Tuesdays with Morrie

Author: Mitch Albom

Queencie's rating: 5 stars

Queencie's review:

Morrie Schwartz was a college professor in Philsophy at Brandeis University for many years. One of his students in the 1970's was Mitch Albom (the author). Morrie, the coach and Mitch became good friend over those years. Then Mitch graduated and went on with his life, too busy to keep in touch with his professor.

Almost twenty years later, Mitch is now a sports newcaster and writer. He and his wife are part of America's fast lane of life, doing well and yet striving for more. Then he watched Nightline one night, Ted Koppel is interviewing Morrie. Mitch is surprised to discover Morrie is dying with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease.

Morrie is delighted to hear from Mitch again, and immediately invites him to visit. Thus begins a fourteen week, every Tuesday, visit and life lesson. Lessons include:

First tuesday:

We talk about the world.

Second tuesday:

We talk about feeling sorry for yourself.

Third tuesday:

We talk about regrets

Fourth tuesday:

We talk about death

Fifth tuesday:

We talk about family

Sixth tuesday:

We talk about emotions

Seventh tuesday:

We talk about the fear of aging

Eighth tuesday:

We talk about money

Ninth tuesday:

We talk about how love goes on

Tenth tuesday:

We talk about marriage

Eleventh tuesday:

We talk about our culture

Twelfth tuesday:

We talk about forgiveness

Thirteenth tuesday:

We talk about the perfect day

Fourteenth tuesday:

We say Good-Bye

It is a funny and poignant life lesson. Morrie is able to take a look at life not only from the philisophical view he has taught over the years, but now also from "end of life" viewpoint. He is a peace with himself and can share the peace and knowledge with Mitch and others around him.

This book is a collaberation between Morrie and Mitch. Mitch discovered the relationship that had never been broken. Morrie re-discovered his old friend Mitch and also he was able to use this time to do what he loved most, to teach.

The last line of the book is perfect epitach, 'A teacher until the end'