The Last Lecture  

I don't want to be a hater, but I just wasn't all that impressed by this....I mean, wouldn't you expect a bright, articulate professor to have some interesting insights to share as he prepared for his final days -- so what is so amazing -- except that Pausch was obviously into self-promotion? I

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just don't get all the hype over this book, and actually there were a few places I just felt....eew, like I was prying or being a voyeur -- and I really hadn't bargained for that. I have known several people who have consciously and deliberately prepared for their own deaths from cancer and I can't imagine either of those experiences to be ... as public as Pausch's process. I also wonder how his kids and wife will feel about all this publicity and exposure 5 years from now. Pausch refers to himself as a "recovered jerk" and I would agree. I also found the tips on "time management" incredibly banal and misplaced in the midst of all these other end-of-life ponderings....actually kind of funny! I only hope that some of the $$ from this book is going to fight pancreatic cancer -- one of the most hideous killers around.

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I really did think it was going to be a book full of wonderful advice on how to enjoy life, getting that fatherly advice on life and lessons, etc. but all it was (for me, at least) a bit of an overdone autobiography. I got nothing out of this book, except the few times he puts down newer

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generations (very "back in my day" type of guy) and a sense of bragging of his life's achievements with no actual advice.

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I was initially underwhelmed but soon found myself smiling along with Pausch and receiving a heartfelt lesson about making the most of life, every day.

This book is exactly what the author intended, a gift of his memories and life experiences for his children. Though I don't fall in with the Pausch followers, which I think would be a relief to Randy, I can see where this book would inspire and comfort many. For me, however, it was simply touching

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to get a look into the life of a good man, and heart-breaking to think of how much loss his friends and family must feel. He left an excellent legacy though. Very well done, Mr. Pausch, wherever you now are. Peace.

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Randy Pausch says that his last lecture is for his kids, something that they will be able to watch and read about their father when they grow up. What I witnessed as I read this unique book is much more than a last lecture targeted at his children; it is a treasure from a smart man who valued

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humanity, love, research, problem solving and creativity. This is the first time I read such a beautiful and concise book from a first-class computer scientist on the meaning of life. It became much more meaningful in my context: I was returning from an intensive and competitive computing related event, I was on the plane and I was looking at my beloved one while I was reading Pausch’s last words…

This is one of the rare books that is very well worth reading every year. From now on I think I’ll consider Pausch among my best ‘Dutch uncle’s. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to contribute to his legacy, or if I’ll ever be able to satisfy all of my childhood dreams but remembering his last words will always give me power and courage to keep on trying.

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Randy Pausch literally gives his "last lecture" at Carnegie Mellon University. He was a professor of computer science, diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Despite the unfortunate hand fate dealt him, he remained upbeat and thought this lecture would be a chance to leave a message to his

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young children, as well as his colleagues and students. The topic of the lecture was "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." He spoke about his own dreams and how grateful he was for his family and friends who helped him realize these dreams. Then he spoke about how to enable others to reach their goals and dreams.

One recurring point throughout was dealing with "brick walls" that seem to get in the way of our dreams. There is always a way around the wall ... determination to stay on track, believing in ourselves, and accepting help from others will bring our dreams to life.

Randy's words are inspirational and motivating. His life was a legacy of learning and sharing.

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Okay, this was a book club's holiday pick for an uplifting story. They didn't like my pick from last year, David Sedaris' Holidays on Ice because it was "too dark." But, assuming my news is up to date, David Sedaris didn't die of cancer. Go figure.

It's not without it's charm, and there are some

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decent pieces of advice in here, but overall I would say it's aptly titled. Listening to it in audiobook format is kind of like taking a long car trip with your dad right after you did something dumb, like burning down a chicken coop or running with a screwdriver and falling on it and puncturing your lung. He sort of goes on and on about the right way to do things, dad-style.

He makes a good point about him being a lecturer and therefore the lecture is his final act, but I would say that's why you should just watch the original lecture on Youtube. It's not as polished, but I think it's a closer representation of what he did. Plus, that way you don't have to read these awkward descriptions of physical things he did during the lecture.

The topic of his lecture being "Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" was also a little unappealing to me, as that would mean I would either be currently testing water slides, which seems hazardous, or be a ninja turtle.

