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Preceding the phenomenal success of Mitch Albom's
Tuesdays with Morrie, in which Albom discusses his weekly visits with his mentor, Morrie, as Morrie faces death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Morrie Schwartz published his own book,
Morrie: In His Own Words.
Schwartz intended his words to be read by people dying of terminal illnesses with passages titled ,"Living with Physical Limitations," "Grieving for Your Losses," and "Reviewing the Past." Yet, just as in the case in Tuesdays with Morrie, this collection of plainspoken reflections transcends the "death and dying" category and is more aptly shelved in one's inspiration and spirituality collection.
For example, Schwartz's simple thoughts on courage could speak to any seeker of enlightenment.
"Dealing bravely with physical pain or accidents takes one kind of courage," he writes. "Facing life as it is and accepting it requires another....I have found courage through seeking thoughtfulness, openheartedness, detachment, and other responses that make up a composed life and a calm response to illness....I hope that I can continue in this way to the end so that I die with inner peace.
As it was, on November 4, 1995, Morrie Schwartz died just as he hoped he would.
--Gail Hudson
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From Booklist
Unlike many who discover they have an incurable illness and then withdraw from society, Morrie Schwartz remained open to new experiences, including interviews on
Nightline,
Talk of the Nation, and several other television and radio shows. In 1994 this former Brandeis University sociology professor was 75 years old when diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Wanting to learn more about life and death, he objectively watched himself die, at first taking notes and then tape-recording his thoughts, feelings, and memories as his health declined. Personal aphorisms--heartfelt, succinct observations--form this book's core. We read about how he coped with decreasing physical abilities, managed his emotions, related to others, and stressed the need to ask for help. After each aphorism, he reflected on what the words meant and shared an anecdote or a bit of advice. With candor he wrote, "After you have wept and grieved for your physical losses, cherish the functions and the life you have left." Schwartz died in November 1995.
Letting Go holds wisdom not only for those struggling with a terminal or debilitating condition but also for families and friends who must come to grips with letting a loved one go.
Jennifer Henderson
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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