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Heather S. Lonczak holds a PhD in educational psychology and a master's degree in clinical psychology. She completed her MA practicum at Western Psychiatric Institute and was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington. She has extensive experience as a research scientist in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and social work, and is a certified DSM-5 clinical interviewer. She has published numerous peer-reviewed social science articles and ten children's books aimed at promoting positive youth development and empathy for animals. Dr. Lonczak lives in Seattle with her beloved family and pets.
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Fragility of Light is a psychological thriller by Heather Lonczak. When Sunny was eight years old, her mother Gracie passed away, leaving her father Peter to raise her, and he enlisted the help of his parents. Sunny had a deep affection for her loving grandparents, Baba and Papa, who supported her. After meeting at San Diego State University, Joshua Fitzpatrick and Sylvia "Sunny" Zielinski married the summer following graduation. Sunny became annoyed with her wedding guests when they laughed at her being smeared with cake and threw cake at them. Sunny had a dream job as a book editor but, following heartbreaking deaths in the family, she had a breakdown at work one day. Sunny discovered she had a schizoaffective disorder and became aware of her mother's mental health issues.
The Fragility of Light by Heather Lonczak is a complex and emotional read. This dramatic page-turner hooked me, and it was hard to put down. Issues related to mental health, trauma, resilience, and the enduring strength of family ties were sensitively addressed. Sunny's, Joshua's, and Peter's points of view are shown throughout the chapters. Joshua wanted to understand Sunny's condition and help in her recovery even though he was unfamiliar with her mental health issues. Joshua, Peter, and his wife did everything possible to ensure Sunny had the best care possible. This story was excellently written and kept me on the edge of my seat. I learned that people can live with their mental condition if they have a solid support network.