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An excellent book. It details one man's struggle with terminal cancer. But its less of a struggle and more of a journey. Having seen a relative go through the same journey it can help to understand what goes through the minds of all concerned. Highly recommend.

Like Randy Pausch's actual last lecture, this book is uplifting and touching. He found a way to turn a tragic situation into a gift for everyone who discovers his story. While reading a book about living by a man who recently passed away could be depressing, it is instead often funny, frequently

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inspirational and very enjoyable. And occasionally heartbreaking. It is also a very easy and fast read. This book would make a terrific gift for loved ones, young people setting out on their path in life, and anyone who needs a kick in the pants to get their ball rolling.

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This is a wonderful book and I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs a little inspiration and a reality check when they think they are having a bad day. It's a quick read and I guess it's a timely coincedence that I read this book on Father's Day. With that said I don't think the book lived

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up to the the massive hype. Randy Pausch is really is just a very normal guy struggling with a terminal illness and wanting to leave a legacy for his children. As stated in his book over thirty thousand people annually are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Each one of these people has the same struggles as well. Ultimately, the real issue is being an older father and not living long enough to see your children to adulthood. As an older father to young children myself I can relate quite well. My heart goes out to Randy and some of the ideas generated in this book should help us all realize that our most precious commodity is time.

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This is completley inspiring and beautiful and really sad but hopeful. It's more than you think it will be when you see its small size but it's still really a simple story of dreaming and creating your life. One thing I was surprised about is that there really isnt a lot of cheese here. It's the

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story of a life that needed to be shared and Im so happy that the author was able to do so before he passed away. Happy for his children and his family but also happy for every person that listend to the last lecture and every person who reads it in book form.

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I usually stay away from memoirs and inspirational books because I have a very low tolerance for schmaltz. But I read this because it was written by a geek (like me). I figured that no one with a PhD in Computer Science would ever venture into the realms of schmaltz.

I was right.

This book is packed

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with good advice. Much of it is common sense, "I could've told you that," advice, but he presents it in a way that doesn't make it seem like the same-old, same-old.

I'd recommend this book to anyone, but to educators in particular.

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I almost read this book last year. Almost. I saw it in the ACS(I) library and started reading it, but then decided to wait to borrow it (and clearly, forgot to do so). So when I saw it going for 300yen at BookOff, I really had to buy it. And I'm glad I did.

The Last Lecture is based off the viral

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hit "Last Lecture" video that I've never watched. I would say that I want to watch the video, but seeing as how I can barely make time to watch the dramas I want to watch, and that the book covers what's in the lecture and more, I can't think of any compelling reason as to why I should go and search it out.

But the book itself is excellent. It introduces the book (why it even exists), and then divides into five sections of "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" (The title of his speech), "Adventures... and Lessons Learned", "Enabling the Dreams of Others", "It's about How to Live Your Life" and "Final Remarks". Each section is divided into small chapters, each covering one episode of his life and what he learnt from it.

And what I liked about the book is the narrative voice. If the book was really written by Randy (it says "with Jeffrey Zaslow" so I'm not sure), then I'd really have liked to be able to meet him. He sounds like a great teacher, and a nice person (and anyone who can admit he's a jerk has my respect).

In the book, he talks about, well, his whole life really. And I felt as though that his life was very eventful. He got to work for Disney (a childhood dream), married the woman he loved (and very honestly dealt with how she copes with him), did something called The Alice Project that sounds absolutely fun, experience weightlessness, etc. Individually, they seem like small experiences, but when put together, they make his life seem eventful and meaningful.

If you're going to get this book, I would recommend buying it rather than borrowing it. It's the kind of book that after the first reading, you'll pick up again and again and read your favourite chapters. Or when you're in a slump, you'll read something about achieving your dreams and get the energy to carry on ( for me, these books tend to be non-fiction, although they're mostly about books rather than self-help).

I have no regrets about buying this book.

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The expanded book-version of Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture", a device many professors use to develop a fantasy "last lecture" as if this were the last lecture they would ever give. however, Pausch is dying of cancer and has little time left, so he took the "assignment" seriously and has given this

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letter (and expanded it into a book) as a gift to his young children: all the things he'd want to be able to teach them about how to live your life and be a good person. Could have been maudlin or trite, but manages to be a great collection of genuine thoughts and feelings. I listened to it on CD, and wish he's been the reader himself (although one can only assume when you have 3-6 months to live--and he's already passed the original time expectation--the last thing you want to be doing is recording a book on CD!
Recommended.

