Review Detail

Reader reviewed by KLW

Right after I began this book, I saw Mitch Albom in a Red Wings lockerroom where we were both trying to get interviews. I wanted to go over & tell him how much this book meant to me (considering I had a 94 yr old grandfather who was living w/my family at the time), but I was afraid if I opened my mouth to speak, I would start crying and I didn't want to burst into tears in a room full off hockey players & reporters. I don't cry easily in public-practically never to tell the truth- so when a book moves me enough to cry, it has definitely had an impact on me.

The book has some wonderful quotes from Morrie, but what makes them hit home so much is how simpled they are. We all go around trying to find the "key" and the "meaning of life" when here Morrie is showing us that life is really quite simple. And the fact Morrie is open about his illness and open about talking about death is groundbreaking when you consider how it is not discussed in our society, hence why so many people have trouble dealing with it. The way Morrie treats his illness with dignity and doesn't fall prey to the Madison Avenue "younger looking, youth first' attitude makes him at peace with himself and with who he is. He questions why anyone would be ashamed or would hide things like dying and aging. It's all part of life and not something we should hide, avoid, or feel bad about.

This is a must read, but I would highly recommend also reading the book(S) that have been put out about Morrie and by Morrie on dying and so forth. I would also recommend watching the film and trying to get ahold of the wonderful interview Ted Koppel did with Morrie on "Nightline." If you can see the interview it'll make a world of difference in your life.