A review by serendipitysbooks
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

 
When Will Schwalbe’s mother is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the two of them form an informal and exclusive book club. A casual question about what his mother is reading leads them to agree to read the same books which they then discuss while waiting for doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy treatments and the like.

I liked learning more about the books they shared, some of which I’d already read and others of which have been added to my TBR. I loved how this book showcased the power of books to bring people closer and to help them think about and discuss issues which might otherwise have felt too difficult. I also enjoyed learning more about the life of Will’s mother Mary Anne. Her devotion to the plight of refugees and the way she approached her illness were inspiring.

I had expected this book to be heavy and possibly depressing. It wasn’t. Instead it was warm-hearted and uplifting, a testament to a life well-lived, the joys of a strong bond between mothers and their adult children, and the power of good books. 
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