I owe heartfelt thanks to Caroline Leavitt without whom any of this would be possible. She believed that my story was special and did not give up until I believed, too. To Holly LeCraw, for her guidance and support. To my agent, Anne Bohner, who took a chance on me. To my editor, Nicole Frail, for smoothing out all the rough spots.

Thank you to my father, who taught me that nothing is ever really yours except for the ideas in your head. To my mother, for her curiosity, her smarts, and her eternal optimism. To Talia, because she makes me laugh even when there is nothing to laugh about. To Rich, for his emotional and technical support and for still believing in magic. To Kristin, Roni, Jen, and Tamara, who cheered me on. To Maureen, Maya, Ruth, Roseann, and Elaine for reading and reflecting.

Finally, thank you to my children, who inspire me every single day.

Book Club Questions

1. Which of the characters in the novel did you despise or like and why? With which of the characters did you most identify?

2. What insights have you gained about people with autism? Why do you think the author does not use the term autism in the book?

3. Do you find that people who have secrets themselves are more likely to keep other people’s secrets safe? Which of the secrets in the book, if revealed, would have changed the fate of the other characters?

4. Can you find references in the story to The Wizard of Oz? Do you believe that, like Dorothy and her red shoes, fate is in your hands? Or do you believe that destiny is predetermined and out of your control?

5. Are woman and girls in this book the victims of men? Is it unusual that the story is only told from the perspective of the women? Would the tone of the story have changed if the men had been given a more active voice?

6. What is it that draws Therese to Tim? And is it that same character trait that eventually breaks them apart?

7. How is Leah able to bring about Franny’s transformation? What is it about Franny that helps Leah learn to trust herself?

8. What motivates woman like Therese, Leah, Sara, and even Barbara to suppress the voice of reason in order to gain love? Do you perceive it as weakness or strength?

9. Do you have questions about the intensity of Leah and Therese’s feelings for one another? Can women forge such powerful connections with other women without romantic undertones?

10. Do you believe that everyone is capable of overcoming obstacles to become the person they are meant to be?