The Wonder and Happiness of Being Old

by Sophy Burnham

This is a book about joy and Love of self, of life, and of still being here to tell your stories.

'To read Sophy Burnham is to marvel at her eloquence, her erudition, her wisdom and her daring.' – Julia Cameron, bestselling author of The Artist's Way

The Wonder and Happiness of Being Old is a timeless introspection on age, love, memories, regret and reconciliation, forgiveness and, underneath it all, the silent wisdom that derives from the perspective of years lived.

What began as a singular letter in response to a younger family member standing on the precipice of her 60th birthday and asking the age-old question, 'What’s it like to be old?,' soon turned into one full year of unsent reflections, wonderment and curiosity of a life truly lived. Out of these reflections, New York Times-bestselling author Sophy Burnham developed this short, storytelling collection of unsent letters that offer readers of all ages hope and happiness, and new ways to perceive our later years.

Whether you’re at the doorstep of 40, 60, 70, or 90, Sophy Burnham welcomes you in with an outstretched hand and a knowing nod of understanding and warmth.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

About the author

Sophy Burnham is an award-winning playwright, novelist, and non-fiction writer. Three of her books have appeared on THE NEW YORK TIMES and other best seller lists. Her works have been translated into twenty-four languages. Her articles and essays have been published in ESQUIRE, NEW YORK, THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE, TOWN & COUNTRY, READER'S DIGEST and many other magazines. In addition to her theater interests, she is a psychic or intuitive, a healer, and a spiritual director. She lives in Washington D.C. New novel, 'Love, Alba' coming summer 2015!

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful ode to the elegance of ageing, or it was until part four when there's a strange segue into talking trees and evil imps. Burnham is most reverent when she resists the ridiculous and stays relatable.

[Dianna Applebaum · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and heart warming book filled with love and hope.

[Summer✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t always write reviews anymore but really enjoyed this book. I loved the writer, her letters and stories were so lighthearted and interesting. This helped me a lot. Serious subjects like these tend to give me anxiety and at times those feelings came back while diving into this book. But I feel better after reading this, even if it’s just slightly. Thank you Sophy for your words and story telling.