This book changed my lifeAugust 19, 2008 I don't read - I just don't have the time. I read this book and was so deeply moved by the way Randy lived his life, loved his wife and his children. Also, his dreams, he loved them too. This book was well written and made me want to read and read until the end. I highly recommend this book.
The Refreshing Insight NeededAugust 19, 2008 While I appreciate the reviews of those who found this book to not be of stellar quality, I would like to offer another side to the coin. The book is "simple and sweet" and may not offer much in terms of the ultimate enlightenment, but maybe that is not what I believe the book was intended to be.
The book speaks to many for the purpose that it brings up all the nostalgia and experiences that we either had or longed for in our lives. At times it does seep with Hollywood syrupiness, but it is written for a variety of people to be able to understand and relate to. Randy was writing a book for his family and friends (and those of us lucky enough to have read the book or listened to the lecture).
There is a reason Hollywood syrupiness exists and that is because it reminds of us all the wonderful things there is in life (from the seemingly mundane interactions with friends and family members to the "quirky" mishaps that occur as you are being whisked away from your wedding in a hot air balloon).
I currently am experiencing what has been coined a "quarter-life" crisis and this book put a lot into perspective for me. My summer has been spent with a more focused reflection upon where I have been and where I would like to go in my life. It made me remember those "childish" daydreams and wishes. My curiosity has not been zapped from me...as I am a science teacher and thrive on questioning and seeking (which may be another reason I found Randy's book well worth reading). I just lost my way in a very rapidly changing world that often gets bogged down with the desires of materialism and status.
My thoughts are that I enjoyed this book because it was able to verbalize the many thoughts that have been swimming through my mind the past year and helped me regain focus on what is near and dear to my heart.
The Last LectureAugust 18, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is by far one of the best!!! Each chapter is a "life-lesson". What an incredible young man---I hated for the lecture to end also. We can all take something from this book. Thank you!
We Saw a Shooting StarAugust 18, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
On July 25, 2008 Randy Pausch passed away. Professor Pausch wrote his book to share some of his life with us. He wrote the book to share some of his outlook and advice with us. He didn't focus on his impending death. That probably would have been of no service to him, his family, nor us. This book is based upon his now famous "Last Lecture".
Why did Prof. Pausch's lecture explode onto the national scene and spawn a book? The simple answer is because the American people wanted to embrace what an accomplished, intelligent, responsible, (and other respectful adjectives) family man has to say about life when he can "tell it like it is" free of an agenda. While I currently do not watch episodic television, I remember watching family shows that featured a functional and wisdom imbued father. Father Knows Best, My Three Sons, The Brady Bunch, Eight is Enough, Life Goes On, and Seventh Heaven are such shows (well, they weren't always the most exciting shows). While Married With Children, Malcolm in the Middle, and According to Jim are funny shows, the father characters represent buffoons played for laughs and devoid of wisdom. Is it wrong to suggest that we just might tend to look for a benevolent father figure now and then? Yes, some of us are rebels just too smart to listen to dear old Pops. Grow up, and listen to your maturity elders, I say. It doesn't hurt to hear what a man of Prof. Pausch's character and intelligence has to say. In my belief, it is the mother who tends to tell her children, "I love you". It is the father who likely should say, "Buck up, and pay attention". Pursue your interests, and work to develop your skills in both your job and hobbies. Then with luck, your dreams will find you. If this sounds familiar, I paraphrased The Last Lecture's last chapter.
Touching book with great advice!August 17, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book is about a university professor who finds out that he has pancreatic cancer, and between 3 to 6 months to live. This book is about the last lecture he gave to his students.
This is a very touching book with great advice.
I found it very touching how Mr. Pausch was concerned that his kids would not remember him after his death. He takes them swimming with dolphins, hoping this will give them an unforgettable experience, and one with which to remember him after his death. Quite touching!
This book will make you ask the question, `Why do we die?' Genetic engineers will tell you death improves the genetic pool. Religious people tell us we die in order to return back to God. I personally use death to my advantage. Whenever I have a problem, I always say to myself, `I will die one day, so who cares.' This attitude helps me surmount my problems and go on with enjoying life.
One great advice Mr. Pausch gives us is that walls are there for us to surmount. We are all faced with obstacles in our life, but they are really there to wash out all your competition. Imagine a world where we all could reach our goals. In such a world none of us would really be successful. For example, we can't all be billionaires. If we were, then no one would work for us. No one would need to work in such a world. In such a world, life as we know it would come to a standstill. So cherish the obstacles in your life, and surmount them, and stay ahead of everyone else. Never give up when faced with a problem. Problems are there to solve, and keep you ahead of everyone else. This is the best advice I gained from this book.
Death is really about how to live our life. We know it will end one day, so the choice is ours on how we choose to live our life. Life is all about choices. We are free beings with free will.
Some good advice he gives:
We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand. Dream big Earnest is better than hip Don't complain, just work harder Treat the disease, not the symptom Don't obsess over what people think Look for the best in everybody Watch what people do, not what they say Get people's attention Always say, `Thank you!' All you have is what you bring with you A bad apology is worse than no apology Tell the truth No job is beneath you Never give up Be a communitarian All you have to do is ask. Don't be afraid to appear ignorant.
There are some family pictures in the book, but they are all in black and white and not clear at all. It is very touching to look at them, but I wish the publisher enclosed clearer pictures. The quality of the pictures took away much of the charm of the book. Did the publishers do this to keep down the cost of the book? (The copy I have is paperback, published by Hodder & Stoughton in 2008).
I have heard from a friend that Mr. Randy Pausch passed away in June. He has left us all a great gift, and I hope many of us will treasure this gift for many years.
I was also told that you can check Mr. Pausch's `Last Lecture' on YouTube. You can also download the audio version of this book from itunes, amazon, or audible.
One day we will all die. Use death to your advantage, live the moment, and live life to the fullest. And be good to your fellow human beings!
