One of my favorite things to do when I’m getting a book ready for publication is to write the dedication. I kindof think of the dedication as a little stream of love and gratitude heading out into the world towards whoever/whatever inspired me.
But I also love reading the dedication page whenever I begin reading something new. I’ve found that whoever/whatever the author chooses to honor here (usually) gives insight into his or her life, as well as the intention of the story I’m about to read.
Here are a few of my favorites. The books that are “clickable” are ones from my own shelf. The others I’ve included because I thought they were pretty dang cool!
The Book Of Bright Ideas, by Sandra Kring
For those who longed to find a best friend,
and found it in themselves.
What We Keep, by Elizabeth Berg
To women who risk telling the hard truths.
Night Swimming, by Robin Schwarz
To my father, who gave me my love for words,
and to my mother, who told me to take typing as a backup.
I love you both, dearly.
Cosmos, by Carl Sagan:
In the vastness of space and immensity of time,
it is my joy to spend a planet and an epoch with Annie.
The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis:
To Lucy Barfield
My Dear Lucy,
I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand, a word you say, but I shall still be your affectionate Godfather, C.S. Lewis
Austenland, by Shannon Lewis
For Colin Firth–You’re a really great guy, but I’m married, so I think we should just be friends.
Okay, now that you’ve read some very clever dedications,
here is mine for Dragonflies at Night: More Than a Love Story:
For Jeff:
you and I are living proof
that love at first sight does exist.
For anyone who has ever
walked through a dark time:
may Dragonfly lead you towards
your own inner light.
For those who have loved and lost:
may you know that you are not alone.
