I was at the cash register, buying raw chicken thighs, when my editor, Serena, called. I immediately hung up on her so I could finish paying. Then I went out to the parking lot, called Serena back, and listened to the 5pm traffic on Route 9 whizzing by as she said, “Congratulations, you are a New York Times bestseller.”
And then I cried in that parking lot and somehow still remembered to pick up our pizza for dinner, and drive home. I also called my mom. And then went inside and told Dan and the kids (much excitement! And confusion! My 5-year-old misheard for awhile and though I said I was a nurse?!).
And now I’m telling you. (Yes, once again, breaking with my publishing protocol and I’m sorry for the inbox clutter!) Because there is no doubt in my mind, that this happened because of Burnt Toast. You preordered, you regular ordered, you library-requested, you left reviews, you talked the book up on social media and in your group texts, you did this.
In the past week, I have heard from researchers who want to change their study protocols to better factor in anti-fat bias, from health teachers rewriting their curriculums, from therapists, former fat kids, from thin kids who grew up to be fat adults, from people who have survived decades with eating disorders, from parents ready to do it differently, and better for our kids. And every one of those emails and DMs matters a thousand times more than making a bestseller list (but you know what, the list thing is also cool).
I am so proud of us. Thank you! xx
This (kids) bookstore owner has sold the hell out of your book this past week, and every interaction has been delightful AND some have been self-admitted Burnt Toasters. Big love for you here in Western Mass.
One day, decades from now, educators will have Fat Talk on their curriculum as an example of a piece of work that completed shifted the culture. You have moved the needle. Brava, Virginia!!