Where the Light Is Brighter
a novel
Where the Light Is Brighter is the touching, bittersweet story of life in a long-term care facility, told mostly through the sharp eyes of 98-year-old Edith, who has an opinion on everything—and everyone—and a lifetime of memories that are slowly slipping away. As we accompany Edith through her first year of living in this “never place,” the place on the hill where no one wants to be, we meet a cast of characters of advancing age. But despite her dread of the darkness within—a fear we all share about our elderly futures—brightness breaks through at every turn. Written by a woman who works in the field, Where the Light Is Brighter shatters stereotypes and preconceived notions about the proverbial “old folks home” as we meet the forever young-at-heart folks who challenge our beliefs by greeting their final years with grace, enlarging our hearts as they enliven River’s Edge.
Available on Amazon
and by order at independent bookstores
C. C. Griffin, a resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut, is an anti-ageism activist who has had the honor of providing medical services as a nurse practitioner to the long-term care community for over a decade. As a college student, she completed a concentration in gerontology while earning her BA in psychology at The College of the Holy Cross. She went on to pursue both a bachelor’s and masters in nursing, practicing in hospitals and outpatient settings before returning to long-term care. Over 20 years later, inspired by her work with this remarkable and resilient community, as well as the experiences of her two grandmothers, she is excited to share her debut novel, Where the Light Is Brighter. This enlightening book lifts the veil of ageism through the healing spirit of celebration.
Thomas G. Fiffer is a professional writer, editor, speaker, storyteller, publisher, and coach gifted at helping writers get their stories onto the page. After meeting in a writing workshop, he and C.C. worked together intensively for several years to bring Where the Light Is Brighter to life and give voice to the characters insisting that their stories be told. Tom is also Publisher at Christmas Lake Press, an independent publishing company focused on local authors and based in Westport, Connecticut.
Meet Edith Sharp
I’m not where I’m supposed to be. Cold on my shoulders, fingers numb, I manage to pull the edges of my hat and scarf tight around my neck.
The empty driver's seat next to me . . . He was never one to sit still. “William?”
From outside the car, I hear his calm voice call, “I’m getting your wheeler.”
I only need it for the curbs. My ski pole was better than this clunky thing. I’ll have to tell him no getting rid of the old stuff with this “big cleanout” of his. And the house should be locked up—tight. The front door has to be pulled and the handle jiggled to lock it properly since the wood has warped. Time bends things. It can’t be avoided. Now, did I leave the outside lights on?
William opens the car door. “Mom . . .”
“Yes, dear?”
“It's time to head inside.”
Where the Light Is Brighter by C. C. Griffin and Thomas G. Fiffer is a thoughtful and beautifully written book with wonderful messages about caring for one another and celebrating every holiday. It reminds us to have compassion for and to value and respect people of every age. This story shows how hard it is for someone to leave their own house and move into a place shared by so many, the pain they may feel, and what it's like to be old and forget everything they love. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in their various stages of aging as they were gradually introduced, showing that even though old age wears our bodies down, the spirit is what keeps us young. This story of resilience, loss, community, connection, confusion, and youthful spirit is a must-read.
— Emma Megan, Readers’ Favorite
What I liked most about this book, especially being a healthcare provider myself, is that it highlights the life of an older generation who have so much history and resilience that we all can learn from!
— Adele
I wrote Where the Light Is Brighter as a way for the outside world to connect with a perennially invisible yet vibrant and vital community, with perspectives that are not often heard but are critical to shaping perceptions as fundamental as dignity. With a work of fiction, I have engendered voices that present perspective (which I’ve witnessed first-hand) from those living behind the doors, along with their loved ones, and the staff who attend to them. The characters don't shy away from what is feared but open their heart and home, by offering a seat at the table of celebration, lifting the veil of age and ableism, and strengthening our collective wellness. Our collective health matters—there can be no age that is less dignified than another. Reframing the concept of age—of what it means to be "old"—is the cornerstone of wellness. It's the only way each age stays strong. — C. C. Griffin
A must read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The characters are lovable and engaging. This book gives an amazing insight on how individuals adjust to aging, losing independence, and becoming dependent on others. It gives you a better understanding of what it is like to live in an assisted living facility. Amazing book .
— Ray D.
Reading this book reminded me of my parents when they were in assisted living. The profiles of the main characters were vivid and realistic. Because of societal views of aging and death, the residents at River's Edge were often dismissed and disparaged. Yet, friendships prevailed and interactons were conveyed with humor, pathos, and compassion. The author clearly understood the staff dynamics and challenges. I found myself smiling and then tearful as I kept reading. An emotional journey and one that should be widely shared.
— Dr. KK
#1 Amazon Bestseller
This debut book showcases Griffin's ability to craft a deeply immersive and engaging narrative that captivates throughout. Her writing style draws you into the emotional core of the main character, Edith, as well as the characters with which she interacts. Using Edith’s experiences, Griffin inspires readers to empathize and find understanding with those struggling emotionally with mental health. It'll leave you with a lasting impression of the power and transformative power of relationships.
Looking forward to Griffin's next book.
— Shannon
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