Welcome to THE LAST LECTURE book club About This Page:

[Sandra Bostwick]

Hi Everyone! Let's start with a shout-out so we know who's here. Can you tell us how you found out about this book? Have you seen his lecture online yet? What did you think of the lecture before he wrote the book?

I'm Sandy. I found out about Randy Pausch first when I saw his lecture online. I LOVED what he had to say. One of the main things I got from his lecture was never to give up.

[stretch2864]

I found about the book here on PassPorter. I am about half way done reading the book, and I am really enjoying it. So count me in for the book club!

[DDuff]

I hate to say it but I first found out about Randy, his lecture, and his book on the Oprah show. I've never seen the entire lecture but watched the Primetime special and really enjoyed. I haven't picked up my copy of the book yet. Gee, Sandy I was thinking I'd have until Sept. Step away from the computer for a few days and just look wait I missed.

[scottjs]

I am readin two books at the same time! The Last Lecture and Your So Money!! My life has been about a lack of money. Thats why I stopped reading self help books. But once in a while hope raises its head again. Anyway I am about half way through TLL!! Great book. I especially like how he wanted to work at Disney and finally did in his own way!!

[kmurburg]

I'm Karen. I heard about Randy and his lecture on TV and in newspaper articles. I have not seen the lecture but reading about him caused me to find the book and read it this summer. He was just so amazing and I loved his attitude. Because my DH had been so sick last year, I found I could relate to alot of Randy's viewpoints. I can't wait to read the book again and discuss with you all.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by DDuff

Gee, Sandy I was thinking I'd have until Sept. Step away from the computer for a few days and just look wait I missed.

I'm sorry!. It seemed like the Eat, Pray, Love book club was eager to finish the book and discuss that, and the Last Lecture book club was chompin at the bit to start! I just want everyone to be happy!

[graygables]

I don't even have the book yet, but I saw the lecture way back when it was first making the rounds on YouTube. I don't even remember how I got there, but it was so deeply impactful that I became a Randy-fan on the spot. I found that I'm too much Eeyore, not enough Tigger and I've been slowly trying to get my bounce back. Randy inspired me to return to grad school and start taking on those brick walls.

I'll be heading out tomorrow for my copy and I'll try to keep up from the road!

[lukeandbrookesmom]

I first found out about the book through an article in PARADE magazine in the Sunday paper about 6 months ago. I bought the book the next day.

[DISNEY03]

I first saw The Last Lecture on Oprah. The funny part is, is that I really never watch Oprah or TV in general. I also became a Randy Paush fan instantly and I followed him since then and was so sorry to hear about him passing. I think because my DH had cancer and I relate to the whole situation although my DH had a bad diagnosis but a good outcome. I only pray that I would have handeled things half as good as him and his family did.
I just found out about the book just now and can't wait to get it. I'm really excited because I've never been in a book club before.

[DebiDebiDebi]

I saw Randy interviewed on television a few months back, which prompted me to check out the lecture on YouTube. I have kept up on him through his website, and ordered the book just days before he passed. Although I have already read this book (I was nearly finished when the suggestion for a discussion on it was posted) I am thrilled to re-read it and take in Randy's exceptional views on life.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Here is the link to the last lecture. I'm going to re-watch it now, since this started the whole thing!

YouTube - Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

[DDuff]

Hey Sandy - I have picked up my copy now. Just reading the jacket made me laugh. When I suggested the book, I had no idea he worked for Disney at one point. As soon as I finish my comments up on Eat, Pray, Love, I'm good to go. What is the format for this discussion?

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by DDuff

Hey Sandy - I have picked up my copy now. Just reading the jacket made me laugh. When I suggested the book, I had no idea he worked for Disney at one point. As soon as I finish my comments up on Eat, Pray, Love, I'm good to go. What is the format for this discussion?

I think for this discussion, we'll see how the group does running itself-meaning we'll follow the cues of the members and see how things naturally go. I can already see we have a lively bunch!

I viewed his lecture on utube again and was SO touched. This time, I was most touched with the fact that he chose to teach and write during his last months. I love that he wanted to leave something behind and, even though he says his main motivation was for his kids, he made an amazing impression on so many people.

There is so much anger and bitterness in the world, and I suppose a good reason to be angry and bitter would be taking care of yourself as well as he did and dying early anyway. Still, he chose to be positive. WOW! That was my main impression of the video this time. That you can embrace even the crappiest situation and make something beautiful from it.

[scottjs]

I am gonna have to watch the lecture on Youtube!!!

[graygables]

I've got my copy and started reading it. I loved that he was so influenced by his Dad. As I was reading that section, I kept thinking of my own Dad. I was NEVER allowed to do anything to my own room, but he did let me run away to London when I was a teenager without retribution. I also quote my Dad a lot (or attribute my own quotes to him... ) It's so interesting to me, I've always wanted to make my Dad proud of me and now, the second person I think of is Randy...would HE be proud of me, too? I want to honor his legacy, even though I've never even met the man...I think paying it forward is the least I can do to thank his wife and children for "sharing" him with the rest of the world during those last, hard days.