houston Cypress (Otter Clan) for showing me the Rez and the tree islands of
the Everglades, and for your patience in answering my questions. Your kindness was a gift—and so was my glimpse into that special world.
About the Author
Crissa-Jean Chappell is the author of Narc (Flux 2012) and Total Constant Order (HarperTeen 2007), which earned a bronze medal from the Florida Book Awards, received a VOYA “Perfect Ten,” and was named a New York Public Library “Book for the Teen Age.” For ten years, she taught creative writing and cinema studies in her hometown, Miami. Visit her online at CrissaJeanChappell.com.
More Than Good Enough Page 16