“Give me money for my birthday so I can buy books for me to read throughout the year.” That was my request for my birthday in January this year (2021). Less than ten responded but they gave generously. Now as I type this article, a day before 2021 ends, I am so thankful to report I was able to buy 17 books from Book Depository throughout the year with the money they gave! Though short of my goal – one book a week (so 52 books) – I was kept busy and stimulated with the books I was able to purchase. Here’s a rundown of the books that have been one of my best birthday presents: Dear Life by Rachel Clarke – a must-read book for all who will die especially at the beginning of the year, when you celebrate your birthday. It was a difficult book to read because I abhor death and the end of my sojourn on this lovely planet. Even so, die I will so I read this book by a doctor working in the palliative ward. The first time I saw this word was when I was undergoing chemotherapy for my cancer