BookBrowse BookTalk : Conference : 2012 Book Club DiscussionsConference : 2012 Book Club Discussions : 2012 Book Club Discussions
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RE: Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?sandrah: I'm sorry that I misinterpreted your words. I think there is a drawback to online discussions--once you write something it's there, and no tone of voice or inflection tempers our words.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=017B2CC6-5056-A34B-623DBFB557D528D1&r=1
2013-03-16T20:12:11-05:00Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?RE: Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?I thought my second paragraph clearly indicated that I understood the wonderful relationship Will and his mother had. I don't resent their ability to share that love.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=017B2CC6-5056-A34B-623DBFB557D528D1&r=2
2013-03-16T14:28:26-05:00Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?RE: Why does Mary Anne always read a book's ending first?I like lisag's idea about reading book reviews. The trick is, of course, finding reviews that are written properly. She has given me ideas for the ones I occasionally write.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=C8549C05-5056-A34B-62C176346AA8E334&r=3
2013-03-16T13:31:50-05:00Why does Mary Anne always read a book's ending first?RE: Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?I can't help feeling that sandrah missed the point of this book. While it's true that not everybody has the luxury of time and financial freedom to indulge their interests or relationships, the fact is that Will and his mother had those, and were able to spend time reading and sharing books. The idea is, at least for me, that they cherished what they were able to do, and Will wanted to share it with his readers, for our enjoyment or edification and as a tribute to his mother. I am sorry if sandrah's inability to connect with Mary Ann caused her to miss out on the joy of reading and discovering new books.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=017B2CC6-5056-A34B-623DBFB557D528D1&r=4
2013-03-16T13:28:48-05:00Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?RE: Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?I have mixed feelings about this book. That Will Schwable and
his mother had a very special relationship becomes obvious and I applaud it. However, that relationship and their ability to meet whenever his mother had treatments as well as the time each had to read was not an experience that most of us could have. Will's mother had money, a prestigious university position and was able to support causes by speaking and traveling to other countries. Her life and experiences make for fascinating reading but I simply could not connect to her and that kind of life. And Will's ability to start a new business yet take all the time to be with her struck me as unreal. I simply could not relate to their experience.
Having said that, I felt the love each had for the other. How wonderful it would be if all of us with a family member we care deeply about could bond without worrying about money or find the time to be together without being pulled by other obligations that have to be dealt with.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=017B2CC6-5056-A34B-623DBFB557D528D1&r=5
2013-03-13T18:19:13-05:00Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?RE: Why does Mary Anne always read a book's ending first?I'm not sure I've ever read the ending of a book first. What I do do, though, is read the end of a review to see the summing up. I read the first paragraph and the last, if I don't have time for the whole review. The end is where all the opinion is, anyway.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=C8549C05-5056-A34B-62C176346AA8E334&r=6
2013-03-07T12:06:56-05:00Why does Mary Anne always read a book's ending first?RE: What a powerful read!I agree. A few weeks before Christmas each year, my book group meets at a restaurant for lunch and a book exchange. Always great fun. This past Christmas, i had been so touched by EOYLBC I had to share it with other readers so I took it as a bonus book. After all the normal book exchange excitement with the "stealing" and cajoling completed, we drew one name for the bonus book. I was the only one who had read EOYLBC, and some found the title off putting. After only the briefest explanation, the group members were very curious and interested. At least two members have now read the book and both were as touched as I had been.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=7EF5C99D-5056-A34B-629CABA052781E8A&r=7
2013-03-03T16:43:22-05:00What a powerful read!RE: Why does Mary Anne always read a book's ending first?I used to read the last few pages of a book before even reading the first page. I suppose I wanted to "know." I stopped doing this long ago when I figured out it was more enjoyable to let the author tell me the story on the author's terms.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=C8549C05-5056-A34B-62C176346AA8E334&r=8
2013-03-03T16:23:36-05:00Why does Mary Anne always read a book's ending first?RE: Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?I think this wonderful book should be required reading. I also think that even if you don't read like this book with a loved one, or to anyone reading a book to someone, is sometimes the easiest way to communicate about many things. I still remember listening to a book that a teacher read to my class 60-years-ago. Thanks, Will
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2013-01-16T12:53:33-05:00Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?RE: Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?I really liked the book. Now I will pass it on to my avid book reading friends. I have also written down all their recommended books they liked and hope to read many of them.
I like almost all the books you recommend. I just love reading.
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2013-01-16T12:27:49-05:00Overall, what did you think of The End of Your Life Book Club?RE: What a powerful read!Hi, Yanna,
This would make an excellent audiobook. I especially enjoy listening to nonfiction on CD, more so than fiction. Next time I have a long drive I'll try to remember to bring this along.
