tangerine1 commented on…
~hopped~'s "My Favorite Books"
Tuesdays with Morrie — 3 years ago
I’ve just finished reading this book and cannot decide whether I actually like it or not.
Although it tells many truths about the priorities one should set in one’s life, it was slightly repetitive and sentimental, leaving the reader with a rather bittersweet aftertaste.
Morrie is pictured as such a flawless and saint-like person, that I couldn’t help wondering -nasty thought, I admit: if he didn’t actually afford an army of helpers looking after him, as it usually happens in the real world, would he really be so stoical about his condition and life in general, or would he just end up another desperate and forgotten, old man, dying in pain and anguish…
I may be wrong here, but also why is it that always in order for anything to be considered “of great, universal value”, it HAS to be acknoweledged in public, preferably via TV?
Think of all the films or books ending in mawkish, long-winded speeches in front of crowded stadiums or at popular shows hosted by someone famous. That’s what Morrie’s appearences on the TV show reminded me of.
The fact that Morrie attracted media coverage, should not make his ideas and frame of mind any more or any less true, significant or dignified than they really were.
Sorry I keep getting back to this, but I think that all the TV show references should have just been omitted. Just a thought anyway…
I’d really like to give Mitch Albom another chance, so, I’d be really happy to receive some feedback on the subject. Thanks and regards
Comments
~hopped~
Somewhere
You're right
The book should be kept seperate from the TV version. In most, if not all cases, the book is so very different from what one views on TV. I first saw this on TV when it first came out (with Jack Lemmon) and then I bought the book.
Understand, what I think Mitch Albom was trying to convey to the reader is that Morrie is the standard that people should try to reach in this horrible and sad situation. His fault, however, is that this man was real to Mitch and he had a tremendous amount of respect and feeling for him. This is what created the excessively sentimental aspect of the novel. Morrie, no doubt, had some faults and they surely came out during his dying process. Those weren’t covered in the book, which should have been because then you would haven’t gotten the true picture of his last days. Let’s be honest about the book and say that it takes a very situation of life and makes it a “feel good” story. Everyone loves this now and it is what a lot of people seek in the media. So this is no different. I love this book, but if I wrote it I would have written it differently—with more of what actually happens with people’s character when they confront death and the incredible physical and emotional pain of it all.
tangerine1
Athens
Re:
Thanks for the speedy response.
I haven’t actually seen the programme starring Jack Lemmon (I live in Europe and have never come across it at a video club or on TV).
Anyway, I was actually referring to Morrie’s TV interviews mentioned in the book itself, but I see your point…
I suppose I over-analysed it, although, I must admit that to an extend the book has had a “warm feeling” effect on me.
Things should not always be complicated, we should just appreciate them for what they are…
Okay then, Mr Albom wins, I’ll give him another shot.
I was actually meaning to cheer a couple more of your entries, but have run out of “cheers” for today, so watch this space… ;o)
Take care and thanks again
tangerine1
Athens