THE AUTHOR WOULD LIKE TO THANK the families of Henry Covington and Albert Lewis: the wives, Sarah Lewis and Annette Covington; the Reb’s children—Shalom, Orah, and Gilah; and Pastor Henry’s children—Lakema, Kendrick, Keyshia, and Tiffany. It is never easy to read about one’s husband or father in a book, and their grace toward these pages is deeply appreciated. Additional thanks to spouses—Cindy Lewis, Shimon Lipsky, Brian Seitz—and the Reb’s many grandkids.
Others who helped make this book possible include Anthony “Cass” Castelow, Dr. Chad Audi of the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Rabbi Steven Lindemann, Teela Singh, Eddie Adelman, Norm Trask, the staff at Temple Beth Sholom, members of the I Am My Brother’s Keeper Church (some of whose names were changed), Matty and Lisa Goldberg for their dusty shelf research, and Ron Lipsky, who adored his grandfather and proved it through the tender footage he captured.
At Hyperion, my deep thanks to my always supportive editor, Leslie Wells, Ellen Archer, Will Balliett, Phil Rose, David Lott, Vincent Stanley, Kristin Kiser, Mindy Stockfield, Jessica Wiener, Marie Coolman, Maha Khalil, Sarah Rucker, SallyAnne McCartin, and Michael Rotondo.
And, as always, the wonderful team at Black Inc—David, Susan, Antonella, Annik, Joy, Leigh Ann, and Dave. Thanks also to those who gave an early read to these pages, to my family and extended family, to Rosey—and to Janine, where my thanks always begin and end.
Finally, a salute to my first home, South Jersey, which I never fully appreciated, and to my current home, Detroit, which maybe I appreciate more than others. It is a special place, and so are its people, and I am proud to live here.
Mitch Albom
Detroit, Michigan
June 2009