“Several years ago I was having lunch with Ethan Long when he shared with me some dark moments from his childhood. We had previously worked together on four books and yet I was not aware of the challenges he had faced growing up in the 1970s. As I listened to him tell his story, I was struck by how much he had overcome—all before he had even reached middle school. Right then a seed was planted: I knew I wanted to work with Ethan to bring this vulnerability to the page. And as Ethan will tell you, it was not always easy for him to revisit this period in his life. But over time his story emerged with unabashed honesty, compassion, and even humor.”

“Thank you, Christy, for making this book happen. There are no words to describe the feeling of comfort and support I felt while writing and eventually finishing this book. There were times I wanted to quit, but you kept me going—draft after draft after draft. It would not have risen to the surface without you. Thank you, family and friends, for your love and support, too. You are all amazing.”