Finally, my heartfelt thanks to friends and family who have helped me in ways too numerous to list here. Jennifer Chang, Alexis Wooll, and Julie Greb: you have known me since childhood, been witness to my awkward teen years and cringeworthy rebellious phases, yet somehow still love me. Thank you for being my chosen family. Gale and Richard Scharer, best in-laws, thank you for providing literal sunshine (Florida) and figurative sunshine in my life. My globe-trotting sister, Colby, who has such great stories she should write her own book—may we have many more adventures together. My parents, Anita and Richard Bemis, who encouraged my early love of language with countless blank books and trips to the Tattered Cover. Thank you for your unwavering and outsize belief in me. My husband, Ryan, the smartest and funniest man I know, who moved back and forth across the country with me to support my writing and took on myriad responsibilities to make it possible for me to finish this book. I love you. And finally, my daughter, Lydia, who lights up the world with her spirit and wit, and will always be my best creation.

About the Author

Whitney Scharer holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Washington. She lives outside Boston with her husband and daughter. The Age of Light is her first novel.