I have just finished reading "The End of Your Life Book Club," a non-fiction book by Will Schwalbe. I found the title of the book intriguing enough, but on further examination realized that this would be a perfect book for book lovers: a book ABOUT books! More importantly, it's about two people who love each other, and find a way to show it by a shared love of books. It is a mother and son, and the mother has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Each chapter discusses a different book, and the family members' reaction to it--and to each other, in terms of the mother's illness. There are 28 chapters in all, but some mention more than one title--most of which are familiar, but I regret to say that I've read very few of them. ( I will be doing so now.)
Along the way the author and his mother make some statements that I found very profound. With regards to "People of the Book," the mother says, "…Every great religion shares a love of books, of reading, of knowledge. The individual books may be different, but reverence for books is what we all have in common. Books are what bring all different people in the novel together."
That line, more than any other, was important to me, and kept me reading even when the discussion of the mother's cancer and impending death made me uncomfortable. She remained mentally alert throughout the illness, and you could almost share the growing bond between mother and son even as they shared the books they read.
Near the end, the author makes the observation that his mother's bedroom is filled with the books they have read, with their colorful spines and dust jackets, and that "they were Mom's companions and teachers. They had shown her the way. And she was able to look at them as she readied herself for the life everlasting that she knew awaited her. What comfort could be gained from staring at (the author's) lifeless e-reader?"
Though I have an e-reader of my own, I could not have said it better myself.
I encourage you to read this book.
Reviewed by Miriam, First Regional Library
If you are a reader, I highly recommend this book - their combined insights are treasures that will keep you reflecting for a long time. Mary Anne Schwalbe was an amazing woman and we are blessed indeed that her son has shared her with us.
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