Karen

Karen asked Will Schwalbe:

I loved The End of Your Life Book Club. Your mother's life was so fascinating. Have you considered writing her biography?

Will Schwalbe Thanks so much for your kind comment about the book -- and for your question. There's a somewhat complicated answer to this! The first draft of the book was more than twice as long. I wrote lots and lots of chapters that were much more biographical -- for example, I wrote about lots of her missions abroad, especially the ones to West Africa, and wrote about them in far more detail. My mother would write trip reports after her visits to refugee camps -- so there was a lot of material.

But in the end, I decided to leave that for (at least) another time and (probably) another person. The biographies I love the most are ones written decades after the death of the subject and by someone who is either a complete stranger or who only has a very tenuous connection to the subject.

I would love to know your favorite biographies.

More Answered Questions

John Behle

John Behle asked Will Schwalbe:

Will--I am enjoying the audio CD of Books for Living. We book lovers can all relate. Also, pass my kudos along to Jeff Harding for the nice narration. Any book signings coming up? Any travel plans? Have you been to Politics and Prose in DC for any author events? Great bookstore--where Barack and Michelle Obama shop for their books.

Daya

Daya asked Will Schwalbe:

Hi Will, I've read both your books.. and LOVED them! The End of Your Life Book Club, and Books for Living! Had discovered them at a library in Singapore. I really like the question - What are you reading? It opens up to a lot of interesting conversations and answers all the time! Just writing this message to thank you for sharing your beautiful journey! :) Regards, Daya

Bernie Walsh

Bernie Walsh asked Will Schwalbe:

I was gifted your book over three years ago as a gift from a book lover. It was just as my Step Father was coming out of a 7 1/2 year remission from lung cancer and was given the news that it was back with a vengeance. When read your book he had passed on, I felt his presence in your memories of your mothers zest for life. My mother was devistated and gave up reading. Book suggestions to share with survivors?

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