The Legacy of Morrie from "Tuesdays With Morrie": Two new books from Heather Pillar and Rob Schwartz

In 1995, photographer and teacher Heather Pillar collaborated with Morrie Schwartz to document Morrie during the last six months of his life struggling with ALS. The project illustrates Morrie's philosophies about death and dying through photographs Pillar made of him interacting with family, friends, and caregivers. Over a quarter-century later, Morrie's wisdom resonates with people around the world due to the best-selling memoir: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. Morrie's warmth and vitality comes through in each photograph to illustrate love and loss and the power of community. Morrie's son, Rob Schwartz, has published a book written by Morrie a few years before his illness. Its theme is living a joyous and fulfilling life while aging. Rob rediscovered the manuscript, edited it and brought it to print so people could hear from the man himself. Together the two books make a wonderful new evolution of the Morrie story. 

About the book:

Memento Morrie: Images of Love and Loss, published by Daylight Books, will be available for purchase. It includes 44 duotones and four outstanding essays from professionals in their own fields plus short stories from interviews with Morrie’s friends and family. Some images are paired with Morrie’s now famous aphorisms giving imagery to the bittersweet themes of end-of- life: building a caring community; friends; family; caregiving; self-care; spirituality; and death and beyond.

About the artist: 

Heather Pillar, photographer and teacher, has lived, taught and photographed in seven countries over four continents during the past 25 years. Her personal and collaborative photographic projects reveal her ongoing interest in women, girls, education and aging. For more information, please visit: https://www.heatherpillar.com.

Rob Schwartz is an entrepreneur, writer, music and film producer, and son of Morrie Schwartz. He edited and published of The Wisdom of Morrie (Blackstone Press) in 2023. Rob also produces musical artists and develops music tech. For more information, please visit: https://wisdomofmorrie.com/.

About the Book:

The Wisdom of Morrie is by Morrie Schwartz, the beloved subject of the multi-million copy bestselling memoir Tuesdays with Morrie. Written by Morrie himself and edited by his son Rob, The Wisdom of Morrie is a profound and beautiful book from Morrie’s previously unpublished manuscript on how to experience aging as a positive, creative, and connected experience..

Sponsored by the Needham Free Public Library - Both books available for Purchase and Autographing at conclusion of presentation. Registration is required for this event.