End of Your Life Book Club
Schwalbe, WillWith a diagnosis of terminal cancer, Will Schwalbe and his mother Mary Anne decide that during the remaining period of her life, they will form an exclusive book club of two. As they consume and discuss an impressive quantity of poetry, short stories and novels, Mary Anne's life and her amazing work as a humanitarian is revealed.
This book is both a celebration of a life well lived and an examination of the inspiring power reading can play in shaping our lives.
Comments from Groups
Everyone enjoyed this book and had huge admiration for Mary Anne - a remarkable woman. We considered it a love story written by a devoted son. Nelson 023 We found it thoughtful and inspiring and felt it would be helpful for people in similar circumstances to read it. Wellington 027A mixed reaction from the group to this book. Some thought it was thought provoking and very well written, others thought it irritating and contrived. Christchurch 031Most got something positive from this book. Opinion was divided about the attractiveness of the main character - much criticism of the mother based perhaps on not understanding the lives of upper class women of her time in the USA. Excellent, lively discussion. Warkworth 005We agreed it was a real book to talk about - lots of discussion. The whole idea of sharing in this way with someone is profoundly moving. Thought this was really well written as while it is a book about books that they had read, it is a memoir of sorts. The deeply personal conversations, discussions of faith and courage as well as other topics are most believable. While a moving story it is also joy about life. Katikati 002
Pages
336
336
Year
2012
2012
Reviews
19-12-2022
Not the group's favourite book.
22-08-2022
Led to a good discussion. Content was very interesting. The writing was more like a record of events than a narrative. Most dipped in and out rather than read it straight through.
22-08-2022
The average age of our group is 80+. We had a very good discussion on a book we were glad to have read.
22-08-2022
Only 4 members present. We found the family relationships and key characters' personal strength interesting and inspiring. The storyline was predictable so no challenge there.
22-08-2022
Mixed feelings on this book, a few members lost interest and didn't finish it.
22-08-2022
A lovely idea for spending time with elderly/ill people - great way to have conversations. We all thought the book would be better - great concept, but the book wasn't riveting and didn't draw us in.
22-08-2022
Joyous but sad. A book to treasure. Amazing insight into a family. A good selection of books to read.
30-09-2020
Everyone in the book club enjoyed the book. They thought it was worth buying and keeping a copy.
30-09-2020
We all 'liked' this book, but didn't love it. Interesting premise but some found it a bit of a chore to get through. All liked the list of books that were listed at the end, and counting how many they'd read or had heard of.
30-09-2020
Polarised reactions. Generated discussion about our own mothers' deaths, and opportunities lost.
30-09-2020
We all loved this book. Beautifully written and it touched us all.
30-09-2020
Generated some really good discussion this month!
30-09-2020
Everyone loved this book. Some feel it's the 'best' book in years! Several members have bought/ordered personal copies. As we are all either retired or nearing retirement, discussion points were very relevant.
30-09-2020
Mixed reaction to this book. Some members didn't think it was well-written. Most enjoyed the list of books at the end, and were going to read some of those listed.
30-09-2020
Beautiful description of a relationship between a mother and a son.
30-09-2020
Very poignant book - some found the topic too raw. Others, especially the nurses, enjoyed the read.
30-09-2020
Most of the group enjoyed this book very much, with reminders of books we love. A few found too much emphasis on the dying of the mother.
30-09-2020
Lovely book. Great characters. Good relationship.
30-09-2020
An interesting read promoting lots of discussion.