Rowan's Reviews > Tuesdays with Morrie

I already know this will be a book I revisit. I picked it up at a local charity book fair. It’s nice to think that buying this book (which had a profoundly positive impact on me), had a positive impact on others too. I think Morrie would probably like that.

For those unfamiliar with this classic, it involves author, Mitch Albom, reuniting with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying from ALS. During a series of Tuesday visits, they discuss all facets of life – their last thesis together.

“Morrie would walk that final bridge between life and death, and narrate the trip.”

I regularly had to pause reading. A particular sentence would hit a certain way, or cause me to reflect on life, my understanding of others and my place in the world. It packs a punch for a short book. The use of flashbacks to their time in college and Morrie’s earlier life, were effective at painting a picture of this remarkable man.

“Because I know my time is almost done, I am drawn to nature like I’m seeing it for the first time.”

Quotes like that made me think of my grandmother. After I kissed her forehead goodbye one last time, I was struck with the realisation she wouldn't get to see the sunshine tomorrow, or the kookaburras laughing in the trees, or the sprinkling of snow over the mountains outside her window – ever again.

“I came to love the way Morrie lit up when I entered the room. He did this for many people, I know, but it was his special talent to make each visitor feel that the smile was unique.”

It got me thinking of my dog too, now elderly and blind, who still possesses that same talent and instantly lights up, wags her tail and literally smiles when anyone enters the room.

The author, like many of us, had become consumed by the frenetic pace of life since last seeing Morrie upon graduation. He had turned into a jerk. So, it was touching to follow his transformation through the book too.

“Now, more than ever, material things held little or no significance. When people die, you always hear the expression ‘You can’t take it with you.’ Morrie seemed to know that a long time ago.”

Tuesdays with Morrie delivered great awareness for ALS and it made me better appreciate all that my body does for me. Through these series of visits, we come to know Morrie so intimately, that you feel he’s your friend too - so it really hurt when the inevitable happened. I felt like I was grieving also.

Tuesdays with Morrie makes you stop. It makes you more present. It makes you reassess your priorities in life and embrace life itself. It makes you take less for granted. It makes you wish everyone had a teacher like Morrie. And it makes you grateful that his wisdom was immortalised in this book.

“Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”