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ryandejonghe

Ryan DeJonghe - The Avid Reader

I didn't always read, but that changed in June of 2013. I dropped the unnecessary stuff and picked up the awesome stuff--like reading! I started posting my reviews on Amazon and within a few months rose to the top 0.1% of reviewers. My reviews then went to Goodreads, and now my blog (http://ryandejonghe.wordpress.com) and Twitter (@Ryan_Reads). If you are reading this, why not leave a comment or send me a note? I love talking to other folks about books and my reviews. Publishers and authors, feel free to drop me a note if you want me to review your book. I usually stick to mainstream publishing, but I'll consider anything. If I review your book, I’ll give you a fair and thorough review and let you know when the review goes live. You can reach me at dejonghes@gmail.com. Happy Reading!

Tuesdays With Morrie

Tuesdays With Morrie - Mitch Albom ‘Some aren’t as lucky,’ is what Morrie said. I believe it.

I had a four percent chance to live. I don’t know why I suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, nor do I know why I was allowed to live. I’m pretty sure it has something to do with this thing called, life.

Kim Kardashian, Honey Boo Boo, Casey Anthony, and Kate Middleton. Not only do people care about these people, but they plan their lives around watching them.

Xbox, iPhone, Facebook, and Twitter. We are more digitally connected than ever, but at the same time, are more socially disconnected than ever.

To say this book had a profound effect upon me would be true. However, nothing in this book should be new, to anyone. I believe our conscience has been whispering to us all along. That text message can wait. Nothing new is worth viewing on Facebook. Turn around, look up, someone is speaking to you.

I have come to learn there are two versions of each of us: the exterior, visible version and the interior, permanent version. Our responsibility is to strengthen the interior version of ourselves each time we are physically present with anyone else. This is how we build our posterity.

I easily give Mr. Albom five stars on his book. He writes with clarity, warmth, and soul. Admittedly, I was a little put-off by his lack of quotation marks in two person dialogue, but I understand the purpose of style choice. He offers just enough to keep us reading, but wraps everything up before becoming a repetitious bore.

My reading journey will take me other places this year, but I will be sure to revisit Morrie in the not-to-distant future.