You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
I had great expectations of this book - I was really looking forward to reading it. It disappointed me though. It turned out to be more of a story of a woman dying of cancer than a book about books. and their role and significance in these peoples lives. And I think it centered too much around the son's life and thoughts some of which were in fact irrelevant in this story. The woman, Mary Anne, lived a remarkable life and I truly respect selfless people like her but this book didnt give her the full credit, I think. Also, most of the books mentioned here were unfamiliar to me and so marginally quoted that it felt at times as if they were just a sidepoint in the story of a man's dying mother. Or maybe that was the whole point?
This is a book about several things, firstly it examines the relationship between mother and son during a terminal journey. It also identifies how that affects the family and friends and the reader is treated to the good, the bad and the ugly. The books read by mother and son are an eclectic mix and certainly gave me some food for thought about future reading.
The problem with reading a book about a book club; I end up with MORE books to my To-Read list. But this book is great. Spoiler: the mom, Mary, dies of pancreatic cancer. While she is going thru diagnosis, treatments and hospice, Will her son and her discuss all the books they are reading and have read. Which is a lot in 20 months. Their insightful descriptions, thoughts, parallels between the books and their lives and Mary's life accomplishments, including getting a library built in Afghanistan. I felt so connected to the characters in this book and kept thinking that I needed ask them, hey have you read this or that, what did your mom think of All That Is Bitter Sweet, Ashley Judd's memoir or Mighty be Our Powers or Cinderella Ate My Daughter or Half The Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity. I also love that Mary would read the ending before starting the book. Because she couldn't stand the suspense. I couldn't do that. I LOVE the suspense but it fit her personality.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Gorgeous, lovely, sad, wonderful. I sometimes didn't feel like I was smart enough for it, but that didn't take anything away from my enjoyment. Loved it.
It was just okay for me. I continued to read, it didn't bore me by any means, but there was nothing special about it for me. Mary Anne--the dying mother this book is about is very liberal, so I did not agree with her political stance. Which I wondered why Schwalbe kept adding pieces of politics in anyway. I did like her thoughts on working mothers--regardless if you work or stay at home we need to stop feeling guilty. Neither choice is bad.
Overall, I don't regret reading it, but I found myself not wanting to pick it up and there are so many other books to read before I would ever recommend reading this one.
Overall, I don't regret reading it, but I found myself not wanting to pick it up and there are so many other books to read before I would ever recommend reading this one.
I absolutely loved this book. Such an amazing bond between the author and his mother. I was moved to tears on more than one occasion. I could only hope to have the same bond with my daughter.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I liked this book for several reasons. I really love the author's mom and her general life philosophy. I also liked getting additional book recommendations from this book as the mother and son read books together. Note: they do it in a way that does not ruin the actual book.
Finally writing a review... This book was so sweet, that’s really the only word to describe it. My mom loved reading when she was younger but then she grew up, had a bunch of kids, and no longer gets to or let’s herself read, so seeing a strong bond between child and parent with books warmed my heart. I definitely still gush about books to my mom, but she never reads em so she don’t have much to say. So, I felt like I got more of that bond through this book and through someone else’s bond of reading with his parent. Even if you’ve lost someone, read this, it’s nice to be reminded that you’re not alone in the grief. (My mom and dad are still very much alive, but I’ve lost other family members.)