I first saw this book in the shop window of a bookshop in Australia when I was there in 2012. There was something about the title and the book cover that made me venture inside and pick up the book.

Deciding it was definitely a future purchase I made a note of it so that I could order it once I was back home as I already had enough luggage weight!

When I got back home I ordered the book and started reading as soon as I could. It tells the story of the author whose mother has been diagnosed with Cancer. During the time of his mother’s treatment they read a number of books together, shared thoughts and conversation. At the back of the book there is a list of all the books they read together or discussed during the time of treatment.  It is a sad book in places and yet is also a rather special, about a very special relationship between a mother and her son.

I can imagine that writing the book was a double-edged sword for the author, happy memories and discussion on one side with a way of coping with grief on the other. It is one of my favourite books.