Mark your calendars for March 28th
In 1995, Mitch Albom would see an interview that would change not only his life, but the lives of millions around the world. It was Ted Koppel’s Nightline conversation with Morris “Morrie” Schwartz, Albom’s favorite and beloved college professor. Morrie had been diagnosed with ALS and was spending his final months talking with others about what it meant to be dying. Moved by the interview, and feeling guilty that he had lost touch for all those years, Albom went to visit his old teacher. That turned into another visit, and another, and every Tuesday Morrie had left in his life. Their wise and loving conversations became the basis for Tuesdays with Morrie.
Albom wrote the small book only to pay Morrie’s medical bills. Tuesdays with Morrie was published in 1997 with a small initial print run, but the response was overwhelming. Its message of inspiration resounded with readers, launching the memoir to the #1 spot on numerous bestseller lists, where it would remain for 350 weeks for the hardcover and paperback combined. Tuesdays with Morrie was adapted by Oprah Winfrey into an Emmy-winning TV movie (starring Hank Azaria and Jack Lemmon, in one of his final Emmy-winning performances), as well as a stage play that has seen hundreds of productions around the world. The book, published in 45 languages, is now a staple in classrooms, universities, and homes (and pop culture).
The special 20th Anniversary Edition to commemorate this remarkable milestone. This special edition will include a new afterword from Albom, reflecting back on his relationship with Morrie and the incredible impact the book has had since its original publication.
I think that you are right that Morrie wasn’t afraid of dying at all. He really didn’t want to be forgotten at all. Now there are millions of people that won’t forget about him at all.
I have enjoyed all of your books, but I am especially fond of Tuesdays with Morrie. I shared the book with my 11th grade students the last 10 years I taught. I would read portions of a chapter or a whole chapter the last 10 minutes of an hour. I would not follow any particular day or order. When the book was finished, usually the last couple weeks of the school year I would then show the movie. Led to many great discussions and some great compositions. I taught English for 35 years.
Thanks for helping me impart a life lesson. The teaching goes on.
Thank you, Harry, both for your kind words and for all you have done as a teacher. Morrie would be thrilled, indeed, to know that “the teaching goes on.”
Is your 20th Anniversary Edition of “Tuesdays with Morrie” available in Hardcover?
Thank you,
Unfortunately, Clare, it’s not. It’s only a paperback edition. A number of people have mentioned they’d love a special leather-bound edition. I don’t control the decisions regarding these anniversary edition, but maybe someone should start a petition for a special collector’s leather-bound edition for the 30th!
Whenever anyone asks what my favorite novel is I do not have to give it a thought. Tuesdays with Morrie has been my favorite book since it came out. Mitch Albom has a way of drawing the reader in; as if you are the one sitting across from Morrie every Tuesday. I could not put this book down. I can’t believe its been 20 years! Tuesdays with Morrie has been on each of my 3 daughters Summer Reading lists and it’s amazing that another generation has been inspired the way people were when it first came out. Thank you Mr. Albom for touching the hearts of many!
Sometimes I have a little trouble hearing “20” as well! Wow, all 3 summer reading lists? Same school?
20 years ago two life-changing things happened. I read tuesdays with Morrie. Then I began working at The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Both shaped who I am today – Life is a gift. Treasure it. Thank you Mitch Albom for positively changing the lives of so many. This past Sunday I read the NYTimes Book Review piece on “What’s on your nightstand to read…” It’s my goal to at least try to read 1/2 of them.
Thank you, Joan, for your kind words and your work with the ALS Association.
Let me know what you think about what you read!