Book Review by Shayne Aldrae Cacalda

Tuesdays with Morrie

Mitch Albom

Reviewed by Shayne Aldrae Cacalda

Biographical, Philosophical novel, Memoir

192 pages

Synopsis

Mitch Albom is a successful sports columnist for the Detroit Free Press. After seeing his former
sociological professor, Morrie Schwartz, appear on Nightline, Albom decided to visit him in
Massachusetts every Tuesday. Morrie gave lectures whenever his student visits him – he supplemented
Mitch with his life experiences, and interspersed with both flashbacks and allusions to contemporary
events.

Characters

 Mitch Albom

 Morrie Schwartz

 Charlie Schwartz

 Charlotte Schwartz

 David Schwartz

 Rob Schwartz

 Jon Schwartz

 Ted Koppel

 Maurie Stein

 Janine Albom

 Eva
 Norman

 Connie

 Tony

 Bertha

 Amy

Background

I. Introduction

Tuesdays with Morrie is a non-fiction novel that was written by Mitch Albom. It was published in
the year 1997. The book tells the true story of 78-year-old Morrie Schwartz and his strong relationship
between his students.

Mitch Albom is an American author, journalist, screenwriters, broadcaster, and musician. He was
born in May 23, 1958. His forte of genre is non-fiction. He is known for his inspirational books including
“The Five People You Meet in Heaven” and “Tuesdays with Morrie”. He has sold over 30 million books
worldwide.

Mitch once explained the he just wrote the story to pay Morrie’s medical bills. He didn’t expect
that it would be such a success. Many people refused that the story should be published because they
believe that it’s a bad idea; the plot is too depressing and boring, they said. But Mitch took the risk for the
sake of his beloved professor. He also said that Morrie never read even a single page of the book nor held
and saw the cover of it. Morrie was just being so kind to people around him, including Mitch, even
though he’s dying. That’s why Mitch thought of a way to do something for him and decided to help in
paying his medical bills by writing Tuesdays with Morrie.

II. Development

Mitch Albom recalls the Tuesdays he spent with his former professor Morrie Schwartz.
When Mitch graduated from Brandeis, he promised to keep in touch with Morrie, his mentor. Sixteen
years pass as Mitch struggles to find his way in the world, working first as a musician before pursuing a
career in journalism. One day, he sees Morrie on Nightline show: Morrie has been diagnosed with ALS,
and Ted Koppel is interviewing him about his experiences. Mitch began visiting Morrie every Tuesday.
Their discussions ranged from the world, regrets, love, and money. Morrie always say his perspective
about the meaning of life to his student. And Mitch has begun to take note and record every word that his
professor was saying. Furthermore, the sick professor taught his student to accept death and to love other
people. Morrie’s disease was becoming worse every day. And during their last meeting, the professor was
already bed ridden and was near death. He found his student hugging him while crying. The life of
Mitch’s loving professor has come to its end. After Morrie’s death, Mitch finally decided to contact hi
brother in Spain that is battling with cancer.

The book is based on true story between Morrie and Mitch. The story is on Mitch’s point of view
(first person). The genre of it is autobiography and memoir. The themes of the story are death, love,
acceptance, culture and self-created values. Additionally, the title of the book perfectly fits the story -
they always meet every Tuesday since Mitch was still a student.

III. Conclusion

The book, Tuesdays with Morrie, has lot of life lessons that the readers can learn from. The book
is actually an eye-opener on how should we see life and death. It also shows the importance of a strong
relationship between a student and a teacher.

The story talks about the reality about human beings – that all of us will eventually die. Morrie
taught us that we should positively and happily live while we’re still in this world and that money can’t
buy happiness.After reading the book, Morrie gave me realization that I should remember every moment
with my loved ones and to spend quality time with them.

For me, the book is really good – from its simple cover to the story itself. I’ve seen many people
cry while reading this and I asked them why. So when I finally start to read it, I just found the answer.
Every line of Morrie is so inspiring; they’ve touched me and I got really affected and became emotional.
Subconsciously, I had memory flashbacks about my grandmother and that teacher of mine who is very
alike to Morrie’s personality.

After reading Tuesdays with Morrie, it became my favorite book since then. I never ever liked
books before but this made me to read it until the end. Also, I never cried just with a book while this
made me cry until my whole face became red. I will rate this book 4.5 out of 5.
Remarkable Lines

Memorable Lines Reactions

Even if you die, a person’s love to you will never

“Love is how you stay alive, even after you are
gone.” go away. They will never forget you and will
always be in their heart. Love will keep you alive
-Morrie even after you die.

“If you learn how to die, then you know how to When someone knows he is dying, that’s the time
live.” s/he will know the purpose of life. That life should

- Morrie be filled of love, happiness, and forgiveness.

It’s just alright to cry sometimes and to let go of

“I give myself a good cry if I need to. But then I
concentrate on all the good things in my life.” your feelings. But of course, don’t forget to look on
the brighter side of every challenges we will
- Morrie encounter.