The Last Lecture by Jeffrey Zaslow, Randy Pausch (2008, Hardcover)

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!"

Randy Pausch was a brilliant professor of computer science in Carnegie Mellon university , Randy was diagnose with a pancreatic cancer and had 10 tumors in his liver, The doctors gave him 3 to 6 month to live. In his book Randi talks about really achieving your childhood dreams, He ask us to never underestimate the importance of having fun. He says that he is dying and still having fun.....
The last lecture is a pure treat for the soul ,Randy share his childhood stories and with his optimism and positive insights he moved and touched millions.
The last lecture became one of the best inspirational books, and professor Randy Pausch had a tremendous impact on people's life.
If you still didnt have the pleasure of reading the last lecture, i advice you to do so , i can assure you that this is one of the books that stays with you forever... Enjoy

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.

This book is from the last lecture given by Randy Plausch, professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Plausch wrote this while dying of pancreatic cancer, but the lecture is not about cancer or dying, but about living with gusto and achieving your childhood dreams. He died Friday, July 25, 2008, but LIVED to the end.

If anyone can read this book and NOT be inspired, they may need to read it again. Mr. Plausch appears to live the "mach 10 with your hair on fire" life, defying death to the end.

The book and his life challenge a person to go beyond their normal limits. He shows that you don't have to be a professor, a type A personality, the head of the class, or anything that you consider successful to realize that you can reach for the highest dreams and goals in life by mentally eliminating the ceilings or limits you normally place on yourself.

If you read about him or have seen him interviewed, Mr. Plausch was obviously a person who pushed the envelope and inspired others to do the same.

The book makes me get up in the morning and realize that if I'm still alive I'd better get out and go for the gusto.

Good inspirational read for almost any age--good gift for any occasion. I've been reading it with my teens.

About six months ago I saw a short clip of Randy Pausch that intrigued me. I wrote down his name and found his book on Ebay a short time later. I have a family member very close to me who has also been battling with cancer and his views are so similar to Randy's optimistic views on life. I am happy to say that my loved one has been able to make the most of his time here with us and has accomplished his dreams. Through his powerful words in this heartwarming and inspirational book, Randy has helped me understand and really relate to my loved one. While on vacation last week, I learned that Randy died. I took a moment to reflect on the life of a man I never knew but respected and admired so much. I wish his family all the best and that all their dreams come true with Randy smiling down from above.