February 2014 Host:  Stephanie

 

The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe

 

Summary

In this book Will Schwalbe shares his memories of his mother and discusses the books they shared during her last year suffering from pancreatic cancer.  Mary Ann Schwalbe was a committed humanitarian who had been a director of admissions at Harvard and was the prime force behind building the first public library in Afghanistan.  She was also an avid reader and formed a two person book club with her son, they read and discussed many books while in waiting rooms.  The book reveals how a mother and child shared meaningful reading and bonded later in life.  Some of the books they discuss are well-known but others not as well known (e.g., The Elegance of the Hedgehog).  At the end of the book Schwalbe includes a list of the books and authors of the books they mentioned or discussed, and most readers will add some of those books to their own reading lists.  You will probably find some of her favorites are your own such as I did (e.g. John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany).  The book redefines reading; from a passive venture to an active pursuit.  This is a wonderful read although very sad at times, but well worth finishing.

 

Menu

 

Appetizers

 

Bean and Corn Salad

 

Avocado Salad

 

Tacos and Refried Beans

 

Jennie's Homemade Sugar Cookies