A Life in Light

“[A] gentle but radiant memoir.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Radiant essays about how joy and loss often coexist . . . To nudge readers toward building their own 'transcendent narratives,' Pipher braids in insights from her 25 years as a therapist, citing how acknowledging 'evidence of growth' in one's story, regardless of how big or small, can open up pathways toward healing. Those struggling to overcome darkness will find a guiding light in this incandescent work.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“For psychologist Pipher, the light found in nature, caring relationships, work, and books has always been the key to happiness. In this beautifully written memoir, her memories of childhood in Nebraska are vivid and poignant . . . This lovely book teaches gentle lessons on gratitude and celebrating life.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Her relationship to the planet is primal and exuberant . . . [A] luminous and unflinching memoir.”—Psychotherapy Network

“A life story but also a homage to light . . . A beautifully written, quiet, contemplative memoir that many will enjoy.”—Library Journal

“A writer discovers herself in a new light . . . [Pipher] reflects on aging, loneliness, and happiness in a serene, gently told memoir . . . Sensitive meditations from a 'solar-powered' writer.”—Kirkus Reviews

“With a nod to her Buddhist practice and, amid climate change, to the passing away of the world as we've known it, Mary Pipher describes experiencing light of all kinds-literal and metaphorical. In A Life in Light: Meditations on Impermanence, Pipher tells a story of sorrow and loss in which she has nevertheless experienced much joy, love, and worldly success.”—Lion's Roar

“In her incandescent new book, Mary Pipher shines a light on what really matters, and in doing so, she reflects our lives back at us with exquisite awareness. I was deeply moved by every page, laughing, crying, always reflecting on her words long after. She has given us all essential lessons on how to balance despair with a sense of wonder and inspires us to lead more light-filled lives.”—Lori Gottlieb, New York Times-bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk To Someone

“Mary Pipher's work, always illuminating, is especially so in this dazzling memoir with its focus on light and transcendence. Beautifully written, heartfelt and poignant, the book draws universal lessons from the rich details of Mary's life. Her luminous spirit shines on every page.”—Jean Kilbourne, Senior Scholar, Wellesley Centers for Women, author, cultural theorist, filmmaker

“Mary Pipher transforms her own turning points into life lessons that illuminate purpose, intention, and joy for all her readers.”—Jane Isay, author of Unconditional Love

“In this memoir in essays, Mary Pipher reflects on her life with profound insight, unflinching honesty, and deep compassion for others-and herself-that will help all of us learn to live a life in light.”—Gretchen Rubin, New York Times-bestselling author of The Happiness Project

“Mary Pipher is a beacon, a light-bearer, a bodhisattva. Her life stories illuminate ways to be calm, connected, resilient, and joyful, regardless of circumstances. A Life in Light offers hope and direction while nurturing the heart and soul, mind and spirit.”—Lama Surya Das, bestselling author of Awakening The Buddha Within

“William Blake says good is only found 'in the minute particulars,' and Mary Pipher here honors the particular beauty of memory, heartbreaking and heartwarming, with a tender presence and a lifelong opening to the light.”—Jack Kornfield, author of A Path With Heart