BOOK REVIEW: ‘TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE’
“Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.” This profound quote encapsulates the heart of Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie. This book redefines the way we think about death. It is memoir masquerading as a novel which imparts insights. It a timeless exploration of the human condition.
It is a book grounded on true story which chronicles Albom’s weekly visit to his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It also has elements of self help and philosophy. It deals with themes like life and death, love and relationships, aging and acceptance, and forgiveness.
Mitch Albom, a successful sports journalist, is leading a fast-paced but unfulfilled life reconnects with his beloved college professor after 16 years. . Over the 14 Tuesdays he visited, they would discuss life’s most significant questions. Each conversation is a chapter of wisdom, framed by Morrie’s humor, vulnerability, and unyielding optimism.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Tuesdays with Morrie is its emotional depth. The book tackles profound questions about life in a way that feels accessible and relatable. Morrie’s insights resonate across cultures and generations, making it a timeless read. The writing is straightforward yet powerful, making the book an easy but deeply meaningful read. The narrative is tender and heartfelt, leaving a lasting impact.
Morrie is deeply empathetic, prioritizing love, connection, and emotional vulnerability over societal norms of materialism and success. Despite his physical decline, Morrie remains mentally sharp and spiritually resilient, embracing his mortality with courage and acceptance. His authenticity, humility, and unwavering belief in the power of relationships make him an enduring symbol of how to live a meaningful life. Through his candid reflections and emotional generosity, Morrie becomes a mentor not only to Mitch but also to readers, inspiring introspection and a re-evaluation of what truly matters in life.
On the other hand, Mitch Albom starts as a driven, successful person who has become disconnected from his emotions, family, and deeper values. His ambition and career focus have caused him to lose sight of what truly matters in life. However, through his weekly visits to Morrie, Mitch undergoes a profound transformation. As he reconnects with his former professor, Mitch begins to embrace the vulnerability and emotional openness that Morrie exemplifies. Over time, Mitch becomes more reflective, learning to prioritize love, human connection, and personal fulfilment over material success. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he grapples with his regrets and learns to embrace the wisdom Morrie imparts, ultimately leading him to become more compassionate, introspective, and present in his relationships.
My experience with the book was evolutionary. As I read through each page, I could see the permutation in me. Every conversation between Mitch and Morrie were very engaging I felt as though I was with them the very moment. It was very serene to read Morrie being Mitch’s mentor till the very last moment. I got so much from learning Morrie’s perspective.
The part of the book that captures my heart and made me cry is the final meeting where Morrie is extremely frail, barely able to speak or move and Mitch arrives knowing this will be their final conversation. But Morrie, despite his weakened state, musters the strength to express his love and gratitude to Mitch, saying:
“You are my friend. I love you.”
And Mitch, who has struggled throughout the book with openly expressing his emotions, finally responds:
“I love you, too.”
This exchange is deeply moving because it represents the culmination of Morrie’s teachings. Mitch has learned to embrace vulnerability and express genuine emotion, something he was reluctant to do at the beginning of their journey.
Reading Tuesdays with Morrie can be an intensely personal and emotional experience as it encourages readers to reassess their own lives, emphasizing the importance of relationships, forgiveness, and living authentically. In today’s fast-paced world, the book serves as a reminder to prioritize relationships and personal well-being over the pursuit of material success and career achievements. The book addresses the search for meaning in a chaotic, ever-changing world.
This book is perfect for readers seeking inspiration, those coping with loss, or anyone looking to rediscover what truly matters in life. It’s an especially powerful read for fans of self-help and memoirs, as well as anyone who’s ever had a mentor who left a lasting impact.
“An old man, a young man, and life’s greatest lesson”