5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lessons in Living, April 23 2003
By "pierrot1efou" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: DERNIERE LECON -LA (Mass Market Paperback)
My Japanese Professor gave me this book with a hefty disclaimer, "It's going to sound a lot like a self-help book, and it's certainly not for everyone, but I think you'll enjoy it even if many people may find it sappy."
The second I picked it up, I could not put it down.
'Coach' as the author calls him, has some very common-sense views on life, at least for my 20-something self. But those common-sense insights are very different in the mind of a 20-something than when coming out of the mouth of a dying 70-something man.
The most incredible aspect of the book isn't the professor's insight so much as the role he holds in the heart and mind of his student who has returned to learn this final lesson from his dying professor. The position that teachers hold, the good teachers that is, cannot be replaced by anyone. The problem is that we can forget it at times.
The give and take between the author and Morrie is absolutely astounding. The value of conversation, of nature, of social contacts, of give-and-take, of religion, of physical contact, of the body, of money, and so much more, are all discussed. It isn't what's said about them that makes this book incredible, there will be no awe-inspiring insights into the human condition or into life, but it is with the simplicity of the happiness expressed in this book that the author draws his power from.
Give it a read, and give a copy to your favourite teacher. It's a quick and easy read that's worth every second.