Celebrating the Release of The Wonder and Happiness of Being Old by Sophy Burnham

It’s official! The Wonder and Happiness of Being Old is now available, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

This book has been a labor of love, born from a deeply personal reflection on aging, and the beauty that comes with the passage of time. What began as a letter to a young cousin, who asked me the age-old question, “What’s it like to be old?” quickly turned into a year of reflection, exploration, and writing. The result is a collection of unsent letters filled with insights, stories, and thoughts that I hope will resonate with readers of all ages.

Why This Book?

Fear is what we mostly hear of aging. Fear of wrinkles, fear of loss, fear of diminishment, humiliation, of being abandoned, fear of the decline into chronic pain and death. Of course we are afraid, with a $48.8 BILLION beauty business hawking their creams and holding up an 18-year-old airbrushed skin as the ideal. I told my cousin that day that that she won’t even NOTICE her 60s. At 85, things begin to change, but I find this one of the most fascinating and happiest periods of my life. Then I went home, musing on the question: What IS it like to be OLD? Almost everything about be aging is written by young people! No one knows, for example, when looking at Whistler’s mother in her rocking chair, painted in dark greys and greens that inside she is an explosion of color. In a moment she’ll get up, laughing: “Enough, Jimmy. Go away. Let me out of these awful clothes. I have dinner to make, things to do.”

Whether you’re approaching your 40s, 60s, or beyond, this book invites you into the emotional and spiritual life of aging. Yes, there is loss. But with it comes great gifts. Here, you’ll find reflections on love, loss, passion, and the compassion that comes with understanding the flow of life. Aging is an ongoing journey, and there’s much delight to be found in these later years. If we are aware. And if, god willing, we are not crippled by pain or hunger or poverty. Twenty-five percent of elders live on $15,000 a year, and others live in war zones. Mississippi has the WORST HEALTH CARE in the world! Equaled only by Mali in Africa.

Oh, there are things to change. But this book is a reminder that the later years hold great beauty, and how, I we are privileged to live long enough, we can approach each day with gratitude and deep understanding, and with an open heart.

“My greatest beauty secret is being happy with myself.” Tina Turner.

My Other Books: A Rich Legacy of Writing and Wisdom

If you’ve enjoyed The Wonder and Happiness of Being Old, or if you’re just discovering my work, here’s a look at some of my other books that I hope will inspire, uplift, and provide insight into the many aspects of life and spirituality.

1. A Book of Angels (1990)
This is the book that started it all—my journey into writing about the spiritual world. A New York Times bestseller, A Book of Angels has touched millions with its stories of angelic encounters, offering a unique look at how angels connect with us in our everyday lives. Translated into 25 languages, this book remains one of my most cherished works.

2. Angel Letters (1991)
A companion to A Book of Angels, this collection of letters from angels explores the divine messages and wisdom they share. It’s a beautiful follow-up that continues to explore the profound relationship we can have with the spiritual realm.

3. The Treasure of Montségur (2003)
A historical novel set in the heart of the French Pyrenees, The Treasure of Montségur is a story of love, loss, and the Cathar resistance during the 13th century. With its intricate mix of history and romance, this book is perfect for those who enjoy a blend of fiction and spiritual mystery.

4. The Art of Intuition (2011)
For those interested in spiritual growth, The Art of Intuition explores how we can harness the power of our intuition to live more authentically. It’s a guide for those seeking to deepen their connection with their inner wisdom and spiritual guidance.

5. Love, Alba (2015)
This is a blend of romance and high society set in the midst of an art heist. Love, Alba is told from the perspective of Alba the cat, and covers issues like aging, sexual desire, friendship, sacrifice and the spiritual realm.

6. Falling: Love-Struck, The God Poems (2016)
A collection of poetry that delves into the themes of love, spirituality, and divine connection. This collection is an emotional exploration of what it means to fall in love, not just with another person, but with the divine and the universe.

I’m so grateful to all of you who have supported me on this journey of writing, and I hope The Wonder and Happiness of Being Old brings as much joy to you as it has to me. Here’s to embracing the wisdom, love, and happiness that comes with every stage of life.

You can grab your copy of The Wonder and Happiness of Being Old today and start exploring the beauty of aging from a fresh, joyful perspective.

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Published on August 01, 2025 11:52
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