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

After watching a Primetime show on television about Randy Pausch, I was touched by the idea of giving a "last lecture" to students. As an English teacher, about to retire, it's a fantasy I have always had. Fortunately, my situation and notion do not spring from a doctor's death sentence. As a life-long learner, Randy Pausch's words inspire me - I continue to savor these wise, wonderful words on the pages. The depth of emotion and energy leap from this book into one's mind, heart and soul. His philosophy of life will lift you up and hold you aloft! His reminder about embracing life and throwing ourselves headlong into what we desire inspires change. It is not enough to have dreams. One must honor them and seek the fulfillment of them in this life. There is no time to wait. Randy Pausch died recently. He lived his dreams for the now - there was no later for him! His lesson - there is no later for any of us.

This was a very well written, emotional good-bye from a young professor to his students, his peers, his friends and mostly his wife and children. With only months to live, Randy Pausch, not only lived his life to it's fullest but he didn't leave anything undone or unsaid. Many life lessons for all of us.

I loved the love and recommended that all my friends and family read it. I am really glad that he wrote this book for all of the world to read. I hope that his family is doing okay after losing him to cancer.

Inspirational and uplifting! This book is an easy read...short, sweet, thought provoking...a great outline on how to live life to it's fullest!

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.

Delivery took some time - but the book arrived in perfect condition. I would definitly purchase from this buyer again!

I saw part of Randy's speech on the internet and then again on TV specials and thought he was amazing so I decided to buy the book. Not only is he a motivational speaker, but he lived an amazing life. He had great experiences and the most positive attitude. Not a book to set down. He truly touched my life just through his book. A MUST READ!!!!+

If you have been inspired by Dr, Pausch, this book is for you. Book is filled with all the inspiration one needs to succeed in life. The format is easy to follow, Would recommend this book to everyone (and have).

I totally admired the way Randy Pausch faced his death and stayed strong for his family and friends. His wit and humor and his excellent insights are very much worthy of your reading time.

As I have coached in High School for 15 years, I found this book to be a road map for better instruction. It's about what is good in the human spirit. It dwells on the POSITIVE IN LIFE and helps the reader see what is really important, and what isn't. Although Randy Pausch is dead now, this self help book lives on. It should change the way you relate to life, for the better. Live your dreams! Stay positive! Help others! The Dali Lama couldn't have said it better. Thanks Randy!

I saw the TV program all about Randy Pausch and decided I just had to read the book. I am done and I want more! Great reading. I highly recomend this one!!

What a wonderful, inspirational book. Randy had such a love of life and thru the book helped me share a part of it with him.

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!"

Some great life lessons from a professor whose life is ending. It should be required reading for all of us.

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?

book came new as described ... came quickly ... would definitely do business again ... smmoth transaction

I decided to buy Mr. Pausch's book, after hearing so much about him. He was such a brilliant person. I read his book in a day!!!!! It was wonderful!!!! The path he took & so publicly shared, will help so many others of us, who will someday have to make the same journey. My favorite excerpt, was when he talked about the creations he made on his wall, while growing up. My son, who is 8 years old, is an advid football fan. I went into his room, not too long ago, and he had taped several pictures of his favorite players on his wall. I immediately thought about Mr. Pausch and smiled, for in each of us, there lies such interesting talent. Although I was never able to meet Mr. Pausch, I will forever remember him, for his book taught such a wonderful lesson in living!!!!
I would recommend this book to everone, young and old!!!!!!!!

The Last Lecture is a heart felt book that explores the life of the late Randy Pausch. His devotion to his work and his family is strongly felt throughout the book and the overall spirit the book leaves you with is a great feeling. It is short enough to finish quickly, but not so short that you would not want to re-read it again. I highly recommend the book to any and everyone.

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.

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.

I bought this book because I thought it might divulge some valuable nuggets of insights about life's journey. Unfortunately, I found the book to be rather pedestrian with nothing new to offer as just about everything written I had read before. I know the hype related to the book had set me up to expect a banquet of insight, but this book left me hungry because what was proffered was so spare.

This was an extra-ordinary book written by a world famous man. It was written for his three children. Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he wanted his children to know about their father from their father. Excellent, excellent book. I highly recommend it.

This was a man who struggled with a lot of issues growing up "nerdy", as Randy states but, he was such a intelligent man always thinking ahead.
Reading this book, I think he one day wanted to be heard and remembered, to make a statement,long before cancer took his life, and this he did.
May he rest in peace..and yes, a lot of us would like to plan our future for our families.
We never know the exact day we will be taken away forever.
Please check yes if any of my reviews are helpful.
Thanks!