I’d like to thank:
My country and my people. For their resilience, wisdom, art, food—and their humor in the face of great adversity.
The magnificent women of my family—my mamka, Marie, and my babi?ka, Marie, my teta Jitka and sest?enka Andrejka. My little synovec Kry?t?ufek.
Ben George, an incredible editor and friend, who’s given this book more than I could ever ask for. Everyone at Little, Brown for giving Spaceman such a welcoming home, especially Sabrina Callahan, Reagan Arthur, Sarah Haugen, Nicole Dewey, Alyssa Persons, Ben Allen, and Tracy Williams.
Drummond Moir, for his brilliant editorial insight and for bringing Spaceman to the UK. Everyone at Sceptre, especially Carolyn Mays, Francine Toon, and Caitriona Horne.
Marya Spence, agent superhero with endless powers, remarkable human and friend, fellow appreciator of strange foods. Everyone at Janklow & Nesbit, superhero central.
All of the brilliant writers and mentors I have had the pleasure of encountering through the years, especially Darin Strauss, JSF, Rick Moody, and Dr. Darlin’ Neal.
Everyone at the NYU Lillian Vernon Writers House—what you do to foster future literary voices is imperative. We owe you so much. The Goldwater Writing Project for making the writing of this book possible and for enabling me to meet the talented, extraordinary residents of the Goldwater Hospital. I think of them and their writing every day.
The friends and colleagues who have kept me sane, provided wise notes, shared in alcohol and food and anxiety—especially Christy and Scott, Adam, Emily, Bryn, Peng, Tess. All of my friends in the Czech Republic, the United States, and in between who make this Earth a magnificent place.
Most importantly, I’d like to thank all readers of books, for keeping the conversation alive across centuries.