Michelle Dana Somers

I too am in shock to hear about Michelle, an irreplaceable loss. She was a vivacious presence in my work life at Knopf and thereafter--a delightful character who managed to stand out fearlessly in an office full of personality. She was also an unflaggingly hard worker and a precise, thoughtful, creative reader who "got" our list and never failed to represent it with class and charm. She will be missed by everyone who got a chance to know her, the shortness of her life belied by its incandescence. My sympathy to her beloved family. xoxoxAmber

I am in shock hearing about Michelle´s passing. She and I were the same age, 1972 babies, and both lived in Brooklyn when we met and first started working together at Knopf. What a lovely colleague she was and so much fun. I always remember how crucial she was to Sonia Sotomayor´s publicity campaign and how cool it was that she got to work with her.

She loved books, work, Brooklyn, Duke, and her family. And she will be missed. Please know she was loved, appreciated, and respected by her work family.

Much love,
Michiko Clark

I am in shock hearing about Michelle´s passing. She and I were the same age, 1972 babies, and both lived in Brooklyn when we met and when she first started working at Knopf. What a lovely colleague she was and so much fun. I always remember how crucial she was to Sonia Sotomayor´s publicity campaign and how cool it was that she got to work with her.

She loved books, work, Brooklyn, Duke, and her family. Please know she was loved, appreciated, and respected.

Much love,
Michiko Clark

I am still in shock from learning this heartbreaking news yesterday. I first met Michelle 18 years ago when I started at Knopf. I assisted her for two years and in later days we shared an office. We had so many memories with authors, at parties, and just talking about books and music, a shared love of Mad Men, etc. She loved her family so much and I am sending my heartfelt condolences to all of you. xKim

We are so saddened to hear such tragic news. Our deepest condolences.
Sarah and Yoav Spicehandler