Overview

At sixteen, Noah Waters stands on a bridge with nothing left to lose-and everything he doesn't yet understand to gain. The Jackson River Bridge is a haunting, deeply human story of identity, memory, and survival, told through the singular voice of a young man whose mind does not work like everyone else's. Born Jeff Cutter and reborn as Noah Waters on a cold steel bridge over a dark river, Noah's life has been shaped by trauma, brilliance, cruelty, and an unrelenting search for truth in a world that has repeatedly failed him. Brilliant in science and mathematics yet fractured by an undiagnosed neurological condition, Noah grows up trapped between extraordinary intelligence and devastating emotional isolation. Haunted by the death of his twin brother, burdened by a mother's resentment, and rescued-though imperfectly-by those few willing to see him as more than a problem to be solved, Noah learns early that trust is dangerous and survival is complicated. What begins as an escape from a violent past becomes a profound journey of self-discovery. Through loss, betrayal, friendship, and moments of unexpected grace, Noah navigates a world that misunderstands him while he struggles to understand himself. Written with raw honesty, psychological depth, and uncommon compassion, The Jackson River Bridge explores what it means to live with a mind that remembers differently, loves intensely, and questions relentlessly. This is not just a coming-of-age story-it is a meditation on resilience, responsibility, and the fragile, life-altering choices that define who we become. Some bridges are meant to be crossed. Others change us forever.

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Reviews

Praise for The Jackson River Bridge ""Elliott Light writes with clarity, compassion, and an uncanny understanding of the human heart."" - Amy's Bookshelf Reviews ""The Jackson River Bridge is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel. Noah's journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Beautifully written, deeply human, unforgettable."" - Lewis Charles ""The Jackson River Bridge is a superb psychological mystery with a fascinating, neurodivergent character brought to life with breathtaking authenticity. You may find you are not as 'finished' as you think."" - Gin Coleman, Author & Storyteller ""The Jackson River Bridge is a profound literary achievement... inhabiting a unique mind with rare honesty. A haunting exploration of identity, memory, and resilience."" - Bruce Bortz, Publisher ""The Jackson River Bridge is a brilliantly crafted narrative-insightful, gripping, and full of heart. I highly recommended it for both young adults and adults alike."" - Geoff Robinson ""A riveting tale of transformation and self-discovery. The Jackson River Bridge is not just a story; it's an experience."" - Shawn James ""The Jackson River Bridge is thought-provoking and raw... the writing pulled me into Noah's world and didn't let go."" - Natallia Himsel ""I didn't think a book could hit me like this... Reading The Jackson River Bridge honestly felt like getting punched in the chest-in a good way...I'll probably be replaying the ending in my head for a while."" - Bob Orney

Author Information

Elliott Light grew up outside Washington, D.C., in McLean, Virginia, before the beltway encircled the capital city, before farms were turned into housing developments, and before open fields became mega-malls.Light attended both engineering and law school (apparently, unable to make up his mind). He spent three decades practicing law, including environmental, energy, contract, telecommunications, and patent law. (Do you see a pattern here?) But he yearned to be a teller of stories that both entertain and enlighten, and in 2002, his first book, Lonesome Song, was published. Chain Thinking (2003), The Gene Police (2018), Throwaways (2020), and The Jackson River Bridge (2023) followed. The Last Rights (now available for pre-order and scheduled for publication in December of 2025) will be his sixth published novel. Light enjoys trying Asian-inspired recipes, experimenting with his air fryer (you don't need one, but it really is fun), and reading about new energy technologies (super-hot geothermal looks promising). When he's not traveling with his spouse, Sonya, or not writing, he is a dedicated servant to their cat, Feste.

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