Publisher: Knopf; 1 edition (October 2, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0307594033
About The Book:
“What are you reading?” That’s the question Will Schwalbe asks his mother, Mary Anne, as they sit in the waiting room of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In 2007, Mary Anne returned from a humanitarian trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan suffering from what her doctors believed was a rare type of hepatitis. Months later she was diagnosed with a form of advanced pancreatic cancer, which is almost always fatal, often in six months or less.
This is the inspiring true story of a son and his mother, who start a “book club” that brings them together as her life comes to a close. Over the next two years, Will and Mary Anne carry on conversations that are both wide-ranging and deeply personal, prompted by an eclectic array of books and a shared passion for reading. Their list jumps from classic to popular, from poetry to mysteries, from fantastic to spiritual. The issues they discuss include questions of faith and courage as well as everyday topics such as expressing gratitude and learning to listen. Throughout, they are constantly reminded of the power of books to comfort us, astonish us, teach us, and tell us what we need to do with our lives and in the world. Reading isn’t the opposite of doing; it’s the opposite of dying.
Will and Mary Anne share their hopes and concerns with each other—and rediscover their lives—through their favorite books. When they read, they aren’t a sick person and a well person, but a mother and a son taking a journey together. The result is a profoundly moving tale of loss that is also a joyful, and often humorous, celebration of life: Will’s love letter to his mother, and theirs to the printed page.
My Thoughts:
This is, without a doubt, one of the most profoundly moving memoirs that I have yet to read. The author presents us with so much more than a loving son's tribute to his deceased mother. We're introduced to Mary Anne Schwalbe; a remarkable woman who, through her love, not only for reading but for human rights as well, impacted the lives of so many individuals through the years. Her unwavering involvement with the Women's Refugee Commission and her dedication to see a library system established in Afghanistan are so deeply inspiring. But, the central focus of Schwalbe's memoir is the impact that reading and books can have upon our lives: the memories that are created and the revelations that are brought to light in the process can be astounding. Through the various novels read, the author and his mother are able to discuss some of life's most serious issues including death, as well as the many pearls of wisdom that we all should hold dear. I admit, tears were shed on more than one occasion while reading this, but in the end it felt as though they were tears of joy for simply having the opportunity to meet Mary Anne Schwalbe, her loving son, the many books they shared, and the lasting lessons and inspirations found between the pages. I also found myself adding many of the same books to my own list of books to read. I highly recommend this memoir and easily give it a five star rating!
I have just finished reading this book, a Christmas gift from my son. I have not read many books. After reading this book, have come to know how interesting is to read books. Very well written, an amazing and powerful connection between mother and son. I loved it.
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