November 4th marked 30 years since Morrie Schwartz passed away. Many know Morrie from the book "Tuesdays with Morrie", a memoir written by Mitch Albom. The book examines Morrie's life, philosophies, and friendship with the author. I first read "Tuesdays with Morrie" when I was a university student, majoring in Sociology. I immediately felt a kinship to Morrie because he was a Sociology professor at Brandeis University. However, as I learned more about Morrie's life and character I couldn't help feeling more than kinship. I felt like I knew Morrie personally and that I loved him as a dear friend. His warmth, empathy, and openness take you in, give you a big hug, and encourage you to do the same to someone else. My gratitude takeaway from "Tuesdays with Morrie" is "love".

"The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor" by Eddie Jaku is another memoir that has forever changed the way I think. What Eddie endured his youth, including being imprisoned in one of the worst WW2 concentration camps, is beyond horrific. That Eddie was able to not only survive those circumstances but then to one day consider himself "the happiest man on earth" speaks to his incredible resilience. He and his wife eventually moved to Australia after his liberation and he lived to be over 100--teaching and spreading messages of hope all the while. My gratitude takeaway from Eddie is "hope".

I will continue to share some of the books that I'm grateful for throughout the month of November. What are some of the titles that you most love? Let me know in the comments below!