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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
I started out really liking this book; I thought it was really great that Schwalbe and his mother started their own book club as a special way of bonding. I love how the story revolves more around the books they read rather than the fact his mother is dying of pancreatic cancer. I also loved the story of his mother's life, all the amazing humanitarian work she did as well as her work in academia. As the book went on, however, I felt like it started dragging. Of course, he had to tell the whole story, and he couldn't have started in the middle of her illness, but as heartless as it sounds the book started to get really repetitive to me. Still, it was a great read and gave me really great ideas about other books to add to my reading list.
I loved this book so, so much, right from the very beginning . The whole way through, I was torn as to whether I should race through, stay up late each evening and read it quickly or take it slow and really think over some of the deep and meaningful conversations Will and his mother had. It’s also a book that from very early on I knew I would come back and read again, and I’m already looking forward to doing that.
I also LOVE the fact that there is a reading list at the end (I was hoping for one!) of some of the many, many books that Will read together with his mother at their private book group.
It’s a book about books and so much more - definitely add it to your reading list
I also LOVE the fact that there is a reading list at the end (I was hoping for one!) of some of the many, many books that Will read together with his mother at their private book group.
It’s a book about books and so much more - definitely add it to your reading list
While the book wasn't perfect, I was deeply moved and inspired by it.
Loved the list of books they read. I got this book from the library but it's definitely one I want to have sitting on my shelf so I can go back to it many times.
have wept over the ending of "the end of your life book club" - for a woman I have never met & the son who wrote the book. #powerofbooks
I thought this was a very well-written book and a very enjoyable read. The narrator's mother is dying of pancreatic cancer and it chronicles the last couple years of her life over their discussions of various books they read throughout the course of the book. It talks about how the books they are reading impact their lives and resonate with them due to current things going on in their lives. It's a very touching story and emphasizes the strong relationship between the mother and son. I highly recommend! I think it is a book that is particularly relevant if you have someone in your life who has died of, is dying of, or even has survived cancer or any life-threatening illness for that matter.
After some thought, I've edited my review down to 2 stars. I always like a good reading list, but this book was just not terribly interesting. I’m sure the mom was a lovely lady, and the author loved her very much, but she's portrayed from a distance. And although Mary Ann Schwalbe was involved in a lot of admirable charity work, I tired of the Ivy League and boarding school references and the privilege, privilege, privilege.
A moving memoir about a two person book club that is formed when a son's mother is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. To pass the time during chemo they form a bond reading literary novels both modern and classic, the novels help open up discussion about his mom's childhood, spirituality, world issues, and more. Inspiring and sure to give readers a longer reading list, this book will remind you to have those talks with loved ones, treat others with respect, and make the world a better place. Told from the son's perspective, he is candid and honest about his relationship with his mother, his fears, and overprotectiveness. His mother was a very awe inspiring person who led a rich life helping those less fortunate than herself and her son does a great job keeping her memory alive with this memoir.
reflective
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Death of parent