This was a conversation about life, what matters and books. Their conversation interested me because it was such a reminder of my own mother and all we once spoke of including books. I suspect i liked it because the author is my age so I could relate to much of their exchanges and his mother had similarities to mine. I miss her and this sweet conversation helped ease the missing. I also added some books to my list!

nothing against this book. I got about 20% done and just think the timing is not right for me to be able to read this one now.

At first I wondered if I was up to another book about literature and dying, but Schwalbe's story of the books and life he and his mother shared was wonderful. What an amazing woman, and what a gift to have shared their story with us. I appreciated one story of his Mother talking to the dean of Radcliffe telling her she had a career and a family (she had gone for it all) and was exhausted. The dean replied, did I forget to mention you need help to do it all? And help comes in many different forms.
Loved the book.

Loved it so much, I keep thinking of people I want to buy it for...

After reading the reviews the book that I read was not what I expected. I really had to commit myself to it and would not allow myself to move onto something else until it was complete. It was compelling in areas and I learned from it but it was slow in spots and mired in minute detail. It did bring me to tears towards the end and with the acute description, you felt that you were part of the scene. This is certainly a dedicated and loving son and I would hope that my sons have this level of bond in my later years.

I just couldn't get into the audiobook and I doubt that the print version would be much more interesting. It wasn't deep enough for me to really enjoy: I wanted more about the mother and family as a whole but it was glossed over, in my opinion.

I recommend this book for anyone who loves to read. As the author said reading is what unites all readers.