Given the amount of books I’ve read over the years, it amazes me which ones I totally and inadvertently miss. Tuesdays with Morrie is one of them. I remember hearing about it and even remember the commercials for the TV movie starring Hank Azaria (and also remember it being really tough to reconcile that that guy did the voices on The Simpsons…), but somehow I never read it. It took fellow book lover Melanie to back me up on this for it to end up as my Week 22 choice.
After reading it, I’m feeling really glad I didn’t read this book sooner. I don’t know that I could have fully appreciated it at my young age when it first came out and it’s the type of book that I’m sure I’ll recall for many years in many situations. It’s also hard to know where to go with this blog post, because it hit me on so many levels. It’s about so much more than just one relationship between professor and student, with each piece of their relationship taking on a different significance. All the wisdom packed into this tiny book deserves its own post.
I’ve been really extraordinarily and amazingly fortunate to have incredible teachers and professors throughout my life, but have one or two in particular from each phase of my life that really stick out above the rest, whose advice I still reference and whose opinions I still seek out. Not that I think any of them are reading this now, but on the off chance they are, infinite thank yous to these incredible people from throughout the years. Mitch Albom tells a story towards the beginning of attendance being taken and includes the line that Morrie said to him: “I hope that one day you will think of me as your friend.” It’s not just a sweet thought- I’ve heard those exact words before from some of my favorites, which is the largest pledge of confidence that a professor or teacher can give a student. You can’t forget that kind of sentiment.
It’s a fast read, though I’d have preferred it be triple the length. I saw the page numbers getting higher and tried to slow down, to elongate the story, to stall on what I knew would be a gut wrenching conclusion. I know what Morrie would say- that it’s silly to not face the inevitable end- but there was so much more I wanted to know about this man and so much more time I wanted to spend with him. The book is poetic in that way- the reader only gets to be with him for fleeting moments, but there’s also a lesson to be learned about how to interact with everyone. It’s a really lovely book- no other way around it.
Note: this is NOT the book to read on the metro during rush hour if you’re not into actively crying in public, which I (obviously) learned the hard way. I’m predisposed to crying but I’m fairly certain that if you don’t cry at some point while reading this book, you might be soulless. (Also, Morrie would want you to cry. Just ask Mitch Albom.)
You’ll like this if: you’re anyone really. I can’t imagine anyone not getting something out of this book. Especially for those who were compelled by Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture or if you’ve had an amazing professor at any point in your life. Also- and most importantly- if you’re looking for perspective and a whole lot of wisdom, Morrie Schwartz is your guy.
Happy reading!
carlyreads 