Oct 19, 2006 08:36 PM
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(Updated Mar 24, 2011 03:42 PM)
Introduction: tuesdays with Morrie Author- Mitch Albom Publisher-Doubleday Pages-192
A true story based on the indelible truth-Man is mortal. This story book is not just a guidebook that will remind you of many Shiv Kheras but this book is a real treasure which you will cherish throughout your life. This book has valuable experiences drawn out from across all stages of life. It talks about how you can add meaning to your life, how you can grow up so that you never have to regret later for anything. So, when you are there for the last time in the arms of Morpheus you are complacent and with no regrets.
Synopsis: The ‘heroic’ character in this book is an old man- Morrie Schwartz; ailing from ALS- a brutal disease of neurological system, which melts your nerves and leaves your body no more than a lumpy mass. He is to be called hero because despite suffering from the stroke of such a disease, he is not broken. This kinda attitude of Morrie Schwatz, who was a teacher by profession, inspired Mitch Albom to pen down his vivid encounters with his inveterate mentor, his ‘Coach’. Morrie, with all his grit and gumption, walks steadily up to his grave leaving behind his footmarks; each shining brightly as a source of enlightenment, profound wisdom and insights. After some point of time these footmarks would have faded, had it not been that Mitch made them enduring ones. This is how a great treasure of life’s greatest lessons- ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ came into existence. This is an attempt by Mitch to pilfer some memories from Morrie’s grave. This book is an incredibly moving portrayal between a spiritual mentor and his student. It is an inspirational account of a man’s life – a man whose passion for the human spirit continued to live long after his last breath in the form of his student. It shows the importance of maintaining relationships even though you have to work at it, and the need to appreciate everything around you.
Mitch had long discussions about what is Love, Living, Death, Marriage, Emotions, Aging, Family, Forgiveness etc with Morrie. Mitch rediscovered the relationship he had with Morrie during the college days and found that even then, that warmth in their relationship had not lost after long period of time. He has narrated all these discussions with Morrie during his visits. In this book author has centralized the character Morrie. Morrie explores the meaning of life. According to him, this journey will begin only when you strike humanity cord in your heart. Harp on the same tune and you will know what actually life constitutes of. Just try to be as simple as possible and contribute to your society thereby seeking peace. He strongly believes if the culture that does not make people feel good about them then they have to modify it accordingly. He says life is full of surprises. You may wish to do something but something strange might turn up. You show lot of pep for something but end up cooling up your heels. Morrie emphasizes on the value of love. According to him love is the only rational act. Money cannot be substitute for tenderness. In fact, nothing can be a substitute for love or meekness that will spread camaraderie eventually. Get some purpose and meaning to your life. Devote yourself to loving others; devote yourself to the people around you because death can end a life but not a true devotion. Love is a different language. Love shows concern for someone for someone else’ situation as if you were in his/ her boots. He says love each other or perish.
Moral and Morale: In my opinion, Morrie was a very strong person because even his imminent death could not diminish his spirits. He was a teacher at heart and soul. He wished his death could serve as a conduit for past and present. He was an avid reader and shared with his favorite student what effects can death have on a person. When you are going to die you start viewing things differently. I think we should avail this lifetime developing our potential upto the fullest. We should learn to forgive others and ourselves and this way can infuse compassion in our hearts. We have to focus and concentrate on pursuits that we will find rewarding at the later stages of life.
As if someone will read it: You never understand the importance of life until you face the danger or say an imminent danger of death. Thats when you want to live. After every natural calamity, people want to resurrect things to the best to undo the damage. But, I believe the same resurrection is possible before the calamity itself. So, don't wait for something to go away, it can be anything.. Think of it and it is the thing.. Just look around and say life is so beautiful.. Thats all written in this book.
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