1. Acknowledgments
No one ever achieved much without the contributions of others, and cre-ating
this book was no exception. From the time we first decided to write
Reading People, through its many drafts, and finally during the process
of editing, publishing, and promotion, we have been blessed with the en-couragement
and assistance of so many wonderful and talented people
that we could never thank them all. But we would like to publicly ac-knowledge
a few to whom we are particularly indebted.
We owe a special debt of gratitude to Dr. Spencer Johnson, who first
suggested that we write this book together. His vision of a book that
would help others live more enjoyable, meaningful, and fruitful lives
took root and grew into Reading People. Thank you also, Spencer, for
introducing us to our agent, Margret McBride, who has been a vital and
enthusiastic supporter since the inception of this project.
This book could never have been written without the assistance as well
of Jack Dunn, the CEO of FTI Consulting, who encouraged Jo-Elian to
take as much time as she needed away from her duties at the office; and
without the support of the partners, associates, and staff of the law firm
of Mazzarella, Dunwoody, Wilson & Petty, who pitched in to free Mark
up to spend the many months required to put our thoughts on paper.
We'll never be able to thank Lynn Randall enough for her twenty years
of support and friendship to Mark, and her help and encouragement
with this book. Thanks also to Diane Anderson and Melinda Lewis, who
transcribed draft after draft of the text. Their diligence, talent, and phe-nomenal
ability to understand Mark's dictation and read his handwrit-