Why I Left the Amish: A Memoir

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments My deepest gratitude is owed to David who helped me keep the faith that my story would eventually find its way into print, and for his unending support through the many drafts and rejection letters. Much appreciation also goes to Julie Loehr, for her enthusiasm for and dedication to publishing this book; to all the rest of the team at Michigan State University Press for their expertise and sense of humor while shepherding the book to publication; to Jeanne Braham who helped me to shape my story into what it is; to Ilan Stavans, Valerie Hurley, Ute Brandes, Lucinda Martin, Janel Gamm, Francine Munson, Carol McQuillen, Deborah and Sarah Elkinton, and others who read my story at least once during its evolution and who gave me encouragement and valuable feedback; and to Kari Jo Spear and members of writing critique groups who helped me develop my writing style and voice. To the many friends in Vermont and elsewhere who have been waiting for years to read my story—this book is for you. My story could never have been written (indeed my life could not have been lived in the manner in which it has) without embarking on a healing journey first. I will be forever grateful to Rachel Harrer, Brookes Cowan, Melita DeBellis, and Tyler Gould for lending me a hand along the way, and for helping me to live the life I have chosen. And last but not least, I will be forever grateful to Smith College and its many excellent professors for providing me with a Bildung—an education x / Acknowledgments that not only developed my knowledge, but also helped build my character. A special thanks goes to Ellie Rothman for establishing the Ada Comstock Scholars Program, which provided me with the sense of being in the right place, doing the right thing, at the right time. Why I Left the Amish ...