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Simply put, if you have not seen the video of Mr. Pausch's last lecture or read this book, you need to make every effort to do so. Mr. Pausch's legacy on how to approach life and death is well worth the effort. His message spans generations, providing food for thought for young and old.

Based on his

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last lecture given at Carnegie Mellon, the book references his thought process while developing this famous lecture, his feelings and thoughts while giving it and some of what occurred in his life in the months afterwards. His life lessons are simple but true but force the reader or listener to rethink one's own approach to life.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the novel is Mr. Pausch's self-awareness. He lived an extraordinary life, and he knows it. Yet, he does not take a single moment of that life for granted. Yes, he experienced situations most people will only dream of facing, both good and bad, yet he worked hard to achieve his dreams. His "unusual" approach to life - work hard, don't whine - is what made him successful, and it is a lesson a majority still need to learn.

Make no mistake, The Last Lecture will tear at your heartstrings. One cannot help but place oneself into Mr. Pausch's shoes, wondering how one would react if faced with terminal cancer at a young age and with very young children. Yet, as painful as it was to read at times, it forced me to question my own attitudes and behaviors. As with other self-help books I've read this past year, it was exactly what I needed to read to help me see my own faults and where I was going wrong in my life at work and at home.

The Last Lecture is a novel that will stay with me for a very long time. Mr. Pausch's love of life, his acceptance of the inevitable, his will to fight, and yet his ability to prepare for the future in which he will not be a part is unlike anything I've experienced to date. However, I cannot help but feel lucky that I was able to get a glimpse into this incredibly unselfish person's mindset and grateful that he felt comfortable enough to share with the world his very private thoughts. Mr. Pausch moved me to my very core.

As an audio, The Last Lecture excels. Mr. Pausch has a natural story-telling ability that shines via audio. Mr. Singer was an excellent narrator, evoking a charm and sympathy that goes above and beyond the words on the page. He balances the more depressing aspects of the novel without becoming overly sentimental or emotional. As powerful as the novel is in print, I personally feel it was heightened by the audio performance.

I cannot express how much I enjoyed this novel, even as I was exercising with tears running down my face. It is a novel unlike any other. I already have designs to purchase the novel for my son and will be downloading this to my husband's iPod for his listening enjoyment. If you have not had the pleasure, you truly need to add The Last Lecture to your TBR pile!

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I finally decided to read the book after I lost my husband to lung cancer. It seemed a little unreal for a person and family dealing with terminal cancer. I thought some life lessons were missing. I expected more from the book.

I had first heard of Randy Pausch when I saw an interview he did on the Oprah show. I was very touched and inspired by his message, outlook on his life and approach to handling his cancer diagnosis. When I heard that this book was out, I knew that I had to read it. I found it full of wisdom,

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although many of the sentiments I've heard before. The author was able to apply them to his own life and share how he did this. My husband listened to the book on CD and we both felt that this book was one that made us stop and think about how short life can be and how important it is to appreciate each day that you are given. Sadly, Randy died last month and left behind a wife and 3 children who will be blessed by the choices he has made in preserving his legacy through this book and his You Tube video titled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.

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I spend a lot of time working with students these days...some of them as young as elementary, others at the university level. And it's those younger kids that really get it. As we get older, we start to lose a lot of the basics. Fast forward to young twenty-somethings, and we're accustomed to

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dealing with things OUR way. We take things for granted, and we feel like we're entitled to whatever we want. It's partly because of the way our society functions in the new millennium, but there's so much more to take into account. However, a little humility doesn't hurt on everyone's part.

Randy Pausch, a professor at Carnegie Mellon, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a finite period of time to live. And what does he do? He takes it all with stride, and passes along some valuable life lessons to those who care to listen, or read.

This isn't a sad, sob story that you might expect from a book about a character with cancer. That's way off the mark. This is about life, and what to do with it. Randy writes with a soft undertone, not being too preachy about his lessons that he's trying to pass on to others.

One things he mentions in the course of the lecture, and book, he mentions a 'head fake,' which is a way to get students to learn something by making them think they're learning something else. And that's exactly what the last lecture is all about. What are those that are attending really learning?

