Readable Fiction: August 2006

I have broken my own rules in writing this particular review because this book is not fiction. It is 100% factual. Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie not only happened, it is still happening! Through the power of books, Morrie's end-of-life trials and Mitch's time with him at the end have spread through nearly 800,000 books.

The spectacular story describes Mitch's and Morrie's time together when Morrie was nearing the end due to a fatal disease called ALS. Mitch goes to see Morrie every Tuesday until the end of his overly-shortened life.

Morrie was Mitch's college professor. They had been great friends at the time and they spent every Tuesday talking about whatever topic suited their fancy. Morrie believed in him, probably more than he believed in himself. He challanged his mind and kept him going. Morrie told him he should write an honors thesis, and he did. At the end of his college life, Mitch handed his favorite professor a suitcase as a farewell gift. They each promised to keep in touch. They didn't.

For thirty years, Mitch did what everyone does. Work for a "better life". He was a sports writer at the time. He would never have seen Morrie again if he hadn't noticed a Nightline special on Morrie's end. At that point he went to see him. There was still time left for Morrie, so they were able to spend the time together; Morrie, teaching his final class, and Mitch, taking Morries class.

They spent every Tuesday together talking about various topics of life: The World, Feeling Sorry for Yourself, Regrets, Death, Family, Emotions, Fear of Aging, Money, How Love Goes On, Marriage, Our Culture, Forgiveness, and the Perfect Day. On their final Tuesday, they say good bye.

I believe this is a magnificent story that everyone should have to read at one point in their life. It makes you think and can really open your eyes to some things. The story of Morrie is definitely a heartwarming tale that keeps giving long after you're finished reading.

Some things others have said:

"Every page of this beautiful moving little book shines with the warmth of unembarrassed love." --Rabbi Harold Kushner

"A deeply moving account of courage and wisdom, shared by an inveterate mentor looking into the multitextured face of his own death. There is much to be learned by sitting in on this final class." --Jon Kabat-Zinn

Quote From Book

The last class of my old professor's life took place once a week in his house, by a window in the study where he could watch a small hibiscus plant shed its pink leaves. The class met on Tuesdays. It began after breakfast. The subject was The Meaning of Life. It was taught from experience.

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