Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

After reading 192 pages about weekly meetings between an old professor, Morrie Schwartz, and a troubled college grad, Mitch Albom, my heart was extremely warm and I was deeply moved. Everyone could benefit greatly from engaging in such an inspirational story about a man with a better outlook on life while sick, than most healthy people. Mitch gave a huge gift to the world by introducing this wonderful man to whomever picks up the novel, as a sick Schwartz uses his illness of ALS to teach the rest of us how to live.

On a rainy Sunday I picked up Tuesdays with Morrie and began my pursuit on this summer read. It wasn't but a few hours later when I realized I had already read the entire book within one sitting! That's the only way I like to read books, but I didn't know it was going to go by so quickly! My mind was easily captured by the unique relationship that Mitch and Morrie shared. The pair could talk about anything: life, death, all of the philosophical stuff most people are afraid of, and never be bored with one another or run out of pieces of knowledge to share. In my perspective, if someone can find that deep connection, it doesn't matter what happens, you do what you can to keep that going. Mitch had it in college, but after he graduated, he lost it. He got too caught up in life. This book is just another example of what our world has succumb to. Albom turned it all around however by tracking down his top-notch teacher to help him get back on track and feel happy once again.

Throughout Mitch's instrinsic piece, I noticed that he used a lot of symbols to aid the story along. One of the biggest symbols would be Morrie's pink hibiscus plant in his study. The hibiscus plant slowly wears away each day, just like Morrie's condition, ALS. Amyothrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a terminal illness that slowly deteriorates the nervous system day by day. It begins at the feet and works it way up, which takes away Morrie's favorite hobby first, dancing. Another common symbol would be Morrie's bed. Morrie recites multiple times that, "When you're in bed, you're dead". During their last Tuesday meeting, Mitch arrives at the house only to find Schwartz in bed instead of their usual meeting place of the study, foreshadowing Morrie's approaching death.

Through Schwartz's ailing, he helps Mitch seek happiness once again through discussions of the world, regrets, aging, forgiveness, and family to name a few. He is able to show Mitch that he lost sight of the true values in life. It doesn't have to be as complicated as everyone makes it, they just need to slow down and notice the beautiful gifts we have instead of meandering through life, missing the big picture. My favorite quote by Morrie is that, "So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” In the culture we live in today, this could not be more true. It's an easy change, all we need to do is take time to make it.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a beautifully written treasure that knows just where to hit the heart. I'd recommend this book to anyone I know as it is quite the eye opener. Through the emotional twists and turns, it breaks down life's complexities and captures every inch of your being. Potentially a tear jerker for some, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is without a doubt a tribute that leaves you feeling truly enlightened.