Discussions
-
Amanda
The Last Lecture was mentioned on our Shelfari Blog: http://shelfari.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/04/the-last-lectur.html
posted 5 years ago.
-
Lori E
This is a great book that is full of life lessons and would make a great graduation gift.
posted 5 years ago.
-
Lori E removed this reply 5 years ago
-
Matt
"Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted"
Great little book--the words of wisdom pack an extra punch when you consider Dr. Pausch's situation and condition. Glad I got it for a graduation present...posted 5 years ago.
-
Pam C
Fantastic, uplifting book! It really makes you step back and take a look at your own life and to re-evaluate what is important.
posted 5 years ago.
-
Debbie P
Remarkable attitude of living every day, changing what you can, accepting what you cannot change, and moving forward, no matter what. A real "Tigger" who has a lot to say to this very often "Eeyore." What a legacy he will leave his three precious little ones.
posted 5 years ago.
-
Jack F
Can somebody share with me his video clip. It is available on YouTube, but I can't seem to copy it.
/Jackposted 4 years ago.
-
-
Brent A
I loved this book. It's not a sappy, woe tale. Rather, it's a thoughtful response to the question, "If I only had 90 minutes to relate all that I have learned, what would I tell you and ultimately what is important?" The back story of Randy is tragic, but not uncommon. His personal and family response it what is uncommon. I saw some of myself in Randy and what he was saying offered me some insight in what else I can do to be the best person I can be. I would highly recommend this quick read.
posted 4 years ago.
-
Neelam R removed this reply 4 years ago
-
-
Neelam R
Living life with a sense of wonder and curiosity is what I tell my students , for then we are able to achieve seemingly unsurmountable challenges. For as Kavafy says so aptly its the journey that matters.
posted 4 years ago.
-
Linda C
This book was very inspiring. I have had too many friends that have either beaten the cancer or succumbed to it. It makes me wonder what my attitude would be if I were told I had a short time to live; and would I still be able to make a difference in others' lives.
posted 4 years ago.
-
-
Melissa P
I saw this man's lecture on the Oprah Winfrey show. He is very inspirational. I'm looking forward to reading his novel.
posted 4 years ago.
-
samarjeet s
hi melissa i saw that you listen his lecture
thats why i am intresting this bookposted 4 years ago.
-
-
-
-
jenn
I appreciate the message conveyed in this book-and I admire Pausch's courage. I feel sad for his family, but am happy he is approaching his last days with a positive outlook...why do I feel guilty about not liking his writing style?...!
posted 4 years ago.
-
-
weeza
Read a book IN shelfari? They don't post the books so you can read them online. We just share opinions on books we own or have read. Try your local library or Amazon.com
posted 4 years ago.
-
-
Roz S
Help is available even for a terminal patient at
http://grocerydollar.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Reading for your Health!
"The Maker's Diet: The 40-day Health Experience that will Change Your Life Forever," by Jordan S। Rubin, N.M.D., Ph.D., is an insightful and easy-to-follow dietary book whose principles can ultimately lead to your improved immune system so you can better avoid disease and premature aging, and optimize your weight for good.In fact, whether you are fighting some illness or seeking to avoid disease and live as healthy as possible, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not reading The Maker's Diet.
http://www.mercola.com/forms/makers_diet.htm
Take a nap and wake up free of cancer
Germany’s top doctors literally cook cancer out of your body while you nap, and you wake up pain-free! This breakthrough is banned in America, but German doctors have successfully used it on thousands of patients from all over the world – including patients American doctors gave up on. America’s cancer industry ignores the latest science and goes on pushing failed therapies that cost ten times as much. Yes, the hellish cancer treatments Americans take for granted are now obsolete. See for yourself in my brand new guide to German cancer clinics – the first one ever in English! Click below for more. . . http://www1.youreletters.com/t/1498710/2909620/1582847/0/
Dr. William Donald Kelley's Research Nutritional Diet for Cancer
... local library and luckily his local library had a copy of Max Gerson's 1959
book called "50 Cases". Gerson is an interesting character in ...
http://www.educate-yourself.org/cancer/gonzalexlectureondrkelly199posted 4 years ago.
