There are some people who just know how to walk right up to the edge with people.

The friend who sits with you during chemo, or goes to the funeral home with you, the

one who lets you spill your secrets in the car, no matter how ugly or scary or embarrassing.

The one who doesn't seem to mind that the great friendship balance sheet is entirely out of whack.

Because yes, you have another problem, and I'm so sorry would you mind if?

Of course she wouldn't mind.

She's already two steps ahead and has picked up your favorite trashy magazines and offered

to grab the kids and has a bottle of wine ready to go.

These are the kind of people who don't just see you as your illness or grief or drama,

but see you love you.

Your fullest, most complicated, most creative self.

I'm Kate Boller, and this is Everything Happens.

And today I'm talking with someone who models this kind of open-hearted love.

Someone who knows you can rarely change a person or their circumstances, at least not

by very much, but you can bear witness to their beautiful and sometimes terrible lives.

My guest today needs no introduction, and yet the convention of introductions requires

that I dare speak her name and catch it.

She is the author of Gorgeous New York Times bestselling novels like The Dutch House and

Commonwealth, delightful children's books, and poignant essay collections like her latest,

The Beautiful, These Pressjusties.

She continues to be a champion of independent bookstores and writers alike, and she is a

co-owner of Parnassus Books in Nashville.

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