A Story Every Heart Can Feel

Schon’s writing style is so hauntingly beautiful…

Meet Schon Nielsen

Schon Nielsen was born and raised outside of Salt Lake City, in the shadows of the beautiful mountains of Utah, where he graduated from the University of Utah. Schon has been an award-winning leader in the education and human services fields in Utah, Nebraska, Missouri, and Idaho. When not spending time with his family, you can find him fly fishing wherever he can get on the water.

Schon’s work speaks directly to those who are searching for clarity, encouragement, and connection – especially women, men, and families who carry the quiet weight of the unseen burden of elderly depression. Through every chapter, Schon’s goal is to not only engage readers, but to restore, empower, and remind them that they are never alone in their story.

With his unique blend of honesty, wisdom, and faith, Schon invites you into a literary space where light is always present – even in the darkest pages.

A Story Meant for Your Soul

When Light Shatters is a story about the debilitating consequences of elderly depression, and a grandson’s journey to find compassion and forgiveness. He is a teenager forging his own way in life. His Gramma has lived a full life of her own but finds herself living with her daughter’s family. Their once close relationship fractures as he struggles to cope with her condition, and his actions lead him down a path of regret and remorse that, ultimately, pushes him on a search for understanding.

This book will inspire you to keep the light of human spirit alive; to overcome the fear of depression and anxiety; and to get help for someone who cannot help themselves.

A gentle yet powerful voice that speaks truth with grace
A spiritually rich narrative without attachment to a specific religion.
Stories that spark healing, hope, and meaningful thought
And it is a perfect gift for a loved one going through transition or loss

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Why This Book Matters

Ignites Compassion

This book will inspire you to keep compassion alive, and to keep your humanity and patience intact while helping a loved one face mental-health challenges.

Promotes Mental Wellness

When Light Shatters will provide practical advice on how to get help for a struggling loved one. And it will confirm that nobody is alone in their struggle with mental-health challenges.

Strengthens Emotional Connection

The story, and the advice given in this book, will inspire you to stay engaged in the life of a loved one, and to avoid the pitfalls of behaving from a place of fear.

Inspires Faith & Hope

Schon explores themes of healing and hope, and the quiet strength we often forget we have.

Connect With the Heart Behind the Words

Schon would love to hear from you. Whether you’re a reader, a fellow writer,
or simply someone in need of a little light today—you’re invited to reach out.

What Readers Are Saying

Lori J

I was first drawn to this book by the beautiful and intriguing title and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down, and finished it in an evening. It was so raw and honest and parts of it were heartbreaking. This is the first time I have heard anyone talk about depression in the elderly but I fear it is all too common ...This topic is not talked about much, but is one that can affect everyone and that's why I think this book is so important…We need to do better in helping people who struggle with depression. Schon's writing style is so hauntingly beautiful…the way he tells his story just pulls you along and you have to know what happens next. Reading this story brought me to tears many times, but it also made me want to be a better person and made me want to show my love for my family and friends much more than I have been. I'm so glad I read this book and I can't recommend this book enough!

Brandon N.

“I was intrigued by the genuine honesty regarding a subject that wasn’t discussed at a crucial time. A subject that was avoided and it was so hard to know what he was going through and the rest of his family did not see or understand. He was courageous enough to put his feelings out there and these were his feelings, no one else knew or came close to what he was going through.”

Corbin A.

“Reading “When Light Shatters” is an honest, poignant call for those touched by depression and mental illness to speak of it openly and compassionately among your families and friends. The personal experiences shared by the author are touching and conveyed in a way that invites the reader to initiate their own conversations about depression and mental health. Reading this book made me feel more comfortable talking about mental illness and health.”

I'd love to hear from you.

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