I read this book in a day.
Don’t look so shocked, it’s not that big of a book.
The only thought I had after finishing it was that I wished I had met Morrie. He seemed like a sweet man. Not only did he care about people but he respected them and that’s something very few people seem to lack these days. I had found this book in Barnes and Noble years ago and heard great things about it, so I purchased it. However, as with most of my book purchases, I’ve already got so many to get through, that it takes me at least a year before I can get to it (unless I’m really desperate to read it).
For those who have never read it, this book follows Mitch Albom as his visits his old college professor, Morrie, who is dying of ALS. Morrie served as a mentor to Albom throughout his life in college and then again when Mitch discovers Morrie’s disease on the news. As they met every Tuesday in college, Mitch decides to revive that old tradition and their friendship while he shares Morrie’s advice when it comes to life and of course, death.
I don’t want to come off as all-knowing or anything, but most of what Morrie was teaching Mitch seemed pretty obvious to me. In fact, when I finished the book, it made me feel as if I was on the right track with the important things in my life, and trust me, that feeling does not come easily or often. The one thing that stuck with me was Morrie’s explanation about living. “The truth is once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.” I thought that was so profound, but only if you really understand what he’s trying to say. Facing death changes your perception of everything — of what’s important and what’s not. When you recognize that, living your life holds a bigger meaning. Suddenly the little things don't bother you anymore and you're more aware of keeping you're loved ones close and enjoying every minute you have. At least, that's what I believe...
I have to say, even though I felt like the messages were pretty obvious, I’m still glad I read this when I did. At twenty-eight years old, this book touches on things that I think we all worry about or at least, have multiple questions that we can never find the answers to. Morrie’s simplistic way of looking at life is so inspiring. I really related to his approach about not buying into what our culture advertises and building your own subculture. As he explains, “I don’t mean you disregard every rule of your community. I don’t go around naked, for example. I don’t run through red lights. The little things I can obey. But the big things — how we think, what we value — those you must choose for yourself. You can’t let anyone — or any society — determine those for you….It’s the same for women not being thin enough or men not being rich enough. It’s just what our culture would have you believe. Don’t believe it.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
As you can see, both Mitch and Morrie touch on many of the questions most of have even today. Questions about love, life and death. I definitely think this is worth a read. Like me, I’m sure you’ll find that much of what Morrie has to say about all these beautiful, scary themes might just put your mind at ease. Even if it doesn’t change your life it might help change your perspective on certain things. I hope you’ll enjoy it!
***I do not own this photo
https://www.amazon.com/Tuesdays-Morrie-Greatest-Lesson-Anniversary/dp/076790592X
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