This month my book club read a heart warming book, by Will Schwalbe, called “The End of Your Life Book Club“. This a love story about books; about life and death; about living in the moment; about giving as much as you can to the world around you; about selflessness; and most importantly about family. The story takes place over the course of 2 years in which Will’s mother, Mary Anne, battles pancreatic cancer. The story is told by Will about his mother’s life, past and present and about their shared love of books.

The children grew up surrounded by books. Instead of watching tv and playing video games, the kids were encouraged to read books. Will describes that if you looked into their home on any given weekend, you would find the entire family immersed in books. The book club arose when Will accompanies his mom to her doctor’s appointment and they begin to discuss the books they are reading. They soon swap books and realize that they have formed a small, person of 2, book club. The title is explained in the book as each book we read may be the last book we ever read, which is definitely the case for Mary Anne.

I love the relationship Mary Anne has with all her children, especially the one with Will. It reminds me of my relationship with my son and what I wish for us to have in the future. My husband, myself and my son all love to read and I only hope that some day my son and I can sit down and share with each other the books we are reading, just as Mary Anne and Will do.

I especially enjoyed when Will refers to the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl. It is my absolute favourite children’s book. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve read that book. I also have both movies, the old version and the new one.

Will discusses a book called “Suite Francaise” by Irene Nemirovsky. I’ve had this book for 3 years but haven’t had time to read it. Will explains how the author, during WW2, was sent away to a concentration camp and was killed, but before that, she had given her daughter a book containing this manuscript. At the time, her daughter had no idea what was in the book, not until years later did she discover a beautiful story written by her mother. After I read this, I’ve decided that it’s going to be the next book after the one I’m currently reading. I enjoyed how Will gave a brief history of the books and detail without giving away too much of the book. There is a list at the back of the book of all the books Will and his mom read and referred to. Gotta say, I’ve got many of them flagged :).

Will describes in the book how they, the children, could get out of anything, well almost, if immersed themselves in a book. He called it the “do not disturb me, I’m completely absorbed in the book” trance. I love it! I find myself in those trances many times and I hate being disturbed. I get so involved in a book that I literally think about it all the time. I absolutely love their love for books. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this aspect of the book.

Although this story takes place mostly during Mary Anne’s struggle with pancreatic cancer, there are so many beautiful and happy moments. Mary Anne continues to live after her diagnosis. Although she refuses to give in to the disease, she is realistic and does make preparations for when she is no longer around. She tries to make her death on her family easier.

I think I’ll leave it at that as I don’t want to give away any more details. It’s a beautifully written book, that will warm your heart, make you laugh and make you cry and make you appreciate your life.

May this post inspire you to purchase this book and share your favourite books with the people in your life.

Stop by here to see if you’re the winner of the Dinosaur Train giveaway.

Please follow me via Facebook, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter.

Don’t forget to link up Thursday for my weekly Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link Up.

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!!!