The End of Your Life Book Club

I just read this book in two days which is highly unusual for me. I can't say enough about how the book made me feel and my admiration for the authors mother. She sounds like a very special woman who we could all learn important life lessons from. The book group was a wonderful gift to her son and this book is a wonderful gift that he gives his readers. Thank you Will and Mary Anne.

I can't think of a thing to say that the first five reviewers have not already beautifully said. This is an amazing book. I am in my 70's and have read many of the books that were discussed. This was an extra for me. A very moving story.

This is an important book for anyone who loves to read, but especially those who belong to a book club. It is a true story of a mother and son relationship as she goes through the throes of pancreatic cancer. The books they choose to discuss have assorted themes which lead to in-depth discussions of courage, prayer, fear, joy, laughter, and tears...to mention a few. The mother has an amazing past that includes helping refugees worldwide and raising funds for a library in Afghanistan. The fearless way she handles her illness is the way she has lived her life. I found that many of the books they chose to read are books my own book club has discussed, and many of those that we haven't, I think I shall encourage as a next choice. This book touched my heart as so few do. I am certain that this book is a blueprint for how to help someone you love through their last days on earth...but without the usual maudlin scenes one thinks of when contemplating death. Raynette Eitel

No need to read the last chapter first, you know how this one will end. I was afraid this book would be too sad for me as my father-in-law has just entered hospice. Instead I found it to be an uplifting celebration of life and literature. This gem is a multi-faceted love story.

Your enjoyment of this book, will likely be directly related to both the relationship you have with your parents and whether or not you have lost a parent. For those that did not like this book and thought it self indulgent, I would be willing to bet that they have both of their parents still alive. I lost my father to a cancer that usually causes death in 9-12 months, though he lived 16 months from diagnosis. This is not a story about the books or the book club. The average reader will find that they have only read a couple of the books that Mary Anne and Will did. The story is the relationship between mother and son. It is about the unrecognized and even unwanted "gift" that a terminal illness gives us. Most of us go about not doing and saying the things we want to say or do because we can get to it later. Will understands that time with his mother in this world is limited and sets out to maximize every minute of it...and he does. Yes, the book is dry and a bit boring ocassionally, but overall a really good read. I found it cathartic to read that many of the sentiments and experiences of watching a parent actively dying was shared by someone else. The actual death of Mary Anne is addressed in just a couple of pages however. Will is abundantly proud of his mother; her character, accomplishments and selflessness inparticular. This book is a wonderful tribute.

I don't know what compelled me to read this book, except I love books and the idea of a book about a book club, albeit a two-member one, and one of those members is dying, rather intrigued me. Whatever my initial impulse, I couldn't be more grateful to Mr. Schwalbe and his willingness to share this remarkable story. And lest you have any misgivings, this story is not about the book club Will and his mother created, but rather the most loving and befitting tribute from a devoted son to his mother's legacy. I will be gifting copies of this book to many because its message is too powerful to leave on the shelf.

Fabulous book. My favorite of 2012!!!