Product ReviewsThe Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (2008, Hardcover)

Carpe Diem! Seize The Day!

I was very touched by the book, maybe because of the fact that the author passed away on July 25th. The book to me clearly is a declaration of love to mankind, and to his family in particular. A few of his ideas I may try and build into my daily routine. His family is very lucky to have had him. The passage where he says that he was the first man ever to fall in love with his daughter made me cry. His positive attitude certainly is contageous, and worth being passed on to others. 'Never take anything for granted, an definitely seize the moment.' The paragraph where the one friend of his describes passing a convertible that's driven by a guy who drums his fingers on the driver's door, and has this big grin on his face really made me smile. Special to me also were the paragraphs where Randy's message is to begin things from zero, scratch false pride, and try new things, to put a lot of effort into doing things even though they may not always carry the promise of reaching one's goal/s. Interesting to me were the parts about making people aware of what it truly means to be a team member, and what it requires to become one. All in all, a noteworthy book that I will recommend to anyone who, in geeral, has an interest in intelligent literature.Read full review...

Worth a second read

Read this when it first came out and enjoyed it so much I bought several copies to give to family and friends. Some how I gave mine away as well. The lessons are timeless and enjoyable to read. So, Had to buy and re-read it again. And of course, tell a bunch of new people how wonderful this is to read. Everyone can connect with the stories and lesson inside of them.Read full review...

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Makes You Think

This is a great book to start a new year because it makes you think about your life and how to make the most of every day. If you have lost a loved one to cancer, it can be a difficult read at times, but you can relate to it even more. Also, contains lots of good ideas on how to improve family relationships and friendships. After reading it, I sent a "Thank You" note to several friends.Read full review...

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Short but Very Sweet!

This is one of my all time favorite books! Packed with touching thoughts on love, family and living life to the fullest from a man who did not have the luxury of length of years but lived a beautiful life- easy read- highly recommended for any age!Read full review...

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Good life story lessons

This book was recommended to me by a friend. It isn't exactly spellbinding, but the content is interesting and real life truths. It would be more applicable to a young person like the author intended, but I don't fall into that age category. Read full review...

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"The Last Lecture:" An affirmation of life

I love this book because it presents the complete words of a "last lecture" given by Carnegie Mellon university professor Randy (Randolph) Pausch. When most of us hear the word "lecture," we tend to think "boring and pedantic." Not so with this particular "lecture." Given by a young professor who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, this lecture is positive, humorous, life-affirming, encouragement to "follow your dreams," examples of how "going after what you desire / achieving your goals" doesn't always require genius - just hard work and/or tenacity,... and many other wonderful tips /views on living your life to the fullest!

The "Last Lecture" is an on-going Carnegie-Mellon event. I had not known anything about it (the event), or about this particular lecture (by Dr. Pausch), until someone sent it to me in video format. I watched the video and thought it's message (and the humor with which it was delivered) to be wonderful and inspiring! When I came across the book containing the entire lecture (the text, and photos of Dr. Pausch from childhood onward), I was thrilled to be able to buy it, and therefore read any section of it repeatedly! It truly is uplifting!

It offers (in "everyman" language) such a positive approach to living, that it is a joy to read! It is not a "self-help" text, but one man's view of what "living fully" means. I could probably write a book about this book, but will end by saying "if you can watch the lecture on video, watch it! If you can get a copy of this book, own it!"Read full review...

The Last Lecture

I had heard great things about this book from the hosts on a lcal radio show. After the author died recently I decided I really wanted to check it out. The book has some details that describe names of this person from that department at this school, blah blah blah names that don't mean anything to me. However these people were very important to the author and do serve a purpose. At the end of the book you realize it wasn't really written for the general public, and these names are extremely important to the intended audience. It is filled with wisdom we all can use and appreciate, even more so when you figure out the purpose for this book being written. I highly recommend this book to ANYONE. I would recommend it to terminally ill persons, their families, their friends, their caregivers, anyone who works with these patients, anyone with a heart beating in their chest. After all aren't we all terminal? From the moment we are born, we begin our journey toward our end. Time is not a luxury, it is a responsibility. Use it wisely. Pay it forward.Read full review...

"The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch

I received and email video of Randy Pausch giving his "Last Lecture," and was moved to purchase the book. Interestingly, professors at the college where he taught were periodically asked to give a "Last Lecture" detailing what they would do if they found out they were dying, how they would feel, what was most important to them. Randy Pausche had just found out he had terminal pancreatic cancer when he gave his lecture. His lecture was not on dying, but on living. Both the video lecture and the book were uplifting, humerous at times, and a wonderful look into the life of this amazing man who, by virtue of his illness first, gave an inside view as to the early years of his life, he was blessed with an outstanding upbringing, and into adulthood and his life with his family and young children. The lecture was initially for his children, I believe, and addressed dreams and overcoming obstacles in life, among much other information. Most of this "lecture" was reserved for his children and part of it is not available to the public as it is for his family alone. This man lived a wonderful life and shared a great love with his family. He was intelligent, gentle, and his philosopy on life an inspiring lesson to all. I highly recommend the book, which is also available in audio. My plans are to buy several copies for gifts. It is one of the best writings I have read in years.Read full review...

Watch lecture. Be amazed. Buy book.

I watched the lecture online. I was amazed as his words.

Other than his "Last Lecture" talk, was his other talk about "Time Management". The Time Management speech was probably the most useful information in my life. It not only applies to students like me, but even working individuals seasoned through many years of experience.

"Time Management" is more useful for people who have their eyes set on their careers already. But the "Last Lecture" is great for people who haven't gone that far yet, and are still figuring out what they want to do with their lives.

A highly recommended book for young people. For the less-inspireable people, just watch his lectures.Read full review...

A must read for every parent!

This book is everything that most people would want to say to their children, at least if we, knowing that we are dying, could rise above our self absorption. Knowing the author's circumstances, I was prepared for a little mobidity---not at all--in fact, he is quite humorous in places. I found it amazing that at this juncture in life, the author could look back and laugh at his own fallibilities. While there is little direct reference to organized religion, the author's faith in a higher power appears strong and comforting. This book is totally upbeat yet down to earth--the book you wish you had written for your own children and the book you hope that your children read as they are raising your grandchildren. This is one book that I purchased AFTER I read it so that I could reread. I also recommended it for a book club discussion--won't that be interesting?Read full review...