Lisa
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=7EF5C99D-5056-A34B-629CABA052781E8A&r=11
2013-01-03T22:42:59-05:00What a powerful read!Both characters are symbols of hopeI enjoyed the audio version of Schwalbe's book. The tone in the reading was so positive. We have a family member dealing with cancer and when I come home from sitting at his bedside, I need a good book to lose my thoughts and my feelings of the day. " Books are a window into other lives."
I kept writing some of their book titles mentioned and received insight into how their handled Mary Anne's illness.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=7EF5C99D-5056-A34B-629CABA052781E8A&r=12
2013-01-03T18:11:20-05:00What a powerful read!A book to keepFor me The Healing felt like a 'healing'. Goes on my 'to keep and reread' shelf.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=3B91BC5E-5056-A34B-6249DE3F99A996A0&r=13
2012-12-18T14:05:32-05:00Overall, what were your impressions of The Healing?RE: Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubThanks, Lisa! It's been really fun chatting with you and some of your fellow BookBrowsers! You gave me a lot to think about. And I promise to keep that journal in 2013 if you promise to read Stegner! I have a very, very strong feeling that you will love it.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=4D2FABF0-5056-A34B-629792496C363FDD&r=14
2012-12-14T05:47:49-05:00Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubRE: Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubSo great having the chance to chat a bit with Will! What a cool guy.
Lisa
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=4D2FABF0-5056-A34B-629792496C363FDD&r=15
2012-12-13T23:39:36-05:00Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubRE: Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubFor no real reason I keep putting off Stegner. I'm aiming to put it on my 2013 list.
Lisa
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=4D2FABF0-5056-A34B-629792496C363FDD&r=16
2012-12-13T23:37:44-05:00Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubRE: Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubThanks so much Deby (debracoley) for your message. It really means more to me than I can say. I just can't think of a nicer message for any author -- and, in particular, this one -- to receive. It makes me particularly happy that the book helped you discover MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR and CROSSING TO SAFETY and THE UNCOMMON READER, three of my favorite books, and all books that never leave me. Thank you -- and huge thanks to BookBrowse for giving us such a great forum to connect. Happy Hols and Happy Reading! Will
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=4D2FABF0-5056-A34B-629792496C363FDD&r=17
2012-12-12T09:55:38-05:00Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubRE: Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubI just want to thank you, Will, for sharing such an emotional and personal experience with me. Your words
have truly changed my reading life as well as my everyday attitude/actions. I have expanded my reading
choices, and every novel suggested by you or your mother has been just a pure blessing to read. Without your words, I wouldn't have found the likes of MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR, CROSSING TO SAFETY, and THE UNCOMMON READER. From your experiences with your momma and family, I have come to love,
appreciate, and hug my family and friends more. I have often written that the mark of a truly GOOD novel is that it never leaves you once you have left it...such is the case with THE END OF YOUR LIFE BOOKCLUB. Again, I thank you for your wonderful work. Deby Coley
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=4D2FABF0-5056-A34B-629792496C363FDD&r=18
2012-12-11T10:16:17-05:00Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubRE: Overall, what were your impressions of The Healing?One of the ways I determine if a book is a real classic for me is whether I think about the characters after I have finished the book. I read so many books that I usually can't remember a character or plot line a few weeks after I read it. The Healing passes my personal test with flying colors. I have continued to think about the characters and the plot in this book. I have described it and recommended it to any and all who will listen. I have read over 100 books this year and The Healing is in my Top 3.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=3B91BC5E-5056-A34B-6249DE3F99A996A0&r=19
2012-12-11T09:24:27-05:00Overall, what were your impressions of The Healing?RE: Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book ClubThanks for all three messages, Lisag. You spread a lot of light on the mother/son question. That's fascinating. I love your use of the words "forgiving" and "protective." Those are wonderful qualities in anyone. As for the journal, I'm a sporadic journal-er so I keep up entries for weeks and then go for months without. But maybe a New Year's resolution will be to do better. Love the idea of the books I've read. I'm grateful, too, for your reminding people (including me) that "end of your life" is really no more scary than "before you die." They are the very same things! I'll remind people of that. And thanks so much for the congrats on the Best Book lists. I'm incredibly grateful to all the wonderful people, booksellers, and journalists who have done this! And I've gained so many books to add to the TBR list from the other books that appear alongside.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=4D2FABF0-5056-A34B-629792496C363FDD&r=20
2012-11-30T11:04:35-05:00Will Schwalbe answers questions about The End of Your Life Book Club