Good Luck with That

(Georgia)

  Tickle.

Tag.

Tank.

Tatiana! said Tatiana, and I smiled at her.

We were doing letter and sound recognition, a component of the language and literacy part of nursery school.

Right now, we were trying to get every kid to name a word that started with T without any other chatter, which would reinforce their focusing skills as well as literacy. So far, our record was five words in a row, which was pretty good, given that everyone here was only four and had the attention span of a gnat.

Theater, said Silvi.

Lissie, my assistant teacher, shot me a glance. Silvi was advanced, already reading. I felt a flash of pride for Clara, followed by the increasingly familiar buzz of nerves whenever anything related to Rafael entered my consciousness. For nearly five years, I d done a damn good job of keeping him out of my head.

Turd, said Geronimo, and the kids dissolved into giggles.

He said turd ! He said turd ! Turd! they shrieked. Axel got up and ran in a circle, a victory lap of sorts. Khaleesi started to cry, since she hated all things bowel-related, and Lissie comforted her.

We got up to six T words! That s a new record, so good work, I said. And, Geronimo, you re very funny, but let s keep bathroom talk for bathrooms and when you have to go, okay, sweetheart? I glanced at the clock. Great job, everyone. And look at the clock! It s time to clean up.

Clean up, clean up, everybody clean up, the kids sang. We had a song for everything.

I directed the kids Khaleesi and Cash could put the stuffed animals away, Silvi and Wren could bring the paintbrushes to the sink, Dash and Roland would put pink reminder slips in everyone s cubby about bringing in special cuddle friends on Friday. Nash and Primrose reshelved books. I helped kids find their lunch boxes, gave out hugs, checked to see if paintings were dry enough to be taken

Kristan Higgins is the New York Times, USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than twenty novels, which have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Her books have received dozens of awards and accolades, including starred reviews from Entertainment Weekly, People, Kirkus, The New York Journal of Books, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and Booklist.

The happy mother of two snarky and well-adjusted adults, Kristan enjoys gardening, mixology, the National Parks and complimenting strangers on their children. She lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, cuddly dog and indifferent cat. Find her online at KristanHiggins.com, twitter.com/Kristan_Higgins, and facebook.com/KristanHigginsBooks.

Praise for Good Luck with That

Good Luck With That is a powerful testament to the hard work of self-love...a paean to how it s never too early (or too late) to be a little kinder to yourself, an inspiring meditation on how to embrace the supportive individuals in your life and stand up to the toxic ones, and a love story....[Good Luck With That is] the story of learning to love oneself, and living a life that leads with that love, in all its joy, sorrow, failure, and triumph. Entertainment Weekly

Higgins writes with her trademark heart, humor, and emotion, addressing the serious and somber subject of body image Highly recommended. Library Journal (starred review)

[A] heartbreakingly gorgeous story of female friendship and what it takes to feel comfortable in one s own skin. Booklist

Higgins astute, perceptive eye to the best and worst of human nature enhances the poignancy of a sensitive topic, which she navigates with humor and grace. Kirkus Reviews

An important and brave book... I can't imagine a single reader who won t recognize herself somewhere in these pages. #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Kristan Higgins is at the top of her game, stirring the emotions of every woman with the poignant reality of her characters. #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr

If you like stories that celebrate women's challenges and triumphs, you'll love this book. New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs

Wholly original and heartfelt, written with grace and sensitivity, Good Luck with That is an irresistible tale of love, friendship, and self acceptance and the way body image can sabotage all three. Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Life List

I LOVED Good Luck with That! It s hilarious, heartbreaking, surprising, and so true to life. Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author of A Nantucket Wedding