The End of Your Life Book Club

A Memoir

By: Will Schwalbe

Narrated by: Jeff Harding

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

"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.

©2012 Will Schwalbe (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"With a refreshing forthrightness, and an excellent list of books included, this is an astonishing, pertinent, and wonderfully welcome work." ( Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"A wonderful book about wonderful books and mothers and sons and the enduring braid between them. Like the printed volumes it celebrates, this story will stay with you long after the last page." (Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays with Morrie and The Time Keeper)

"Will Schwalbe's lyrical tribute to a life well-lived and a death graced with love and literature is a precious gift bestowed on all of us. What a unique and beautiful book this is, and how privileged we are to have it." (Sherwin B. Nuland, author of The Art of Aging and How We Die)

A privilege to listen to

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes: Those of them who enjoy "The help" and so on. Why? Because even if "The help" is fiction it deals with hard times without too many tears, but with knowledge. Just like the case is in this gem.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is a memoir: Everyone!

What about Jeff Harding’s performance did you like?

He reads in a New york accent, just like Will and his mother.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and no: The words between Will and his mom is easy to capture. The book tips: Is so important and since I do not read physical books I need to reem.-listen the tips to remember them- even if it is

Any additional comments?

If you are disabled or sick: Listen! Then start living and enjoy it.

Touching

What better story for Audible fanatics than one about the power of reading and sharing books. The remarkable relationship between Will and his Mother in her last years, and the role that books played during those years, makes for a beautiful read. I found myself wanting to be part of their exclusive book club as well. Several of the books Will and his mom shared are now on my Wish List.

Books, a Mother & Son, and a Terminal Diagnosis

Will Schwalbe introduces us to his extraordinary mother, Mary Anne, through the books they choose to read and discuss as she and they face a devastating diagnosis. We learn about Mary Anne's work in refugee camps, her philosophy of life, her only regret (not being able to see her grandchildren grow up), and her drive to organize everyone and everything around her. It was an honour to meet Mary Anne through Will's memories and Mary Anne's stories. And the books! Each book opened up topics of conversation that allowed Will and his mother to discuss what truly matters in life.

I'm a nurse who specializes in care of the elderly and this book is a real gift!

Heartwarmingly sad

An absolutely beautiful book. Warm, tender, funny and sad. I've just had my first listen and I know that I will listen to this book many times over. I couldn't stop listening. The narration is brilliant. Thank you.

Just wonderful!

What made the experience of listening to The End of Your Life Book Club the most enjoyable?

I loved the way I could almost feel like I was present at the their book club meetings.

What did you like best about this story?

The compassionate way he describes his mother's life and achievements - along with her illness.

Have you listened to any of Jeff Harding’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No - but he is good!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

At the end when he summarises what his mother taught him in life.

Books, Love, Loss, And An Extraordinary Mom.

This is one of the most wonderful, and beautiful tribunes any son could write for a much loved mother.
It's potent, powerful, and still manages to entertain. I cant help but wish I could become more like Will Schwalbe's mother.
She is (in my humble opinion) a hero of our times.

I recommend this book, not because of her son, the book's author, who I found to be a little "stuckup", but for the chance to glimpse into the life of an extraordinary lady.

Oh, and the list of the books aren't to shabby either. :)

Inspiring read for book lovers who care!

Where does The End of Your Life Book Club rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Among the top! I am recommending the book to all my friends and buying several copies for Christmas Presents! So many new books to explore! I want to be this way at the end of my life, sharing books I love with those I love. I now have a greater understanding of Chemotherapy, Ettiquette of Illness. Maryann was an inspirational women, whose life left the world a better place! Her son's story of their time together through books, showed his deep love and willingness to be there for his mother. IIam so glad I found this book!
ONe can still with dignity and love and character at the end of one's life! I will now buy the book and highlight the books and also highlight the great wisdom.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The End of Your Life Book Club?

Everything!

Which character – as performed by Jeff Harding – was your favorite?

Maryanne and Will, her son together; their relationship!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

this is a book that needs time to reflect and absorb. although inspiring and an amazing sharing of boooks, life,illness- still at times painful.

Sad but truthful

Where does The End of Your Life Book Club rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A little bit more morbid than I was lead to believe, the son is way too obssessed with his fears instead of just enjoying the time he has with his mother. Having said that it is a great book, well written and well read. And best of all I have a great list of books I want to read from it.

What other book might you compare The End of Your Life Book Club to and why?

The household guide to dying, only it was about Mother and Daughters, but still an excellent read and a little more light hearted and fun.

What does Jeff Harding bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

You really believe he is talking about his own mother, an excellent performance.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was excited to hear about so many wonderful new book to discover and I enjoyed hearing their differing views about the books they read.

Any additional comments?

Easy listen and worth the time.

Touching & inspiring

There are no spoilers here. When a book is called "The end of your life book club," you know exactly what is going to happen in the end. Schwalbe walks you through about two years of his life as he and his mother discuss books during her cancer treatments and until her eventual death.

This book is touching--a son who loves his mother re-adjusts his life to be by her side for much of her ilness and a mother who inspired the love of reading not only in her own family, but it others around the world.

This book is a review of dozens of books out there waiting to be read. You may find yourself agreewith with Schwalbe's view of some books you've already written, while other books may be added to your reading list.

This book is inspiring. You will want to find purpose, grace and understanding like Schwalbe's mother, Mary Anne, displayed. If only the world were full of more people like her.

I enjoyed my time with this book, and I think you will, too.

A book lover's book!

What a great way to show how important books are to individuals and the human race.