These Precious Days by Ann Patchett

 This is a collection of essays on a variety of topics by the author of Bel Canto, Commonwealth, and a number of other books. Some are funny, some are sad, some are touching. The "Precious Days" essay is an extended telling of her journey of friendship with Tom Hanks' assistant, Sookie, during her fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. Thought-provoking and heart-warming.