This is a really quick read, something that everyone can appreciate.

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What more could I possible add? A most deserving bestseller. Randy Pausch, a self-proclaimed computer geek, perennial Peter Pan and recovering jerk, finally found happiness, love and family at the end of his thirties, only to have it all snatched rudely away several years later by the death

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sentence of pancreatic cancer. He faced the end with great grace and courage, leaving this lovely, sad, funny, witty, wise little book as a legacy not just for his family but for all of us.

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This book is so boring. The guy goes on and on and on about his family and his life, until I want to throw it across the room. I don't know why or how my school decided this would be the mandatory summer reading book, but I think they could have picked any other book, and I would have enjoyed it

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much more. Besides a few stories, and I mean A FEW, everything else is blah blah blah blah blah. I mean, don't get me wrong, I felt sorry for the guy because he's dying (died?) of cancer, but come on! I usually like reading, and I actually enjoy reading books. But this one I had to force myself to get through. I'm pitying my classmates because they have to read such a horrible book! When I heard about this book (even though it's a nonfiction book) I was looking forward to reading it. Stupid me for thinking it would be enjoyable.

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Randy Pausch certainly gave his all to the Last Lecture. Much has been written about this. Websites all over the internet have his actual lecture posted in print and pictures. I wont go into the details of it here, because there's no reason to describe it where others have done so quite well. I

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liked it. It made me laugh aloud; he preserved who he was in life while confronting horrible circumstances and the scariest thing of all: death. I found it pretty inspirational. From it, I took this sound advice...Dream, help others dream, and enjoy the journey of making your dreams and others' dreams come true, because your journey may be both longer and shorter than you think.

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Randy Pausch had, as he put it, "an engineering problem": he was given a terminal diagnosis for his prostate cancer. He would not be around to be a father to his three children, two of whom were so young they would not have memories of him.

Pausch was a professor of computer science at Carnegie

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Melon University. Prior to his terminal diagnosis, he had been asked to give a "Journeys" lecture there. "Journeys" lectures are opportunities for selected professors to reflect on their personal and professional lives. In the past, they had been called "The Last Lecture" because they had been given by retiring professors.

Pausch's wife knew preparing for the lecture would take a lot of his time and energy, and she didn't want to give that up for the children or herself (it was scheduled on her birthday, the last one she would have with her husband). Pausch convinced her that being a lecturer was a big part of who he was and, since the lecture would be taped, it would be something he could leave for their children to see when they gree older. He would use the lecture to convey to them his life lessons.

In preparation for the lecture, Pausch asked himself, "What makes me unique?" He realized that all of the things that he loved came out of the dreams of his childhood, and he had been able to live out nearly all of his dreams in some way. How he had done this was to be the basis of his lecture. He titled his lecture "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams."

There was much more Pausch wanted to tell his children, though, more than he could pack into his lecture. Jeffrey Zaslow, journalist and graduate of Carnegie Mellon, attended Pausch's lecture and wrote about it for The Wall Street Journal. The response was so great, Pausch and Zaslow teamed up and wrote the book "The Last Lecture." It is an expansion of Pausch's "Journeys" lecture, something solid for his children to hold on to and be guided by as they go through life. We are fortunate to be allowed in on this legacy for his children.

"The Last Lecture" is well-written and well worth the time taken to read it. Pausch had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest. He died on July 25, 2008 at the age of 47.

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When college professor Randy Pausch learned that he had only months to live, he decided to live life to the fullest. He and his family moved so his wife could be close to family when he died; he made memories with his children. He had been scheduled to give a lecture, and instead of canceling, he

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gave a lecture about "living your childhood dreams."

An inspiring tale, I was often reminded of Tuesdays with Morrie, the difference being that this is told in the first-person by the dying man himself, rather than the man's protegee. Divided into five larger, thematic sections, there are short vignettes from Randy's childhood, adulthood, family life, work life, and just general experience in which he tells you how he lived his life and imparts wisdom on various subjects such as "how to maximize your time." I laughed, I teared up, and I remembered defining moments in my own life along the way. A quick read that packs a lot of punch.

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Yes, I'd like to have known Randy Pausch. The book shows a man with a great sense of humor, intelligence, rationality, loving husband and father. It is a great tragedy he died so young, but he left a legacy that is helping so many people.