I read it head on without any expectations, except thinking that it was about dying, and half expecting it to be a dread, and yes, blindly thinking it was pure fiction. Little did I know it was about a real person.It is also about love of books. I think that is what attracted me to read it and just couldn’t stop. I was eager to know what books that Will and his late mother would read and talk about next. It is about appreciating literature, learning from them, living the experiences of the authors. It teaches me how to really read books and appreciate them. I was so happy that at the end pages, there was a list of books that were mentioned in the book and quickly decided that there are some which I would like to read myself. Definitely going to be on the to-read list.

And Mary Ann is such an inspiration full stop. like a role model, a dear mother, a dear friend and determined to make a difference. reading on, sometimes I thought to myself, I want to be like her!

and I want to have a book club. although the end of your life bookclub is between a son and a mother, the discussions and reflections they had were very interesting, lively, thought provoking, reflective definitely and it make me want to indulge in those kinds of discussions. reading through it makes me feel like I am part of the book club.

So I have been reading three novels in a row, both about life and death, both about sincere love, care and concern towards the people you love. and this latest one, a lovely memoir if I may say. it is what inspires me. and I love books which inspires me to be a better person. to do something, no matter how little and make a difference.

in the book, much of it was reminisces of mary ann’s work in refugee camps, and I really love her mission to build a library at Afghanistan, I realized, it may just be something I had dreamt of doing. I remembered researching about social work in camps and all, and yes, admiring Angelina jolie for being able to work for and be spokesperson to relief works. it still is something I would like to do if given the chance. but as mary ann puts it, having no chance of not doing is not a reason for doing nothing at all. it may start small from a little donation. and it may move from there.

and maybe someday, I will. so anyone up for a book club??