Water plays a central role in True East, seeping into almost every passage. A liquid take on the shape of its container and from the dirty dishwater in the opening scene, to the Texans exploitation of oil, to Katy’s baptism, water, and its purity, leads and guides her. It is, as one critic said, “A character in the book.” Katy must cleanse herself if she is to emerge a new woman. If you have read True East, think back to the scenes of Katy swimming; those images are as important as the words. Water, baptism, and cleansing in my novel cannot be fully explored here, but a reading of my story with this in mind will make for a deeper appreciation of Katy’s story.