Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson Paperback – 20 Oct. 2002

“Love wins, love always wins.”And what a lovely sentiment for a book with such a hard hitting and evocative theme of death, and in particular ‘dying’, but it is also a celebration of life.A book that will touch you in the right way, will encourage you to think and reflect on life and death. Perhaps this may sound too upsetting to read - may be for some people at any time, for others at specific times but for most it will inspire, hearten, and evoke a range of emotions.However, it is deep but not overly sentimental. It talks about death but also so much more to be grateful about in life, and a book that will prod you emotionally and to think about things that are important in us all.The storyline - Morrie, a professor and perhaps a scholar has been diagnosed with a degenerative illness that, through, the course of the book sees him decline in health and movement until he resigns himself to a wheelchair. However, his wonderful mind never deteriorates. His wit is sharp, his advice sound and his love of life is something to celebrate.He uses the last months of his life to share his experience of dealing with a terminal illness to help others, and particularly to one of his proteges, Mitch. In so doing, he provides such rich and poignant quotes for us to muse over, contemplate and embrace, such as…“So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”Review and Comments - When I read the reviews on this, I had mixed feelings about reading. Was I going to feel this too dark and depressing? or was I going to relish in the opportunity to read a powerful story with such a stirring premise?.The answer is - I was between the two camps whilst reading this novel. At times this was an incredibly compelling novel about someone dying and their reflection on what was important whilst on the other hand, I wanted a little more from the messages. That is until I finished and contemplated the book, the themes, the messaging, the teachings, and the man. It was from that I came to love this book which has indeed pitched everything perfectly.The book was beautifully crafted to incorporate the balance of death versus life. Yet it wasn’t about death it was the importance and beauty of life. Simple, tender, delicate, humorous, even entertaining, optimistic, and extraordinary.Some great quotes: "How useful it would be to put a daily limit on self-pity. Just a few tearful minutes, then on with the day."“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”

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.

I read this as part of a book club choice and if I'm honest I probably wouldn't have bought it normally. I thought it was going to be a bit dull. How wrong I was, a little gem of a book, that had me blubbing most of the way through. It tells the story of Morrie, a beloved professor of Mitch Albom but one he hadn't seen for many years. Morrie has ALS, a debilitating disease that gradually takes over the body rendering it useless. Mitch finds out his 'coach' is dying and ends up visiting him every Tuesday. Here Morrie gives him lessons in life, wise words and is very honest and frank about dying. It's not a long book and I read it in two sittings, but it was very emotional and very thought provoking.

A good illustration of the beauty and importance of connection and meaning. Written with restraint and grace. A tender exploration of dying and insightful ideas for living

One of the best book I read

Fell in love with Morrie and Mitch, their relationship and this wonderful story. It's gentle and poignant, it teaches you and blesses you and you feel better for reading it, calmer and wiser somehow. I think we read this book and tuck a bit of Morrie into our hearts.

I must admit I was a little disappointed with the book. Morrie was clearly a lovely and giving soul with his heart in the right place. However to be frank it was a little tedious and uninspiring and took me weeks to get around to caring about finishing.