The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe is a memoir about Mary Anne Schwalbe and her son Will, who form a book club of two during the remaining two years of Mary Anne's life, after she is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The book club meets mostly during Mary Anne's chemo treatments.
This book was so moving for so many reasons. Mary Anne lead a very inspiring life, fighting for the rights of refugees, and working tirelessly to bring a library to Afghanistan in her last days, to name just a couple of her accomplishments.
I loved how deeply literature played a part in both Mother and son's lives. Being avid and wide-ranging readers, literature is a living breathing force in their family, giving them direction, understanding, guidance through difficult times, inspiration, courage and sometimes just a smile or a laugh. The stories help inform their lives. I have always felt this way about books, and I was moved me to tears to be in the company of people who felt the same way, and who drew comfort from books, even in such a difficult time.
Whether you are an avid reader or not, this is an inspirational story, with a wonderful reading list at the back. Highly recommended reading.
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