Tuesdays With Morrie Book Summary

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Key Insights

In “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom, you will explore the relationship Albom has with an old professor. The book was inspired by Albom visiting Morrie, his professor, every Tuesday for the last three and a half months of his life as he battled a devastating disease. 

The book is the final thesis that they wrote together as Morrie reached the end of his life. Their thesis covers topics such as aging, family, relationships, and society.

Throughout the book, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the special relationship between Albom and his professor, from the first connection until the very end. Morrie also shares thoughts on living and dying, which will prompt you to think about life with a new perspective and new priorities. 

It’s painful to realize that you have drifted from people who have had a great impact on you. In “Tuesdays With Morrie,” Albom inspires you to reach out to avoid guilt and regret, while also opening yourself up to some very important lessons. 

Albom and Morrie’s Old Relationship

Depictions of student-teacher friendships are easy to find in the media. These relationships are always light-hearted and fun on the outside, but have deep learning opportunities below the surface. Usually, the professor is quirky and well-liked, and the student is a bit reluctant. Eventually, the professor inspires confidence in the student with their caring and understanding guidance.

Not everyone gets the pleasure of having a mentor quite like this, but Author Mitch Albom experienced this once-in-a-lifetime student-teacher relationship with a university professor of his named Morrie Schwartz.

At the beginning of their relationship, Albom was young and reluctant. He refused to open up. But, even though he had his guard up, he immediately had the feeling that Morrie was different from other professors and that would reflect in their future relationship. 

One of the things that stuck out to Albom right away is that Morrie asked Albom whether he wanted to be called Mitchell or Mitch. Albom told Morrie that his friends called him Mitch, so Morrie adopted that as his preference. The professor then told Albom that he hoped to one day be considered his friend, too.

Professor Morrie was well-seasoned and taught a variety of classes in sociology, psychology, and human relations. Albom ended up taking all of Morrie’s class offerings. He didn’t even realize that the study of human relationships was something to study until Morrie’s classes.

When Albom entered university, he was younger than the rest, as he had graduated from high school a year early. Of course, the difference was only a year, but it made Albom feel insecure and uncomfortable. To overcompensate and avoid this feeling, Albom admits to building a wall and acting perhaps a little hard and edgy. Professor Morrie saw right through this and was able to help Albom break down his wall and build up his self-esteem.

During university, Albom would meet with Morrie on Tuesdays. They would do different things. Sometimes they’d enjoy lunch together. Sometimes they would take a walk. But one thing didn’t change:...

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