Book Review: Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

Tuesdays with Morrie is the most inspiring and life changing book that I haev ever read. Written by Mitch Albom, it chronicles the relationship between a man and his sociology preofessor. Mitch thought his days as Morrie's student were over after his graduation in 1979; however, years later he had one more lesson to learn. This book was his final thesis.

After graduation from Brandeis University, Mitch promised to keep in touch with Morrie. He honestly believed it when he said he'd kep in touch, but so much began to happen. Life in the real world began to happen. Mitch had all but forgotten his beloved professor until he saw him on Nightline while flipping channels. It had been sixteen years since he made his empty promise, and he felt more than a twinge of guilt as he watched the story unfold. Morrie had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and it would eventually kill him.

Mitch deeply regretted allowing himself to lose contact with such a kind man, and he wanted to rectify his actions. What started as a simple visit with an ailing friend, turned into Morrie's final class. Mitch visited Morrie every Tuesday, and every week they talked about a different subject. The ultimate lesson was the meaning of life and how to get the most out of it.

The two men exchange life stories, laughter, and higs as they both come to terms with this degenerative disease. What I liked most about this book was how it deals with the subject matter. Morrie conveys his philosophy in neat little aphorisms. His mottos are not contrived, and they coem across more as observations than as any set of rules to follow. While the book could have easily become preachy, Mitch veers away from any soap box and instead concentrates on the disease and how it effects Morrie both physically and emotionally. The book is short, and if you have the inclination, it can be read in one sitting.

Morrie wasn't ashamed of crying, or hugging, or even kissing. he felt that you should tell peopel how you feel, and he even organized his own living funeral. He believed that people should know how peole feel about them before they die. More important than that, he encouraged people to find out what things were really important before it was too late to enjoy them.

My life has changed since I read Tuesdays with Morrie. I concentrate more on people andscenic beauty. I dance and laugh more. I'm learning to live my life with no regrets, but I still have one. I wish that I'd read this book years ago.