Book Review: Tuesdays with Morrie

Author: Mitch Albom
Title: Tuesdays with Morrie
Genre: Non-fiction, classics, inspirational
Pages: 194
First Published: 1997
Where I Got It: On my shelf (Bought at Salvation Army)

"Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, and gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it. For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly 20 years ago. Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you? Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying of ALS - or motor neurone disease - Morrie visited Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final class: lessons in how to live. This is a chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world."

Read this many years ago in High School. Well, technically our English teacher read this to us. But I randomly found this at the Salvation Army a month or so ago and I decided to re-read this. I like Mitch Albom and all his works. Not only does he write books, but he is also is a sports reporter. He writes articles and pops up on my favorite sports show "Mike and Mike in the Morning". 

I liked this. Its sad, but gives a positive look at life and even death. Poor Morrie. ALS is a horrible way to go, but Morrie stills remains positive and wants to spread his wisdom to the world and especially one of his favorite students Mitch. 

The wisdom and stories shared are wonderful and I liked them. However, it was very sporadic and in odd order sometimes. Sometimes the bits that were put out of order took away from the story and the wisdom shared. I did like how each meeting they discussed an item or two off Mitch's list:

 WORLD
SELF COMPASSION
REGRETS
DEATH
FAMILY
EMOTIONS
AGING
MONEY
LOVE
MARRIAGE
CULTURE
FORGIVENESS
SIMPLICITY
GOODBYES

The money and marriage discussions were my favorite. They are rarely discussed in other "dying" books. Marriage and love are important to living a good life. Money shouldn't rule your life, because if you live just for money then you suffer and are not complete. Such good discussions given. 

In the end, I did like this book. I just wish the order and narration was a little different. It took a way from the story. I do honestly believe everyone should read this. There is a lot discussed and it makes you think about how you live your own life. I recommend that everyone gives this a read. It may not be Book of the Year, but it worth a read. Out of five stars, I grant this 3 stars.