Sunday, March 16, 2003

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of Amanda Davis. She died in a plane crash Friday along with her parents (her father was piloting a private plane; he was taking Amanda on her book tour. Her amazing first novel, Wonder When You'll Miss Me--a title which takes on heartbreaking significance now--was just released this month. She was also the author of an incredible book of short stories, Circling the Drain.) I was just getting to know Amanda, and was so touched by her deep talent, by her kindness and humor and zest for life. I am still in a state of shock. We are trying to get her novel on the bestseller list as a tribute--please consider buying a copy; you won't regret it (although when you read her work you will certainly mourn the loss of such a wild and beautiful talent, such a generous human being). To read some beautiful tributes about her life, visit McSweeney's.