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

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.