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| The Last Lecture | 
 enlarge | Authors: Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
Publisher: Hyperion
Category: Book
List Price: $21.95
Buy New: $8.90
You Save: $13.05 (59%)
New (92) Used (39) Collectible (5) from $7.85
Avg. Customer Rating:  743 reviews
Sales Rank: 14
Format: Roughcut
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1st
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.5 x 0.9
ISBN: 1401323251
Dewey Decimal Number: 004.092
EAN: 9781401323257
ASIN: 1401323251
Publication Date: April 8, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 One of the most important books of our time April 9, 2008
109 out of 141 found this review helpful
Do whatever you can to get a hold of this book. If everyone lived the way Randy talks about in this book the world would be not only a better place but the BEST place.
 Too much ego April 21, 2008
104 out of 198 found this review helpful
I really wanted to like this book, but was left quite disappointed. I found it lacking in the introspective inspiration a dying man might render. Rather, we get lots about Randy, and his accomlishments. This is not a book about pending death. Nor is it one about "lessons learned" from a life well lived. This is a very brief ego blast from one who realizes he has few such opportunities left to him.
Early in the book he spoke of the conflict present when he chose to give the lecture on the day of his wife's birthday. It would be the last such day they would have together, and yet he opted to give the lecture anyway, despite his wife's wishes to the contrary. This is not the story of a dying man, but that of an ego out of control.
I was left with the sense that the author was using his death as a platform for a last "it's all about me" lecture. This is unfortunate, coming from an obviously intelligent and talented individual. I'm certainly glad others have found it to be a wise purchase, but I can't say I feel that way.
Awesome, Inspiring, Wonderful April 9, 2008
96 out of 134 found this review helpful
In 1989, I had a massive heart attack at the age of 44. The next two years consisted of a tumultuous downward spiral as my heart deteriorated into chaotic attacks of arrhythmia and deliberating heart failure.
If I could have read this book then, it would have helped me better see the roses, the tulips, and the petunias.
By the grace of God, I triumphed. I received a heart transplant on Easter morning in 1991.
If you are facing a life-threatening illness, hardships, or are just having a lousy day - read this book, and read it this week.
Author of: Mr. NewHeart (New Heart): Heart Attack to Transplant and Beyond
You may preview a free copy of my next book if you Google "david hollar the face of war."
I also recommend A Step of Faith - an inspiring story to help get you through the month.
 I guess I'm the only one who can't stand this guy April 11, 2008
96 out of 258 found this review helpful
The heart of this book is Randy's video lecture, and in the video lecture, I found this guy insufferable -- unbearably smug, self-aggrandizing and self-congratulatory. The lecture is basically 76 minutes of him blowing his own horn. He takes an occasional break from telling us how great he is and how exemplary his life has been to fling us bits of wisdom: "Help others. Don't give up. Be good at something. Tell the truth." These are no doubt laudable but perhaps not quite original sentiments. If he weren't dying, would everyone be treating it like the holy grail? I'm very sorry he's so ill, and I admire him for being brave about it, but I think the hype surrounding this lecture is ludicrous.
expected more! April 16, 2008
78 out of 176 found this review helpful
First, it sucks randy's dying...yet, I guess we all are dying.
I thought this book was going to be an inspirational look at DREAMS...but seemed like the first part was a diary with little insight.
I actually walked away thinking about Randy's ego rather than trying to be inspirational, as many seem to take his speech and book. My view of Randy didn't improve after reading the book.
Something that I caught as odd was his comment about his wife Jai. He says IF she remarries. Hmmm, well, she is like 39. I would kinda hope that Randy wants her to remarry. Does he actually think she is going to mourn him for the next 40 years?
I really don't want to be a person that is so negative about a bad situation....but this book should have NEVER BEEN PUBLISHED. His lecture should have been the phenomenon it was - without a book.
Save your money and give any donation direct to the family or cancer research. The book publishers should not gain for printing something that shouldn't have been printed.
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