The Last Lecture

The Best Lecture

2008-05-02
This is an amazing book!!! I can't stop smiling while reading it. Randy Pausch talks about what really matters in life, reaching your dreams and the importance of the family too. For sure is THE BEST LECTURE!

Must have at any point in life!

2008-05-02
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture is a must have for anyone, at any point in life. While the book touches on Randy's personal history and current health status, it is a recipe for living with care and appreciation for people in our lives and all facets of life. The book cannot be compared to the live version of the lecture - in this medium, it can only tug at emotions from one's own ability to identify with individual circumstances and events (factual and potential). Eventhough there were a couple of sections that were a little slow, it is an excellent read!

Amazing Wisdom

2008-05-02
Randy Pausch grew up in my church. I was not fortunate enough to be here at the time he grew up here. I know his mother well and have been able to gain insight into the family through Randy's experiences. Randy is engaging, entertaining, poignant and personal as he provides tips for living life to its fullest.
Randy has been an amazing inspiration to so many people all over the world and I'm sure that God has amazing things in store for him!
Well worth the read!

What would YOU say if you had little time left?

2008-05-01
First, I'm not a friend, student, or family of Professor / author Randy Pausch.

Having read the 1-star, 2-star, and 3-star reviews, I felt a bit shocked. I liked the book much more than other reviewers who criticize the book for having more ego than depth, and less lessons of "the dream"--- minus a demand for a public journey through "My God, where art thou, my God." I don't think Dr. Pausch's book needs to include his personal beliefs about God (whatever those beliefs are--or are not) for this book to impart some lasting wisdoms.

Part of the beauty of the slim treasure, "The Last Lecture", is in its brutal simplicity. Sometimes, people need reminded of the basics: Say please and thank-you; Wash your hands before you eat; Don't be purposefully mean--or rude--to others; Play nice; Dream Big; When you lose your dreams, STOP, refind them, enjoy them, LIVE them. Randy Pausch didn't include all those--I think he skipped the "wash your hands" one (LOL). But, he presents short reminders of very basic, simplistic, meaningful rules of living. In today's world of rudeness, meanness, random murders...(etc)..., I don't think these are meaningless topics to include in a person's "last book".

Could it have been more in-depth? Yes, I guess so. Yet, if I was dying, would I have the composure to write ANY words of meaning? What would any of us say if we had the chance to write and publish a book? If you could write 10-pages before you die, what would YOU include?


Randy Pausch describes "The Last Lecture" as 53 mini-lectures, and I think that is fitting. The book itself, I believe, would make great reading for our children ...pre-teens, teens, young adults... the people who need reminded to have manners, to dream (a lot), and work hard toward those dreams. I'm also quite impressed by the "Alice" Program (computer programming) which Dr. Pausch created.

I thought it touching to hear a man describe writing Thank-you notes, even to the hospital workers who have treated him these last months. Too few of us stop to say thank-you. Randy reminds readers how much more meaningful it feels to receive a written thank-you.

I chuckled to read about his sewing endeavors-- and how he worked so hard to win the REALLY BIG stuffed animals at fairs---and more importantly, WHY it felt so important to him to win those.

This little book makes a big window into the thinking of a big dreamer (a very positive trait), a man intelligent enough to see bigger than most people ever see, and to allow readers to gain just a little understanding of the rules by which one man lived his journey--his life.

I do wish Randy Pausch had explained more about how everyday people can use the "head fake" in everyday situations... how people can positively manipulate to achieve positive outcomes in everyday relationships.

I think the Professor has much, much more to teach--this book offers the first lessons. Maybe, he'll be able to write book number two-- I hope. I wish I'd been one of his students.

Indulge yourself...indulge your "inner child" and buy the book. Or, buy a copy for a teen you know. It's worth the money.

The Last Lecture

2008-04-30
Another review says to cry if you must for Randy. I say we shall cry for ourselves as the world will be a poorer place when he is gone. But don't wait for illness, cancer, or impending death. This book is filled with lessons for living. This is going to be my gift of choice for graduating seniors.....the lessons will last a lifetime.