Tuesdays With Morrie - Mitch Albom

This book was fabulous! As a nurse I have worked with patients in the end of life capacity. In the years that I have done this, I have not come across a person more at peace or comfortable with the notion of leaving this world in an untimely manner. Mostly there is anger and 'why me's?' Morrie not only accepted the hand he was dealt but continued his life as he made it. That is extremely commendable. I am so glad that someone was able to put that man's ideals and impressions into words to share with the world.

There were a few things that Morrie said that I think are great and should be shared. One was a quote from the poet Auden "Love each other or perish." And to quote Morrie, "We all have the same beginning--birth--and we all have the same end--death. So how different can we be?" Even in the throes of death Morrie was patient and understanding. The world could learn a lot from this man.

Mitch Albom did a great job of keeping the focus on Morrie. He even wrote it as if you are in his shoes and doesn't punctuate his own phrases, even though the conversations were taped and he could have quoted everything from both sides. Mitch Albom kept the book all about Morrie giving it the feel of the respect and love that was gained and offered to Morrie. It is understandable how this book is considered an important part of the modern culture, after all we "make our own culture," (to take an idea from Morrie) and used as a learning tool today.

Hope you enjoy!

Oh Geez!

This summer has been a crazy summer! Full of great books though! The first book on the list of great books is Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. This is a book that I think would be a great to have as a required read for teenagers. It was open, honesty, and completely raw. What this teenager was going through and the help that was offered and sought...it was all very awe inspiring. I loved the book.

Next on the list is Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. This author is gifted. I LOVED this book. It is the perfect single gals book. It has drama, secrets, and love. You feel so much for Rachel and Dex. On the one hand you are horrified at the thought of what Rachel and Dex are doing; I mean who does that to your so called "best friend"? On the other hand you hate Darcy and the type of woman that she represents. Then I read Something Blue, also by Emily Giffin, and this is where the genius comes in. In this book you get a soft spot for Darcy. Sure you sorta want to smack her in the first few chapters but then it's a complete turn around and you don't even really realize that you have switch to pro-Darcy until the end of the book and you go...awe...hmmmm, oh! Both very good books and a great Author.

Next! River Marked by Patricia Briggs. I love the Mercy Thompson books and this one went above and beyond. You learn a lot about the main characters and about Mercy's background. The end of the book leaves room for continuation and I'm looking forward to the next one...just haven't heard word of it yet. Keep the fingers crossed.

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris is the next of the Sookie Stackhouse novels. There is talk of the Sookie Stackhouse series coming to an end. This book starts to tie some loose ends but leaves room for yet another book. It makes me a little sad to see the end of Sookie and the world that Charlaine Harris has created. This book was just another delicious part of a fantastic series.

The last book on list is Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon. I just had to read this book because The Little Mermaid was my favorite Disney movie when I was younger. I did, however, find myself going...'that is not how it happened.' I had to remind myself that they were two separate parts/views of the same great fairytale. Once I did that it turned out to be a good book. You find yourself rooting for all parties and then in the end you are sort of like 'oh geez, that's sorta sad...but great too.' It really was the best way for things to work out.

All in all I've had some great reads this summer and am continuing the trend. Enjoy!