-
Sue T
Have a box of tissues nearby when you read this. It's a quick-read about how Pausch was able to realize his childhood dreams and how this has helped him prepare for his cancer fighting battle.
posted 4 years ago.
-
One word, "Inspiring". This book makes you think of the time we all waste on unimportant things. Live life to its fullest, love those around you no matter what their quirks and embrace each and every day as if it were truly your last. A quick read and one that surely leaves its mark on you.
posted 4 years ago.
-
Bimal
Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist whose "last lecture" about facing terminal cancer became an Internet sensation and a best-selling book, has died. He was 47.
http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/07/25/1694666-prof-whose-last-lecture-became-a-sensation-diesposted 4 years ago.
-
Dazzling Mage
Rest in peace Professor Pausch.. And may God give his family strength and patience in their time of mourning.
posted 4 years ago.
-
koren56
I am deeply saddened by the news that the author has passed on. My sympathies to the family.
posted 4 years ago.
-
-
Beth P
I just read that Randy Pausch has passed away. What an amazing life he lead and what a legacy he left for his family and everyone who has read his book or listened to his lecture. I know that I will use what I learned from him to live my life better. Be a Tigger!
posted 4 years ago.
-
irfan05
I read Randy Pausch' book "The Last Lecture" about two months ago and was greatly moved and I bought a few more copies to distribute to my friends. They appreciated it and we discussed it. I even saw him on YouTube
delivering the lecture. He was really a brave man. The other day when newspapers reported his passing away, my friends and I really wept. Our thoughts go to his wife and three children who have inherited a great legacy. May he rest in peace.posted 4 years ago.
-
Pearl Y
I found this book beautiful in it's reminders of "What Matters Most." I also liked the learning that as parents, sometimes do the right things even if we don't know we are thought of as "cool" for that uncharacteristic behaviour.
posted 4 years ago.
-
Looks like I'm going to be the lone discenter here. I didn't care much for this book. Take away the fact that this is a dying man's final love letter to his wife and family, and this book has little or no value. The writing is sub-standard and the stories/messages are trite at best. Plus, here is a guy with precious few moments left to live and he chooses to spend them in a way that completes his life while it ignores the wishes of his wife. WTF? How much time do you suppose he spent penning the lecture, writing the book and promoting the book that would have been time better spent with his wife and family? Hey, at least they can read about what it would have been like to be with dad. I got the feeling this guy was not a very likable guy before cancer and he didn't little to dispel that rumor with this book or his actions. Hey...but nevermind me...I didn't like Marley and Me either. Guess I've just got a cold heart.
posted 4 years ago.
-
Angelica T removed this reply 4 years ago
-
Angelica T
You obviously did not read the book in depth. From what I understood, Dr. Pausch made use of a co-author, Jeffrey Zaslow, to do most of the actual writing of this book. He spoke with Zaslow via mobile headset while going on his daily bike-ride. I also really doubt he had to do much promotion of this book.
At several points in the book, he also addresses the fact that he was torn between the time it took to write, prepare for, and deliver the lecture and spending the little time he had left with his family.
Next time, please take the time to actually read a book carefully and in its entirety before you pass judgment on the integrity of the author.posted 4 years ago.
-
Teresa T
You're not the only one. I liked his lecture and seeing his interview in person before he died much better than this book. The overall message was good, but the book was not good. It had some pearls in it for the way to live with cancer, but it would have been better to have typed this up and left it for his family after he died. It is not great literature by any measure. And I did like Marley and Me. And I have also had cancer and brain surgery. And I have read other memoirs of people who were facing health challenges that would ultimately lead to their death. Read Too Soon to Say Goodbye - Art Buchwald. That is a good book.
posted 4 years ago.
-
Oh I read every poorly written word of this book Angelica.
I understood that he dictated his story to another. I understood that he was 'torn' between spending time with his family and performing his swan song.
