Randi-Michelle

Extra Credit
Period: 6

I. The author of this book is Mitch Albom.

II. The title of this book is Tuesdays with Morrie.
The significance of this title is that it bluntly states that the book is about Mitchs time he spends
with his old instructor Morrie every Tuesday.
III. This book was published in 1997.
The important background of this when this book was written is that though it may be nearly 20
years of age, the teachings and idealism that Morrie Schwartz talks about is still a very wise and
open minded way of thinking that we as people could learn from today.
IV. The intended audience for this book may have been towards those interested in others
perspectives on life, and finding more ways to appreciate life and be happy with what they
already have.
V. Summary: In the book Tuesdays with Morrie, written and narrated by Mitch Albom, Mitch
begins the story with describing the day of his graduation ceremony at Brandeis University. After
receiving his diploma, he is congratulated by his most favorite professor, Morrie Schwartz, who
then gives him a tan briefcase with Morries initials engraved into it. Mitch then promised Morrie
that he would keep in touch; however, he doesnt end up keeping his promise. About a decade
later, Mitch lost his most favorite uncle to pancreatic cancer, leading him to throwing away his
dreams of becoming a musician that his uncle had influenced him to be and instead became a
journalist for a popular Detroit newspaper, unhappy with the life he had decided to pursue. One
night, Mitch was flipping through the channels on T.V. when he recognized a familiar voice; it
was Morrie. Morrie had been featured on episode of Nightline to be interviewed with the host,
Ted Koppel, about Morries optimistic perspective on life and death he obtains after learning he
has ALS, a disease that (to put it simply) leaves the awakened soul in a limp husk of a body. In
complete and utter shock, Mitch then decides to contact his old professor and travel from his
home in Detroit to Morrie's home in Massachusetts to see him after so many years. Following
their first visit, Mitch decides to return to Morries home every Tuesday to listen to Morrie's
thought process and mind set on what he believes to be the meaning of life." Mitch brings
Morrie food every week that he visits, though as Morrie's illness becomes worse, he no longer
eats the food Mitch would bring to him, as he becomes unable to digest solid foods. Soon after,
one of his biggest fears in life comes true as he becomes even more dependant to a point where
he needs assistance using the bathroom, and eventually before his passing, can no longer breathe
or move on his own. Throughout each visit, Mitch tape records his discussions with Morrie to
use to write this book, which they end up referring to as their "last thesis together." In these
visits, Morrie continually tells Mitch that he wants to share his lessons with the world, and the
book will allow him to do just that. He also repeats to Mitch that they must accept death as a part
of life, and that it is inevitable to escape. He and Mitch often would hold hands throughout their
sessions together; and before his death, Morrie stated that if he were to have another son, he
would choose Mitch. At Morrie's funeral, Mitch promised himself to continue his conversations
with his professor in is head to keep Morries spirit alive; and though he had expected doing so
would lead him to feeling awkward, it ends up feeling more natural and calming than he had ever
expected it to, and the story ends. (488 words).
VI. There are a few different points that this book has. The first point of the making of this book
was to grant Morrie his last wish by creating something to carry on his teachings and morals in
life to help others he couldnt help while he was alive. The second point is to show that death is
an inevitable aspect in life, and how we must embrace it (as well as aging), not fight against it, as
accepting it as our fate will make us happier and more at peace individuals. The final point is to

Randi-Michelle

Extra Credit
Period: 6

live life to its fullest, living every day as happy and memorable as possible, making sure to
appreciate the little things in life and those around you that are positive influences to your well
being and not dwelling on the negative experiences, because that is the true path to finding
happiness and reaching paradise in life. (152 words)
VII. My personal aspect of this book was that I absolutely adored this story, and thought Morries
way of living his life despite knowing he was a short ways away from death was very
heartwarming and gave me a completely different perspective on appreciating life and the things
you have around you. I completely agree with most of his teachings, and thought that the story
overall was a beautiful and touching read.