The loveliest book I've read in awhile.....

11 years ago

I hope it's okay to start yet another post about books...... I just couldn't resist.

I just finished The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe.

This memoir weaves its way through so many themes we have discussed here... How much books add to our lives, mothering, living a purposeful life, adult children, death, illness, etc. The author is the adult son of an amazing woman, and the book is a memoir of her last two years fighting pancreatic cancer. Honestly, I would probably be drawn to a memoir just based on that last sentence because I love memoirs. But it turns out that the mother is a former Admissions Director at Radcliffe and then Harvard, and a woman who has led many humanitarian efforts around the world, most centered around the plight of refugees. In between holding a fulltime job, raising three children, tending to her home and marriage, and traveling the world to bring attention to the needs of refugees and others, Mary Anne read voraciously. She and Will, her author-son, discuss books passionately and always with an ear toward how the plots and themes in these books apply to life. This is a book I read on my Nook, and now need to go purchase because I want to pick it up and run my hand over the cover, turning now and then to a random page just to share another visit with Will and Mary Anne. A hint: No need to frantically highlight all of the book titles discussed (as I did). They are nicely catalogued at the end.....

If you find yourself housebound by Sandy, this would be a great way to while away the hours.....

Here is a link that might be useful: The End of Your Life Book Club

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Comments (8)

lynninnewmexico
11 years ago
It sounds like a book that I'd enjoy, thank you Bestyears!
Thanks to Jen's post earlier this week, I'm already enjoying "Proof of Life". I really enjoy hearing about good books I might want to read. That's one of the benefits of this great forum, nice people and nice suggestions.
Lynn
funkyart
11 years ago
I've had that on my list for awhile.. but had been delaying ordering it for fear that it will be too emotionally wrenching. This was the nudge I needed-- I am going to download it now.
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denali2007
11 years ago
It sounds wonderful and I ca truly loved it. Now tell me me if I will be able to read it. I have a close friend and colleague who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May She has gone through chemo and radiation and the tumor did not shrink and has spread to her liver. She will be on another round of chemo for 2 months. She actually has 2 types of pancreatic cancer. Her husband died 5 years ago of colon cancer and she has never gotten over that and misses her husband dearly. She is 57 and has 3 grown children also. She is an ESOL teacher and is an advocated for all those non English speaking children. She is an avid reader to those children and believes strongly they should be read to all the time. Her lessons are amazing. I see many connections between this lady and my friend.
Sorry to go on and on but will I be able to read it or should I put it on my list for when I am ready?
funkyart
11 years ago
Denali, I had put off ordering it for a similar reason. My bff's mother died of pancreatic/liver cancer this summer. I wish your friend all the best and lots of love.

Whether you read it now or when you're ready, I hope it gives you comfort and peace. It does sound like it's a heartfelt celebration of life and books.
bestyears
Original Author
11 years ago
Oh Denali, (((((((hugs)))))))) to you. I think I would buy it and then set it aside so that it's there if you suddenly feel ready. My hunch is that it is just too close to the bone for you yet....
denali2007
11 years ago
Well, I downloaded a sample of it to my nook. Couldn't stop reading, so I downloaded the entire book. I, too will read it when I'm ready.
Thanks everyone for the comments.
Olychick
11 years ago
I haven't read this yet, but the author was just interviewed on our local NPR station and it was a wonderful interview. You can listen here:

Here is a link that might be useful: Will Schwalbe interview
bestyears
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you so much olychick -I listened to the interview last night while I was sewing. Will sounded just as he did in the book. Terrific interview....