Helpful Score: 6
You would think this book would have been sad but for me it was not. The book was a celebration of Mary Ann's life and a celebration of love between a son and his mother. I believe the world is a better place for having Mary Ann Schwalbe. She lived as she died, gracefully. To have had such a privileged life she showed us how to be a giving soul. I wish I had known her and I thank Will for sharing her with me.
There were many books that Will and Mary Ann read and talked about that I was not familiar with but just as many that I have either read or have to read. I even added a couple to my WL. This is a book I will not soon forget.
There were many books that Will and Mary Ann read and talked about that I was not familiar with but just as many that I have either read or have to read. I even added a couple to my WL. This is a book I will not soon forget.
Helpful Score: 3
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-end-of-your-life-book-club.html
The End of Your Life Book Club is a story of two years - from the time Will Schwalbe's mother Mary Ann is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer to her death. It is a journey towards an end that the family knows is coming. It is also a celebration of their life. Finally, under the umbrella of their book club of two people, the book seeks to become a discussion of so many emotions, topics and lessons learned. Perhaps, it becomes a means to coping with the loss.
The idea of finding things we need to talk about and doing it in the context of a book, of course, appeals to me. I loved all the books references - becoming part of the conversation for those I have read and making a mental list of the ones I have not read. At the end of this book, the author does provide a list of all the referenced books. The books they read are not discussed in detail unfortunately, but merely become the vehicle to present the rest of the story.
As far as the family story, I found myself relating to parts and not to others. I could not relate to their lifestyle of big projects and world travel. I did completely relate to the their love of books, their love for each other, and the emotions of loss.
At one point in the book the author thinks, "I often forget that other people's stories aren't simply introductions to my own more engaging, more dramatic, more relevant, and better-told tales, but rather ends in themselves, tales I can learn from or repeat or dissect or savor." I am glad he had the chance to "repeat, dissect, and savor" stories with his mother, and I am glad he chose to share his story with us.
The End of Your Life Book Club is a story of two years - from the time Will Schwalbe's mother Mary Ann is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer to her death. It is a journey towards an end that the family knows is coming. It is also a celebration of their life. Finally, under the umbrella of their book club of two people, the book seeks to become a discussion of so many emotions, topics and lessons learned. Perhaps, it becomes a means to coping with the loss.
The idea of finding things we need to talk about and doing it in the context of a book, of course, appeals to me. I loved all the books references - becoming part of the conversation for those I have read and making a mental list of the ones I have not read. At the end of this book, the author does provide a list of all the referenced books. The books they read are not discussed in detail unfortunately, but merely become the vehicle to present the rest of the story.
As far as the family story, I found myself relating to parts and not to others. I could not relate to their lifestyle of big projects and world travel. I did completely relate to the their love of books, their love for each other, and the emotions of loss.
At one point in the book the author thinks, "I often forget that other people's stories aren't simply introductions to my own more engaging, more dramatic, more relevant, and better-told tales, but rather ends in themselves, tales I can learn from or repeat or dissect or savor." I am glad he had the chance to "repeat, dissect, and savor" stories with his mother, and I am glad he chose to share his story with us.
Helpful Score: 3
I loved this book! The author introduces us to his mother at the end of her life. He uses their mutual love of books as the backdrop of the "story" which is about a wonderful woman whom you can't help but wish you had met in person. It's wonderfully told and not at all depressing.
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
Helpful Score: 2
This is really a tribute from a son to his mother. It is a celebration of a life, but I did find it to be sad, as well as inspiring. One quote that sums it up is "Mom taught me that you can make a difference in the world and that books really do matter: they're how we know what we need to do in life, and how we tell others." There are many things an avid reader will relate to and that is part of the enjoyment. I found myself adding to my "to be read" list, as well.
Helpful Score: 1
I kind of jumped the gun with The End of Your Life Book Club, since it's supposed to be my book club's pick for next month. But I couldn't help myself; this book was incredibly moving, every step of the way. It's such a beautiful idea to me: sharing your final months with someone by reading the same books he or she does and discussing them, learning a little more about that person and sharing more of yourself every step of the way. As predicted, I've gleaned lots of new book titles for my To-Be-Read list, and I feel very appreciative of my life and the opportunities I've been given. I would highly recommend Schwalbe's memoir of his mother. What a great way to start the new year!
