A Life in Light

Reviews

[A] gentle but radiant memoir. 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. 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. Her relationship to the planet is primal and exuberant... [A] luminous and unflinching memoir. A life story but also a homage to light... A beautifully written, quiet, contemplative memoir that many will enjoy. 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. 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. 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. 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. Mary Pipher transforms her own turning points into life lessons that illuminate purpose, intention, and joy for all her readers. 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. 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. 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. Women of all ages will find much to reflect on, and respond to, in this collection of lives lived and lost. [Pipher’s] ‘quest for joy and happiness’ is sincere, as is her commitment to helping other women achieve theirs. Some readers will treasure the book. All readers will admire her unadorned but wise summation that answered prayers are ‘a surcease of worry.' Both practical and inspiring. Thoughtful, wise, and profoundly transformative ... This is truly a one-of-a-kind book, one that I've been waiting for. Expand reviews