Bottom line is, he took time away from his family to write the book and lecture, give the lecture and, yes, to promote his story (see Diane Sawyer interview, Oprah, Good Morning America, etc, etc.) in order to complete HIS life. All in the name of self-fulfillment.
Not being in his shoes I can't say for sure if that was the right thing to do, but on the surface it sure sounds selfish to me.
I suggest YOU re-read the book and tell me what you think his wife's reaction was to going down this path? Did she agree with his decision (yes she supported him, but only after he made it clear that he had to this)? Would you act contrary to your spouse's wishes if you were in a similar situation and your spouse felt as strongly as his wife did? I know I wouldn't.
Maybe I'm just being cold and callous and over estimating the value in providing my chilldren with experiences. Maybe I'll write a book for my kids. That way they could read about what it would have been like to be with me.posted 4 years ago.
-
-
B. A. removed this reply 4 years ago
-
B. A. removed this reply 4 years ago
-
B. A. removed this reply 4 years ago
-
B. A. removed this reply 4 years ago
-
B. A.
As a board-certified Books Oprah Reads Avoidance Treatist, after reading this, it's my duty to immediately become a high-school career counselor and watch Office Space again, or so that was the hope of my grandmother. As a book, the writing is not Pulitzer material. Furthermore, the "with" writer should seek alternate employment immediately, but is presumably laughing all the way to his beachside Bermuda bungalow for mai tais after capitalizing on the phenom. That's respectable. It is, because it's providing a good or service people want. Note to self: People will pay to hear a great story of hope or change. My elderly grandmother presumed this would make me want to become a teacher. Anyhow, let's be honest about someone we've never met. 1) The subject had a good run and knew when his number was up. 2) His kids are cute. 3) Hope is internal, not external. 4) Wisdom sounds foolish. 5) Live every moment as if it's your last, but as the second time around. It's mine because I'm off to sleep. To pay lip-service with fawning to the emotional appeal is to be dishonest, have no standards and reward mediocrity. Peace and good cheer. Also try "Man's Search for Meaning" by Victor Frankl for something less substantive and more emotional. He's also deceased and was a holocaust survivor. Simon says I'm off to sleep. Oh, that'll be $19.95. Please leave your check under the door.
posted 4 years ago.
-
Karen Z
I liked this book because it was written in a conversational tone and is packed with good advice illustrated by his personal experiences. I think parents could glean a lot from this, I did.
posted 3 years ago.
-
Tim Cummings
The author has a hard time with the boundary between "Life is Wonderful" and "I am Wonderful." He says he learned a lot about humility, but I guess it was the theory of humility, not applied humility. I am still some pages away from finishing the book, but this lecture is too long, too "oh-and-another-thing," and I have already closed my notebook and have my coat in my lap.
posted 3 years ago.
-
Stacey A
This book was very moving and it is just another reminder of just how precious life is and how too many people sweat small matters and don't appreciate what they have now. R.I.P. Randy.
posted 3 years ago.
-
Caty H
This book makes me cry everytime I read it. Its inspirational and thought provoking. I've read this book a few times, and it still continues to make me cry and inspire me to live.
posted 3 years ago.
-
Liz D
What is the best "lesson" you learned from Randy Pausch, and why was it the best?
posted 2 years ago.
-
Liz D
There are so many lessons in this book that I have taken and applied to my life. I have read the book several times because I teach it every semester, but I am always surprised at how useful it is to re-read. It causes me to reflect and ask myself if I am really taking the lessons to heart.
Anyway, one lesson that stands out to me is a funny and very simple one. It's the one where Randy's niece or nephew (not sure which) makes a mess in the back seat of his nice car. I think the child accidentally spilled something or threw up. Regardless, Randy handled it by pouring his own soft drink over the mess. Randy showed the kids that it's okay to make mistakes, and I really liked that. I've always hated making mistakes; I beat myself up over a lot of things, but Randy has shown me to not make a fuss over small things. If you make a mistake or someone around you makes a mistake, fix it if possible and then move on. What is important is keeping good relationships with those you love. I try my best to live by this philosophy.posted 2 years ago.
-
-
