Tuesdays with Morrie
I was first introduced to this book a few weeks ago when a friend of mine bought it on the off-chance during a trip he was taking. I bought the book, partly to see what the fuss was about, and partly because I needed something new to read.
I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Morrie Schwartz, the books namesake, is by no means a superhero, a famous performer or iconic explorer. He was a humble professor who was adored by every student who took his classes, Mitch Albom especially.
Although very near the beginning, we find out how the book is going to subsequently end, this by no means ruins the reading experience. If anything, the more you read, the less you want the book to end.
It was by chance Mitch saw Ted Koppel interviewing Morrie Schwartz, and it was here he learnt that his old, much loved professor was dying.
The main body of the story sees Mitch attempting to make up for lost time by meeting with Morrie every Tuesday. These meetings continue right up until Morrie’s unfortunate death.
The story opens up as Mitch recounts his weekly meetings with Morrie, and the different topic they discuss each week. Each topic acts as a life lesson for some of our most trivial worries such as relationships and work. With each weekly discussion, it forces the reader to face up to things that they would otherwise think were the end of the world. By reading these from an elder’s point of view, our minds are opened to realise that the little things are really not worth all the worry.
You really feel for Mitch and his own struggles when it comes to death; but Tuesdays with Morrie serves as a very practical lesson in this denial we all share.
Throughout the book Morrie expresses great wisdom whilst faced with his impending demise, this acts as an enlightening buffer against Mitch’s resistance to face death and his own emotions. This book really stands on its own for me, and has proved to be a very eye-opening and thought-provoking. Whilst not being very long, this book is thorough in conveying its messaging and life lessons, without coming across as preachy and in the style of a self-help book.
If you’re looking for a book that really resonates with you, and completely changes your outlook on life, look no further.
Immerse yourself in this touching story and let Morrie share his lasting gift with you.
-Leanne Leveaux